Starbucks’ grilled cheese is prized for its crisp, golden bread and the hot, gooey cheese inside. This copycat recipe recreates that familiar, comforting sandwich at home. It’s quick to prepare and ideal for lunch, a light dinner, or a satisfying snack.
Equipment:
- Skillet or griddle
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Spatula
Ingredients:
- 4 slices artisan bread (sourdough or thick-cut white bread work well)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded white cheddar cheese
- 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for extra flavor)
- Pinch of garlic powder (optional)
- Pinch of salt
Instructions:
- Mix the cheeses:
- Combine the shredded mozzarella, shredded white cheddar, and grated Parmesan (if using) in a bowl. Stir to distribute the cheeses evenly.
- Prepare the bread:
- Spread softened butter on one side of each bread slice. If desired, sprinkle a pinch of garlic powder and a little salt over the buttered sides for extra flavor.
- Assemble the sandwiches:
- Place two slices of bread buttered side down on the cutting board.
- Divide the cheese mixture evenly over the unbuttered sides.
- Top with the remaining two slices of bread, buttered side up, to complete each sandwich.
- Grill the sandwiches:
- Heat a skillet or griddle over medium heat until hot.
- Place the assembled sandwiches on the skillet. Cook about 3–4 minutes per side, or until the bread is golden brown and the cheese has melted.
- Press gently with a spatula while cooking to promote even browning and melting.
- Finish and serve:
- When both sides are golden and the cheese is gooey, remove the sandwiches from the skillet.
- Allow them to rest for a minute or two, then slice in half and serve warm.
Tips:
- Cheese options: Add a slice of provolone, Gouda, or another favorite cheese for an even creamier texture and richer flavor.
- Bread choice: Use sturdy bread like sourdough or an artisan loaf so it holds up while grilling and develops a crisp crust.
- Extra crisp: For an extra-crispy exterior, sprinkle a little Parmesan on the buttered faces of the bread before grilling.
This copycat Starbucks grilled cheese delivers a crunchy, golden exterior and a warm, melty interior that makes it a perfect match for tomato soup or a simple, standalone snack. With a handful of pantry staples and a few minutes at the stove, you can enjoy a restaurant-style grilled cheese at home.
Starbucks’ Grilled Cheese Sandwich
A simple, crispy grilled cheese with a melty, mixed-cheese filling inspired by the café classic.
IngredientsEquipmentMethodNotes
Ingredients
- 4 slices of artisan bread sourdough or thick-cut white bread works well
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter softened
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded white cheddar cheese
- 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese optional, for extra flavor
- Pinch of garlic powder optional
- Pinch of salt
Equipment
-
Skillet or griddle
-
Knife
-
Cutting board
-
Spatula
Method
-
Prepare the Cheese Mixture:
-
In a bowl, combine the shredded mozzarella, white cheddar, and Parmesan cheese if using. Mix well to evenly distribute the cheeses.
-
Prepare the Bread:
-
Butter one side of each slice of bread. If you like, you can sprinkle a pinch of garlic powder and salt over the buttered sides for added flavor.
-
Assemble the Sandwich:
-
Place two slices of bread, buttered side down, on a cutting board.
-
Evenly distribute the cheese mixture on top of the unbuttered sides of these bread slices.
-
Top with the remaining two slices of bread, buttered side up, to complete the sandwich.
-
Grill the Sandwich:
-
Heat a skillet or griddle over medium heat.
-
Place the assembled sandwiches on the skillet. Cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until the bread is golden brown and crispy, and the cheese is fully melted.
-
Press down slightly with a spatula to ensure the bread gets crispy and the cheese melts evenly.
Notes
Once both sides are golden brown and the cheese is melted and gooey, remove the sandwiches from the skillet.
Let them cool slightly before slicing in half and serving.
Let them cool slightly before slicing in half and serving.