Easy Copycat Starbucks Grilled Cheese Sandwich Recipe

Starbucks has reimagined the classic grilled cheese sandwich with a mouthwatering twist that keeps people coming back.

cheese lovers understand the magic of melted goodness between perfectly toasted bread slices.

Crisp edges and gooey centers make this sandwich an irresistible comfort food.

Sharp white cheddar and mozzarella create a delightful blend of flavors that dance on your palate.

Rich parmesan adds a subtle depth to each delectable bite.

Warm, golden-brown bread cradles the melted cheese in a comforting embrace.

You won’t believe how simple it is to recreate this café favorite at home with just a few ingredients.

Prepare to fall in love with this incredible sandwich that rivals any coffee shop classic.

Copycat Starbucks Grilled Cheese Overview

  • Quicken Dinner Prep: Combine ground beef and Italian sausage in one skillet for a speedy, flavor-packed meal that saves precious cooking time.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Layers of meat, cheese, and marinara sauce create a hearty pie that satisfies hunger and delights taste buds for family gatherings or casual get-togethers.
  • Customize with Ease: Adjust spice levels with red pepper flakes or swap cheeses to match personal preferences, making this recipe adaptable for different palates.
  • One-Pan Wonder: Minimal kitchen cleanup with a single skillet and pie dish, reducing post-meal washing and making this recipe perfect for busy households.

Ingredients For Copycat Starbucks Grilled Cheese

For the Base:
  • Sourdough Bread: A tangy, hearty bread that provides a crisp and flavorful foundation for the sandwich.
For the Cheese:
  • Mozzarella Cheese, Cheddar Cheese: A blend that offers a creamy, melty texture with rich, sharp flavor.
For the Preparation:
  • Butter: Helps create a golden, crispy exterior and adds a rich, savory taste to the bread.

Making Copycat Starbucks Grilled Cheese

Step 1: Fire Up The Skillet

Grab your non-stick skillet and warm it over medium heat, creating the perfect golden-brown canvas for your cheesy masterpiece.

Step 2: Butter Up The Bread

Take your sourdough slices and lovingly spread creamy butter on one side of each piece, ensuring edge-to-edge coverage for maximum crispiness.

Step 3: Create The Cheese Foundation

Place one bread slice butter-side down on the heated skillet, transforming it into your delicious base.

Step 4: Layer The Cheese Medley

Sprinkle a delightful combination of cheeses across the bread:
  • Mozzarella
  • Cheddar

Distribute the cheese evenly to guarantee melty perfection in every bite.

Step 5: Crown With The Second Slice

Gently place the second sourdough slice on top, butter-side facing upward, completing your sandwich sandwich structure.

Step 6: Grill To Golden Perfection

Cook the sandwich for 3-4 minutes on each side, watching for:
  • Rich golden-brown exterior
  • Completely melted cheese
  • Crispy, buttery edges

Step 7: Serve And Savor

Remove your grilled cheese from the skillet, slice diagonally, and enjoy while warm and gooey.

Recommendations For Grilled Cheese Perfection

  • Select a high-quality sourdough bread for authentic Starbucks-style flavor and crispy texture.
  • Blend mozzarella and cheddar cheeses for a richer, more complex melting profile that elevates the sandwich's taste.
  • Use room temperature butter for even spreading and consistent golden-brown crust without burning the bread.
  • Lower the heat if cheese isn't melting quickly to prevent burning the bread while ensuring complete cheese meltdown.
  • Consider adding a light sprinkle of garlic powder or dried herbs between cheese layers for extra depth and gourmet touch.

Creative Variations For Grilled Cheese

  • Herb Infusion Grilled Cheese: Add fresh basil, thyme, or rosemary between cheese layers for an aromatic herbal kick.
  • Spicy Jalapeño Version: Incorporate sliced jalapeños or sprinkle red pepper flakes inside the sandwich for a fiery edge.
  • Mushroom Umami Upgrade: Sauté sliced cremini or shiitake mushrooms and layer them with cheese for a rich, earthy flavor profile.
  • Mediterranean Style: Mix in crumbled feta cheese and sundried tomatoes for a tangy Mediterranean-inspired variation.

