If you love the cozy comfort of grilled cheese but crave a burst of bold flavor, you have to try this Garlic Bread Grilled Cheese Recipe. Imagine the warm, aromatic goodness of roasted garlic blended into a luscious herb-infused butter, spread thick on crispy sourdough slices, then melted to gooey, golden perfection with nutty fontina cheese inside. This isn’t just any sandwich – it’s a total flavor celebration that turns simple ingredients into a gourmet experience that feels like a loving hug in every bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a close-up of roasted garlic bulbs wrapped partially in crinkled silver foil, with a visible layer of golden olive oil pooled at the bottom of the foil. The garlic cloves are exposed at the top, displaying a smooth, soft texture with a warm golden-brown color. The outer skin of the garlic cloves is light beige and slightly translucent, curling back around the edges. The background and surface is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The magic of this Garlic Bread Grilled Cheese Recipe is built on a handful of straightforward yet impactful ingredients. Each one plays a special role in crafting the perfect balance of crispy, creamy, herby, and cheesy goodness that makes this dish shine.

2 whole heads of garlic: Roasting these transforms their sharp bite into a sweet, mellow caramelized treasure.
Olive oil for drizzling: Helps roast the garlic perfectly and adds a subtle richness.
6 tablespoons unsalted butter: The base for the garlic butter that crisps up the bread beautifully.
2 tablespoons grated parmesan cheese: Adds a tangy, salty kick both in the butter and as a finishing touch.
1 tablespoon chopped fresh herbs (parsley, basil, rosemary): Fresh herbs brighten the flavors with their vibrant, fragrant notes.
Kosher salt: Enhances and balances all the flavors in the garlic butter.
4 slices sourdough bread: A sturdy, tangy base that crisps to perfection while holding the melty cheese inside.
6 ounces fontina cheese, freshly grated: Melts beautifully and brings a mild, nutty creaminess to the sandwich.

How to Make Garlic Bread Grilled Cheese Recipe

Step 1: Roast the Garlic

First up, preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. Preparing the garlic is the secret star of this recipe. Slice off the top of each garlic head to expose the cloves, rub the sides to loosen the outer paper layers, then peel away any excess. Drizzle olive oil over each bulb, wrap them tightly in foil, and roast in the oven for 45 to 60 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when the cloves turn golden, soft, and caramelized. Let them cool enough to handle.

Step 2: Make the Garlic Herb Butter

Once cooled, squeeze the roasted garlic cloves out onto a plate. They should be soft and spreadable. Combine these cloves with the softened butter, grated parmesan, fresh chopped herbs, and a pinch of kosher salt. Use a fork to mash everything into a luscious, aromatic butter spread that will infuse your bread with incredible flavor.

Step 3: Prepare and Grill the Sandwich

Spread the garlic herb butter generously on the outside faces of each sourdough slice. Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium-low heat – patience is key here to get the perfect golden crust without burning. Place two bread slices butter-side down onto the skillet, layer with freshly grated fontina cheese, then cover with the remaining bread slices, butter-side up. Cook slowly until the cheese melts and the bottom is golden and crispy. Flip carefully and toast the other side until equally golden.

Step 4: Garnish and Slice

Once grilled to perfection, remove the sandwiches from the skillet. Sprinkle additional parmesan and fresh herbs over the top if you like, adding an extra layer of flavor and color. Slice the sandwich in half and get ready to enjoy the melty, garlicky goodness!

How to Serve Garlic Bread Grilled Cheese Recipe

Four slices of bread lie on a white marbled surface, each spread with a thick layer of light yellow butter mixed with small green herbs and tiny orange bits. The butter is smooth and evenly spread, covering most of the top surface of each slice. To the side, there is a white plate with more butter and a spreader. In the top right corner, some foil-wrapped roasted mushrooms add a touch of brown and silver to the scene. The image looks simple and fresh. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Simple garnishes can elevate the Garlic Bread Grilled Cheese Recipe even more. A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or basil not only adds a pop of green but also a fresh herbal brightness. A little extra grated parmesan on top provides a delightful salty crunch as you take your first bite.

Side Dishes

This sandwich pairs beautifully with light and fresh sides to balance out its richness. Try a crisp green salad tossed with a lemon vinaigrette or a bowl of tomato soup whose acidity and sweetness perfectly complement the cheesy, garlicky sandwich. Roasted veggies or a tangy coleslaw also make for excellent companions.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist on presentation, slice the Garlic Bread Grilled Cheese Recipe into small finger-sized rectangles and serve as an appetizer at your next gathering. You can also pair it with a small ramekin of marinara or pesto dip to bring another flavor dimension. Serving it alongside a colorful platter of fresh herbs and lemon wedges will make the dish as beautiful as it is delicious.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have leftovers (though honestly, this sandwich tends to disappear quickly!), wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to two days to keep the flavors fresh and the bread from drying out too much.

Freezing

You can freeze the grilled sandwiches by wrapping them well in foil and placing them in a freezer-safe bag. They’re best eaten within one month for optimal flavor. To enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat your Garlic Bread Grilled Cheese Recipe, avoid the microwave if you want to keep that crispy crust. Instead, warm it gently in a skillet over low heat, pressing with a spatula to help restore the crunch while melting the cheese back to creamy perfection. Alternatively, you can use a toaster oven for about 5-7 minutes.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of bread for this recipe?

Absolutely! While sourdough is recommended for its flavor and sturdy texture, you can experiment with other types like rustic Italian, ciabatta, or even a hearty multigrain. Just make sure the bread holds up well to the butter and grilling process.

What can I substitute for fontina cheese?

If fontina isn’t available, mozzarella, provolone, or even a mild gouda work well. The goal is a cheese that melts smoothly without overpowering the roasted garlic and herb butter flavors.

Can I prepare the garlic butter in advance?

Yes! The garlic herb butter can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to one week, or frozen for longer storage. This makes it super convenient to whip up the grilled cheese quickly whenever the craving strikes.

Is this recipe very garlicky?

The roasting process mellows and sweetens the garlic significantly, so instead of a sharp bite, you get rich, caramelized garlic flavor that complements the cheese and herbs beautifully.

How can I make this recipe vegan or dairy-free?

To make a vegan version, use a plant-based butter and choose your favorite vegan cheese that melts well. Roasted garlic and fresh herbs still create a flavorful base, so you won’t miss out on any deliciousness.

Final Thoughts

This Garlic Bread Grilled Cheese Recipe is one of those dishes that feels both indulgent and comforting, perfect for cozy nights in or impressing friends with minimal effort. Roasting the garlic unlocks a whole new level of flavor, and paired with melty cheese and fresh herbs, every bite is pure bliss. I can’t recommend it enough – give it a try and see how this simple twist on a beloved classic becomes your new favorite go-to sandwich.