Garlic Butter Mayo Grilled Cheese (Printable Version)

Crispy sourdough grilled with garlic mayo and melted cheddar, offering a rich, savory sandwich experience.

# What You Need:

→ Bread

01 - 4 slices sourdough bread

→ Cheese

02 - 4 slices sharp cheddar cheese
03 - 2 slices mozzarella cheese (optional)

→ Garlic Mayo Spread

04 - 3 tablespoons mayonnaise
05 - 1 large garlic clove, finely minced or grated
06 - 1 teaspoon fresh parsley, finely chopped (optional)
07 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

→ For Assembly

08 - 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (optional)

# Steps:

01 - Combine mayonnaise, minced garlic, parsley, and black pepper in a small bowl. Mix until homogeneous.
02 - Lay out sourdough slices and optionally spread Dijon mustard on the inside surfaces of two slices.
03 - Place 2 slices of cheddar and 1 slice of mozzarella (if using) between two slices of bread to form sandwiches.
04 - Evenly spread the garlic mayo mixture on the outside of all bread slices, both top and bottom.
05 - Preheat a nonstick skillet or griddle over medium-low heat.
06 - Place sandwiches on the skillet and cook 3 to 4 minutes per side, pressing gently with a spatula, until bread is golden and crisp and cheese fully melts.
07 - Remove sandwiches from heat, let rest for 1 minute, then slice and serve immediately while hot.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The garlic mayo creates edges so crispy and deeply golden they shatter when you bite in, without any of the heaviness butter leaves behind.
  • Sharp cheddar and the umami punch of garlic make this feel indulgent enough for lunch but light enough you won't need a nap afterward.
  • It comes together in under 20 minutes, which means you can make it on a random weeknight when you're hungry and have nothing planned.
02 -
  • Temperature control is everything: medium-low heat means the bread browns slowly enough for the cheese to actually melt instead of burning while the inside stays cold.
  • Don't skimp on the garlic mayo spread on the outside of the bread; that's what creates the crispy, golden crust that makes this better than any butter version.
03 -
  • If your bread is thin or soft, press it gently with your hand before spreading the mayo to create a more stable base that holds up to the pan.
  • A small offset spatula or butter knife makes spreading the garlic mayo even and thin, which is the difference between a golden crust and burnt edges.
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