Go Back
When making a simple grilled cheese sandwich, the right ingredients matter. Here’s what you need: - 2 slices of crusty sourdough bread - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened - 1 clove garlic, finely minced - 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves, chopped - 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary, finely minced - 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded - 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded - Salt and pepper to taste - Optional: red pepper flakes These ingredients come together to create a tasty and satisfying meal. The sourdough adds a nice crunch, while the garlic and herbs give it a warm flavor. The mix of sharp cheddar and mozzarella melts beautifully, making each bite delicious. If you like a bit of heat, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes for a kick. Using fresh herbs elevates this classic dish. You can swap the bread or cheese based on what you have. The Full Recipe will guide you through each step of making this grilled cheese. Let’s get cooking! - First, combine garlic and herbs with butter. In a small bowl, mix softened butter with minced garlic, thyme, and rosemary. This blend adds bold flavor. - Preheat the skillet. Set your non-stick skillet over medium heat. Wait until it warms up but is not too hot. - Spread the garlic herb mixture on the bread. Take your slices of sourdough. Spread the garlic herb mix on one side of each slice. Be generous for great taste. - Assemble the sandwich in the skillet. Place one slice of bread in the skillet, herb-side down. Layer shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese on top. Then, add the second slice of bread, herb-side up. - Grill the first side. Cook the sandwich for about 3-4 minutes. Look for a nice golden brown color on the bottom. Cheese will start melting. - Flip and grill the second side. With a spatula, gently flip the sandwich. Cook the other side for another 3-4 minutes until golden brown and gooey. - Cooling and slicing the sandwich. Once cooked, take the sandwich out of the skillet. Let it cool for a minute on a cutting board. Slice it in half for serving. For a complete guide, check out the Ultimate Garlic Herb Grilled Cheese. - Use room temperature butter for easy spreading. This makes it smooth and quick. - Monitor heat to prevent burning. Keep it on medium heat for best results. - Experiment with cheese combinations. Try mixing cheddar with mozzarella or gouda. - Pair your grilled cheese with sides like pickles or a salad. This adds crunch and freshness. - Use specialty breads for unique flavors. Sourdough or rye can elevate your meal. - Non-stick skillet. This helps prevent sticking and burning. - Spatula. A good spatula makes flipping easy. - Mixing bowl. You need this for mixing your garlic herb spread. For a full recipe, check out the Ultimate Garlic Herb Grilled Cheese. Enjoy making your sandwich! {{image_4}} You can make your grilled cheese even better by adding more flavors. Try using different cheeses like gouda or fontina. They melt well and add depth. You can also add veggies to your sandwich. Spinach gives a nice green touch, while tomatoes add juiciness. Both options make your sandwich more healthy and tasty. Don’t stop at just cheese and bread. Use flavored butters or spreads for more zest. You can mix herbs or garlic into your butter for a unique taste. Adding spices can also change the game. Smoked paprika gives a nice smoky flavor, while oregano adds a fresh kick. These twists make your simple meal exciting. The bread you choose can change your grilled cheese. Whole grain bread adds a nutty taste and more fiber. Rye bread offers a slightly sweet flavor that pairs well with cheese. If you need gluten-free options, many brands make gluten-free bread that still tastes great. These alternative breads bring new life to your classic sandwich. To keep your grilled cheese fresh, wrap it in foil or place it in an airtight container. This will help keep the bread from getting too dry. You can store it in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to enjoy it later, be sure to cool it first. This way, it won't trap steam and become soggy. You can reheat grilled cheese in several ways. The best method is using a skillet on low heat. This keeps the bread crisp while melting the cheese. Another option is using an air fryer. Set it to 350°F for about 5 minutes. Avoid microwaving, as this can make it soggy. If you do use a microwave, place a paper towel under the sandwich to help absorb moisture. Yes, you can freeze grilled cheese! To freeze, wrap each sandwich tightly in plastic wrap, then place it in a freezer bag. It can last for about a month in the freezer. When ready to eat, take it out and let it thaw in the fridge overnight. Then, reheat it using the skillet method for the best results. This will give you that fresh, crispy texture again. What types of cheese are best for grilled cheese? I love using sharp cheddar and mozzarella. Cheddar gives a rich taste, while mozzarella melts beautifully. Other great choices are gouda, fontina, and provolone. Mixing cheeses adds layers of flavor. How do I make my grilled cheese extra crispy? To achieve extra crispiness, use room temperature butter. It spreads easily and coats the bread well. Cook on medium heat to let the bread brown slowly. You can also sprinkle a pinch of salt on the outside for an extra crunch. Can I make grilled cheese without butter? Yes! You can use olive oil, mayonnaise, or margarine instead. These options can add unique flavors. Olive oil gives a nice taste, while mayonnaise creates a golden crust. What's the best way to flip a grilled cheese sandwich? Use a spatula to gently lift one side. Carefully slide the spatula under the sandwich, and tilt it up. Flip quickly and confidently to avoid spills. Practice makes perfect. How can I prevent the bread from burning? Keep the heat on medium. If the skillet gets too hot, the bread can burn. Check the color often. If it’s browning too fast, reduce the heat and cook longer. Can I use margarine instead of butter? Yes, margarine is a great substitute! It spreads well and gives a nice flavor. Just use the same amount as butter. What can I use as a gluten-free alternative for bread? Look for gluten-free bread options like rice or almond flour bread. These can work well for grilled cheese. Just remember to adjust cooking time, as they may cook differently. We covered all the key points to make a tasty grilled cheese. You learned about the right ingredients, preparation steps, and how to cook it perfectly. I shared tips for greatness and fun variations to try. Keep your grilled cheese fresh with smart storage practices. Whether you enjoy classic cheese or new flavors, this recipe is a win. Now, grab your ingredients and start cooking. Your perfect grilled cheese awaits!

