Short Description
Elevate your grilled cheese game with this Garlic Bread Grilled Cheese recipe. It combines the comforting flavors of garlic bread with the cheesy goodness of a grilled cheese sandwich. Perfect for a quick lunch or a cozy dinner!
Ingredients:
- Garlic Butter
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- ½ tablespoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon dried parsley
- Sandwich Assembly
- 4 slices sandwich bread
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese blend
Preparation:
Step 1: In a small mixing bowl, blend the softened butter with garlic powder and dried parsley until completely combined. This creates your flavorful garlic butter.
Step 2: Spread the garlic butter mixture evenly onto one side of each bread slice. Make sure to get it right to the edges for maximum flavor in every bite.
Step 3: Place two slices of bread buttered-side down in preparation for assembling the sandwiches.
Step 4: Evenly distribute the shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese blend over the two slices of bread (buttered-side down). Use enough cheese to cover the bread, ensuring a cheesy, gooey center.
Step 5: Cover each cheese-covered slice with the remaining bread, buttered-side up, to complete the sandwiches.
Step 6: Heat a large sauté pan over low heat. The low heat is crucial to ensure the cheese melts completely without burning the bread.
Step 7: Carefully place the sandwiches into the heated pan and cook for 4-5 minutes, or until the bottoms are golden and crisp. Keep an eye on them to prevent burning.
Step 8: Use a spatula to carefully turn the sandwiches. Continue cooking for another 4-5 minutes, until the opposite side is golden brown and the cheese is melted throughout. Press down gently with the spatula to help the cheese melt faster.
Step 9: Remove the grilled cheese sandwiches from the pan and serve immediately while hot and the cheese remains gooey and delicious.
Why you’ll love this recipe
This Garlic Bread Grilled Cheese recipe is a delightful twist on a classic comfort food. The garlic butter adds an extra layer of flavor that elevates the humble grilled cheese to a gourmet experience. It’s quick, easy, and satisfying, perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re craving something cheesy and delicious.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve with a bowl of warm tomato soup for a classic and comforting pairing.
- Add a side salad for a balanced meal. A simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing complements the richness of the grilled cheese.
- Offer a pickle spear on the side for a tangy contrast.
- Cut the grilled cheese into triangles for easy dipping into soup.
Tips:
- Maintain low heat while cooking to prevent the bread from burning before the cheese achieves a fully melted consistency. Patience is key for the perfect grilled cheese.
- Allow butter to soften before mixing for smooth, even spreading. Softened butter blends more easily with the garlic powder and parsley, ensuring an even distribution of flavor.
- Use a non-stick pan to prevent the sandwich from sticking and burning.
- Consider adding a thin layer of mayonnaise on the outside of the bread instead of butter for an extra crispy and golden crust.
- Experiment with different cheeses. Gruyere, provolone, or pepper jack would all be delicious additions or substitutions.
Preparation Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Nutrition Information:
(Note: Nutritional information is approximate and can vary based on specific ingredients and serving sizes.)
- Calories: Approximately 400
- Protein: 20g
- Sodium: 700mg
Conclusion
The Garlic Bread Grilled Cheese recipe is a simple yet satisfying dish that brings together the best of both worlds. Whether you’re looking for a quick lunch or a comforting dinner, this recipe is sure to please. The combination of garlic butter and melted cheese is irresistible, making it a family favorite. Enjoy!
Questions and Answers about this recipe:
- Can I use different types of cheese?
- Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with your favorite cheeses. Gruyere, provolone, pepper jack, or even a sharp cheddar would be delicious in this recipe.
- Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
- Yes, you can use salted butter, but you may want to reduce or omit any additional salt in the recipe to avoid it becoming too salty.
- What is the best way to prevent the bread from burning before the cheese melts?
- The key is to use low heat. Cooking the grilled cheese over low heat ensures that the cheese melts completely without burning the bread. Be patient and keep an eye on it.
- Can I add any other fillings to the grilled cheese?
- Definitely! Consider adding sliced tomatoes, cooked bacon, or caramelized onions for extra flavor and texture.
- Is there a way to make this recipe healthier?
- You can make it healthier by using whole wheat bread, reducing the amount of cheese, and using a lighter butter spread or olive oil. You can also add vegetables like spinach or bell peppers for added nutrients.
