Next, take your slices of bread and spread a generous amount of that garlic butter on one side of each slice. This is where the magic really begins! On the unbuttered side of two slices, layer the mozzarella and cheddar cheese. If you’re a cheese aficionado like I am, feel free to pile it on—more cheese equals more happiness!
Now it’s time to assemble. Place the slices with cheese on the stove over medium heat, then top them with the remaining slices of bread, buttered side up. Cook for about 3-4 minutes until the bottom is perfectly golden and crispy. Using a spatula, carefully flip each sandwich over and cook for another 3-4 minutes to achieve that delicious crunch on the other side.
Once both sides are golden brown and the cheese is melted, remove the sandwiches from the skillet and let them sit for a minute. This will help prevent any molten cheese spills when you cut into them—trust me, you don’t want cheese lava flowing everywhere!
Pro Tips for Best Results
I’ve tested this recipe in a couple of ways to really nail down what works best. First off, using a mix of mozzarella and cheddar gives a fantastic flavor balance, but feel free to experiment with your favorite cheeses. I’ve also tried adding a sprinkle of fresh herbs like basil or oregano right before serving, and it adds such a lovely freshness to the sandwich!
Another tip I’ve learned is to ensure your butter is softened. This helps it spread evenly on the bread without tearing it. If you’re short on time, you can microwave the butter for just a few seconds—just be careful not to melt it completely!
Lastly, keep the heat at medium. Cooking on too high a heat can burn the bread before the cheese has a chance to melt properly. I usually watch for the first side to turn a nice golden brown, and then flip. This way, you get that perfectly crispy exterior!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
While making Garlic Bread Grilled Cheese is pretty straightforward, I’ve certainly learned a few things the hard way. One common mistake is using cold butter straight from the fridge. It’s essential to have that butter softened to create the right spreadable consistency. If you skip this step, slathering the garlic butter on your bread can quickly turn into a messy endeavor!
Another thing to watch out for is the cheese. If you use pre-shredded cheese, you might find that it doesn’t melt as well as freshly shredded cheese. I learned this after several attempts that resulted in a less oozy and yummy sandwich. Treat yourself to freshly shredded cheese for that perfect melt!
Lastly, don’t stack your sandwiches too high when cooking. I tried making two sandwiches at once, and the pressure kept the bottom from getting that delightful crisp. Stick to one sandwich in the pan at a time for best results. (See the next page below to continue…)