Simple Grilled Cheese Sandwich

Discover the ultimate garlic herb grilled cheese that elevates this classic comfort food to gourmet status! With crusty sourdough, rich cheddar, gooey mozzarella, and a flavorful garlic herb spread, this sandwich is sure to impress. Perfect for a quick lunch or indulgent snack, it's just as satisfying as it is delicious. Ready to indulge in cheesy goodness?
Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients
  

2 slices of crusty sourdough bread

2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened to room temperature

1 clove garlic, finely minced

1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves, roughly chopped

1 teaspoon fresh rosemary, finely minced

1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded

1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded

A pinch of salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste

Optional: a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a flavorful kick

Instructions
 

In a small mixing bowl, combine the softened butter, minced garlic, fresh thyme, minced rosemary, salt, and pepper. Stir until the mixture is smooth and well blended, creating a delicious garlic herb spread.

    Preheat your non-stick skillet over medium heat until it’s warm but not too hot.

      Generously spread the garlic herb mixture on one side of each slice of the sourdough bread, ensuring an even coating for maximum flavor.

        Place one slice of bread, herb-side down, in the skillet, allowing it to make contact with the hot surface.

          Evenly layer the shredded sharp cheddar cheese and mozzarella cheese on top of the bread in the skillet, creating a cheesy base.

            Gently place the second slice of bread on top of the cheese, herb-side up, preparing for the grilling.

              Cook the sandwich for about 3-4 minutes or until the bottom slice is a beautiful golden brown and the cheese begins to melt enticingly.

                With care, flip the sandwich using a spatula and cook the other side for another 3-4 minutes, or until it is equally golden brown and the cheese is completely melted and gooey.

                  Once cooked to perfection, remove the sandwich from the skillet and allow it to cool for a minute on a cutting board before slicing it in half.

                    For an optional twist, sprinkle a few red pepper flakes on top for an extra burst of heat just before serving.

                      - Prep Time: 5 minutes | Total Time: 10 minutes | Servings: 1 sandwich

                        - Presentation Tips: Cut the sandwich diagonally in half and serve on a stylish plate, perhaps with a side of crispy pickles or a small salad for a delightful contrast. Enjoy your gourmet grilled cheese experience!