Copycat Starbucks Grilled Cheese Recipe

 

I haven’t been to Starbucks in probably 15 years, so I’m a little out of the loop when it comes to what they serve these days. Imagine my surprise when I discovered that they offer a grilled cheese sandwich, and that people have quite a lot of good things to say about it!

 As a fan of grilled cheese, I was intrigued. When I stumbled upon a copycat recipe, it sounded unusual enough to warrant a little kitchen experimentation. I gave it a try, and I couldn’t believe how good it was!

The secret is the outside of the bread. Rather than simply buttering it, you spread it with a mixture of softened butter, garlic powder, and Parmesan cheese. Genius! As the sandwich cooks, that mixture transforms the sourdough into a crunchy, golden, wonderfully flavorful crust. Inside, the cheddar and mozzarella melt into the sort of gooey, cheesy goodness that makes a grilled cheese sandwich worth eating in the first place.

 Naturally, I couldn’t resist tinkering with the original. When I make grilled cheese sandwiches, I find that shredded cheese works beautifully, especially when I stir in a little cottage cheese. I know, I know, cottage cheese in a grilled cheese sandwich might sound a little odd, but trust me on this one. It adds a lovely creaminess and makes a world of difference.

 And then there are the crispy bits of cheese that escape into the pan while the sandwich cooks. Don't you dare throw them away! They turn into little golden, crunchy morsels of cheesy deliciousness. In fact, I consider them a bonus feature.

 This is my adaptation of the Starbucks grilled cheese, and it was phenomenal. The sourdough is crisp and garlicky, the Parmesan adds a savory crunch, and the cheese filling is gloriously melty. It's the kind of sandwich that makes you wonder why you ever bothered with an ordinary grilled cheese.

 Whether you're making lunch for yourself or serving it alongside a bowl of tomato soup, this copycat Starbucks grilled cheese is well worth trying. You may never look at a plain buttered grilled cheese the same way again.

 Copycat Starbucks Grilled Cheese Recipe

4 slices sourdough bread

5 T. butter, softened

4 T. grated Parmesan cheese

½ t. garlic powder

½ c. shredded cheddar cheese

½ c. shredded mozzarella cheese

2 T. small-curd cottage cheese

 In a small bowl, combine the softened butter, Parmesan cheese, and garlic powder (or finely grated garlic). Stir until thoroughly blended into a spreadable paste.

 In a separate bowl, combine the shredded cheddar, mozzarella, and cottage cheese. Stir until evenly mixed.

 Spread the garlic-Parmesan butter generously over one side of each slice of sourdough bread. Place half of the cheese mixture on the unbuttered side of two slices. Top each with another slice of bread, buttered side facing outward.

 Heat a large nonstick skillet over low heat. Place the sandwiches in the skillet and cook for approximately 5 minutes per side, adjusting the heat as needed, until the bread is golden brown and crisp and the cheese filling has melted.

 Low and slow is the secret here. You want the cheese to melt before the bread becomes too dark.

 Some cheese may ooze out into the skillet as the sandwiches cook. Let it happen! Those escaped bits will turn into delicious, crispy cheese crusts. Carefully remove them with the sandwiches and serve them alongside.

 Transfer the sandwiches to a plate, cut each in half, and arrange the halves so that the melted cheese is visible. Serve hot while the crust is crunchy and the filling is gooey.

 Pattie's Tips

Use freshly shredded cheese. It gives you a lovely melting texture.

Don't skip the cottage cheese. It's my little addition, and I think it makes the filling even creamier.

Keep the heat low. A beautifully browned crust is wonderful; burnt Parmesan is not.

Save those crispy cheese bits. They're practically the cook's reward for making lunch.

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