here’s something wonderfully comforting about a grilled cheese, and this sourdough version takes it up a notch. Crispy, golden sourdough is layered with sharp cheddar, then cooked in buttery garlic until the cheese is perfectly melted and gooey. A sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan adds an extra savoury, crispy finish—because honestly, there’s no such thing as too much cheese when it comes to grilled cheese!
What’s Healthy About This Recipe
This grilled cheese is a simple comfort food made with a few quality ingredients. Sourdough bread can be easier for some people to digest than conventional bread, and the fermentation process may improve the availability of certain nutrients. Cheddar and Parmesan provide protein and calcium, while fresh garlic contains beneficial plant compounds such as allicin.
It’s still a rich recipe because of the butter and cheese, so the biggest benefit is really in using wholesome ingredients and keeping the recipe simple, rather than trying to make grilled cheese a low-calorie food. And sometimes, a satisfying homemade meal is exactly what you need!
NOTE: I am not a doctor and I am not offering diet or health advice. This section of my blog is for information purposes only and explains how I substitute ingredients and/or methods to make my recipes healthier than other recipes or restaurant-offerings out there. If you’re looking for medical/dietary advice, please speak to a doctor or dietitian.
Garlic Butter Sourdough Grilled Cheese
Ingredients
Sourdough Bread: Sourdough gives this grilled cheese a wonderful chewy texture and slightly tangy flavour that pairs beautifully with rich, melted cheese. A sturdy, thick-cut sourdough works best so it doesn’t become soggy.
Fresh Butter: Butter creates the golden, crispy crust that makes grilled cheese so irresistible. Use softened butter so it’s easy to spread evenly without tearing the bread.
Garlic: Fresh garlic adds savoury depth to the butter and makes the sandwich extra flavourful. You can adjust the amount depending on how garlicky you like it.
Sharp Cheddar: Sharp cheddar brings a bold, tangy cheese flavour and melts beautifully. You can substitute mild cheddar, aged cheddar, Gruyère, or Monterey Jack if you prefer.
Parmesan: Freshly grated Parmesan adds a salty, nutty flavour and creates a delicious crispy cheese crust. For the best texture, grate it very finely.
Check Out the Recipe Video Here.
See my Latest Recipes
- Garlic Butter Sourdough Grilled Cheese
- Vegan Ful (fava bean stew)
- Sugar-free & Gluten-free Donuts
- Parmesan Crusted Chicken
- The Best Ferrero Rocher Cake (no white flour)
Garlic Butter Grilled Cheese on Sourdough
Course: LunchCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy1
sandwich5
minutes10
minutesA crispy, golden sourdough grilled cheese made with fresh garlic, butter, sharp cheddar, and a delicious layer of grated Parmesan on the outside. Simple, comforting, and seriously cheesy!
Ingredients
4 slices sourdough bread
3 tbsp fresh butter
1–2 cloves fresh garlic, finely minced or grated
1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, grated
¼ cup Parmesan cheese, finely grated
Black pepper, optional
Directions
- Melt the butter and garlic: Place a large skillet over medium-low heat. Add the butter and minced garlic. Let the butter melt slowly for about 1–2 minutes, stirring occasionally. Be careful not to let the garlic burn.
- Add the bread: Once the butter is melted and fragrant, place two slices of sourdough directly into the pan. Move them around slightly so they absorb some of the garlic butter.
- Add the cheese: Sprinkle the sharp cheddar evenly over the bread. Top with the remaining slices of sourdough.
- Cook: Cook for 3–4 minutes, until the bottom is golden and crisp. Carefully flip the sandwiches and cook for another 3–4 minutes, until the cheese is melted and the second side is golden.
- Add the Parmesan: Sprinkle the finely grated Parmesan over the top of each sandwich during the last minute of cooking. Let it melt and become slightly crispy.
- Finish: Carefully remove from the pan and let the sandwiches rest for 1–2 minutes before slicing.
Check out the recipe video!
Tips
- For an amazing Parmesan crust, sprinkle a thin layer of Parmesan directly into the buttery pan right before placing the bread down. Let it cook for a minute until it starts to crisp, then place the sourdough on top. The Parmesan sticks to the bread and creates a golden, crispy cheese layer.
- Keep the heat at medium-low. Because you’re cooking fresh garlic directly in the butter, too much heat can burn the garlic before the cheese has a chance to melt.
- A sharp cheddar gives the sandwich a stronger flavour without needing a huge amount of cheese.
For the best garlic flavour, use freshly grated garlic rather than garlic powder.
Don’t skimp on the butter—it helps create that beautiful golden, crispy sourdough crust.
Sourdough is ideal because its tangy flavour balances the richness of the cheddar, butter, and Parmesan.