Foods That Pair With Grilled Cheese

  • Cozy Comfort Companion: Pair this grilled cheese with a steaming bowl of tomato soup for a classic, comforting lunch that warms you from the inside out.
  • Elegant Lunch Plate: Slice the sandwich diagonally and serve alongside a crisp mixed green salad with a light vinaigrette for a balanced, restaurant-style meal.
  • Game Day Delight: Cut the sandwich into smaller triangles for perfect appetizer-style bites during movie nights or sports watching parties, making it a crowd-pleasing finger food.
  • Breakfast Twist: Transform this sandwich into a morning treat by adding a fried egg on top and serving with fresh fruit for a hearty weekend breakfast option.

Storage Practices For Grilled Cheese

  • Store leftover grilled cheese in an airtight container for up to 2 days in the refrigerator. Wrap each sandwich individually in aluminum foil to maintain freshness and prevent soggy bread.
  • Warm the sandwich in a skillet over medium-low heat for 23 minutes on each side to restore its crispy texture. Avoid using a microwave, which can make the bread soggy and cheese rubbery.
  • Wrap each sandwich tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in a skillet for best results.
  • Assemble the sandwiches without cooking, layer between parchment paper, and store in the refrigerator for up to 8 hours before grilling.

FAQs

  • What cheese does Starbucks use in their grilled cheese?

Starbucks uses a blend of mozzarella and cheddar cheese for a rich, creamy flavor with great melting properties.

  • Can I use different bread for this recipe?

Sourdough is recommended, but you can substitute with white, wheat, or artisan bread for similar results.

  • How do I get a perfectly crispy exterior?

Use room temperature butter and spread it evenly on the bread’s exterior, cooking on medium heat to ensure even browning and melting.

  • Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?

Yes, this grilled cheese sandwich is vegetarian-friendly and contains no meat ingredients.

Print
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Copycat Starbucks Grilled Cheese Sandwich Recipe


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4.6 from 23 reviews

  • Total Time: 13 minutes
  • Yield: 1 1x

Description

Starbucks grilled cheese sandwich elevates comfort food with sharp cheddar and mozzarella melted between perfectly toasted sourdough bread. Cheese lovers savor each crispy, gooey bite that brings cafe-style satisfaction right to home kitchens.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 slices sourdough bread
  • 2 tablespoons (tbsps) salted butter, softened
  • 1/4 cup (60 ml) shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/4 cup (60 ml) shredded white cheddar cheese

Instructions

  1. Prepare a non-stick skillet and heat over medium temperature (around 350°F) to ensure even toasting.
  2. Generously coat each sourdough bread slice with butter on one side, creating a rich, golden exterior.
  3. Position the first bread slice butter-side down on the heated skillet, allowing it to begin crisping and developing a golden color.
  4. Distribute a harmonious blend of mozzarella and cheddar cheese across the bread surface, ensuring complete and even coverage.
  5. Carefully layer the second bread slice on top, positioning the buttered side facing upward for balanced browning.
  6. Grill the sandwich for approximately 3-4 minutes on each side, monitoring the color transformation to a deep golden brown and watching the cheese melt completely.
  7. Carefully transfer the grilled sandwich from the skillet, letting it rest momentarily to allow cheese to set.
  8. Slice diagonally to create two triangular halves, revealing the melted cheese interior, and serve immediately while warm and crispy.

Notes

  • Optimize bread selection by choosing thick-cut sourdough for maximum crispiness and rich flavor profile.
  • Control heat carefully to prevent burning while ensuring complete cheese melting and golden-brown exterior.
  • Try cheese blend ratios to customize taste intensity and create personal flavor variations.
  • Consider adding optional ingredients like crispy bacon, sliced tomatoes, or herbs for gourmet sandwich upgrade.
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 8 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1
  • Calories: 560 kcal
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 800 mg
  • Fat: 38 g
  • Saturated Fat: 23 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
  • Trans Fat: 1 g
  • Carbohydrates: 34 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 27 g
  • Cholesterol: 90 mg
Maya Thompson

Maya Thompson

Culinary Content Creator & Nutrition Enthusiast

Expertise

Healthy single-serving recipes, Meal prepping for individuals, Integrating nutrition into everyday cooking, Vegetarian and plant-based cuisine​

Education

The Chef’s Academy at Harrison College
Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts
Focus: Nutrition, meal planning, and culinary techniques for healthy living.


Maya found her passion in the kitchen by mixing good food with good energy. After earning her culinary degree at The Chef’s Academy at Harrison College, she made it her mission to keep cooking simple, wholesome, and packed with flavor.
At Steelhead Diner, Maya shares easy, healthy recipes built for real life. For Maya, great food seems like a celebration of everyday moments, made better one fresh bite at a time.

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