Can I use pre-minced garlic instead of fresh in this Garlic Cheese Grilled Cheese Recipe?

While pre-minced garlic can work in a pinch, fresh minced garlic offers a brighter, more vibrant flavor. Pre-minced garlic may taste a bit more mellow or even slightly bitter when cooked. For the best garlicky punch, I recommend using fresh garlic and mincing it finely yourself.

What’s the reason for adding mayonnaise to the butter mixture?

Mayonnaise adds creaminess and helps with browning the bread evenly while preventing it from burning too quickly. It also contributes a subtle richness that complements the garlic butter and cheese perfectly. This trick makes the crust deeply golden and delicious.

Can I make this recipe vegan or dairy-free?

You can adapt this recipe by using vegan butter and vegan cheese alternatives that melt well. Be sure to check the ingredients in mayonnaise or opt for a vegan mayo version. Keep in mind that the flavor and texture may vary slightly but can still be delicious if you choose good quality substitutes.

How do I prevent my grilled cheese from burning before the cheese melts?

Cooking over medium-low heat is crucial. It allows the cheese to melt inside without the bread burning too fast. Also, flipping the sandwich a few times and pressing gently during cooking helps distribute heat evenly and avoid burning. Patience really pays off here!

Garlic Cheese Grilled Cheese: Irresistibly Flavorful & Easy

Description

This Garlic Bread Grilled Cheese combines the rich flavors of garlic butter and a trio of melty cheeses on soft sourdough bread. Cooked slowly on the stovetop for a perfectly golden crust and creamy center, it's the ultimate comfort food perfect for a quick lunch or snack.

Ingredients

Scale

Bread and Butter Mixture

4 slices sandwich bread - sourdough with soft crust
4 tablespoons softened unsalted butter
1 tablespoon mayonnaise
3 cloves garlic, very finely minced
1 tablespoon finely chopped Italian parsley
Salt and pepper - to taste

Cheese

1 cup freshly shredded cheese - Gruyere, Colby Jack, and smoked Cheddar blend

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Instructions

Prepare Garlic Butter Mixture: In a bowl, mix the softened butter, mayonnaise, minced garlic, and chopped parsley until evenly combined. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper to taste for balanced seasoning.
Assemble the Sandwich: Spread the garlic butter mixture on one side of each bread slice. On one slice, layer the shredded cheese evenly on the buttered side, then cover with the second slice, buttered side facing up.
Heat the Skillet: Warm a nonstick skillet over medium-low heat. This gentle heat is crucial to ensure the cheese melts perfectly without burning the bread.
Cook the Sandwich: Place the sandwich onto the skillet. Cook for about 5 minutes per side, flipping carefully and pressing down gently each time to evenly distribute heat. You may need to flip multiple times until the bread is golden brown and the cheese inside is fully melted.
Serve: Remove the grilled cheese from the skillet, slice it, and serve immediately while warm and gooey for the best taste experience.

Notes

Freshly grate the cheese for the best melting texture and flavor.
You can substitute with cheese slices that melt well such as American or Colby Jack.
Cook over medium-low heat to prevent burning the bread before the cheese melts.
Flipping a few times and pressing down gently helps heat penetrate and cheese melt evenly.
Use a non-stick skillet or griddle to avoid sticking and ease flipping.
For variations, try Swiss, Monterey Jack, Havarti, Gouda, or Muenster cheese.
Bread alternatives like sliced brioche or other soft sandwich breads work well.
Add extras such as roasted garlic, deli meats, caramelized onions, or sliced apples for unique flavor twists.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 sandwich
Calories: 450 kcal
Sugar: 2 g
Sodium: 550 mg
Fat: 32 g
Saturated Fat: 15 g
Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
Trans Fat: 0.5 g
Carbohydrates: 28 g
Fiber: 2 g
Protein: 15 g
Cholesterol: 55 mg