Our copycat Starbucks grilled cheese recipe features golden, toasted sourdough bread, two kinds of cheeses, and the classic Starbucks grilled cheese flavor without the ridiculous Starbucks price!
I love Starbucks grilled cheese sandwiches, but I simply refuse to pay their astronomical prices for those things. That's why we decided to create a Starbucks grilled cheese copycat recipe.
This grilled cheese is just as full of flavor as the original, but it won't suck your wallet dry to make it!
Starbucks Copycat Grilled Cheese Recipe
This was inspired by my toaster oven grilled cheese recipe, mac and cheese grilled cheese and gouda grilled cheese on this site, and it makes a classic, delicious pairing with my grandma's cream of tomato soup.
Why You Will Love this Recipe
- It is an easy recipe that can be made in under 10 minutes.
- Uses simple ingredients that are easily accessible.
- Delicious and creamy melted cheese on the inside.
- Crispy and golden-brown crust on the outside
- Add toppings such as bacon or tomatoes to make it even more flavor.
- A great way to use up leftovers from other meals.
- Kids love it and it's a great snack for them too.
- Perfect for lunch or dinner, served with soup or salad.
- A great option for a quick meal when you don't have much time to cook.
- .Makes every day feel like indulging in your favorite Starbucks sandwich without all of the cost!
Top Tip:
Always make crispy grilled cheese on medium heat. This allows the cheese to melt completely while the bread toasts to perfection.
Ingredients
You'll only need 5 ingredients to make this recipe, and you'll find them all easily at your local grocery store. Be sure to check the recipe card for the exact quantities.
- Room temperature salted butter
- Grated parmesan cheese
- Sourdough bread
- Mozzarella cheese
- Mild white cheddar cheese
Substitutions and Variations
Don't have the correct ingredients on hand to make the perfect grilled cheese? Or want to change something up? We have some great ideas for you to try if you're interested. Here are some helpful tips for you to change this
- Add a dash of chili pepper flakes, jalapeno powder, smoked jalapeno powder, or chipotle powder to the butter to imbue heat into the dish. I will also occasionally add a teaspoon of our homemade hot pepper sauce, or use your favorite hot sauce, to the mixture.
- Use hard, grating cheese such as Asiago, Romano, or Pecorino in place of parmesan.
- Instead of Mozzarella and White Cheddar cheeses, try using yellow cheddar, Gouda, Edam, or Monterey Jack.
- Use whole wheat bread to get extra fiber in your grilled cheese sandwich.
- To give it a more crunchy texture, substitute butter with olive oil or vegetable oil.
- Try adding some herbs like oregano or basil for an added flavor to the butter mix along with the Parmesan cheese.
Instructions
Like all grilled cheese sandwiches, this is an easy recipe to make. It only takes a few minutes, and you're all done.
You'll find the highlights here, but be sure to check the recipe card at the end of the post for the exact instructions.
1: In a small bowl mix butter and parmesan cheese.
2: Add white cheddar and mozzarella cheese on top of slices of bread.
3: Spread the butter mixture on both sides of the sandwiches.
4: Cook until golden brown, bread butter side up.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store in an air-tight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Store in an air-tight, freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
Reheat: Bake uncovered at 350 for 20 to 30 minutes until heated through.
Make Ahead: While these grilled cheese sandwiches reheat well, they're always best when served immediately. We don't recommend making them ahead of time.
What to Serve with Grilled Cheese
Grilled cheese is such a versatile sandwich that you can serve it will all kinds of sides. Rather than list a million options here, we're directing you to our handy dandy grilled cheese sides post for ideas.
If you're in a Starbucks mood and want something sweet have a look at our copycat Starbucks cake pops recipe.
Tips
- To make sure the heat is evenly distributed when cooking, use a flat griddle or skillet rather than a pan with raised sides that might cause hot spots in certain locations of your sandwiches as they cook.
- When tenting your sandwiches before flipping them over for the second side, be sure not to cover them too tightly so that steam won't build up inside and prevent proper browning from taking place while they cook through on the other side!
- Let your sandwiches set at room temperature for 10 to 15 minutes so they cook more evenly.
- Preheat your griddle over low heat, then increase it to medium heat after putting on the sandwiches for perfectly golden brown grilled cheese.
- Always soften your butter for easy combining and to avoid tearing the bread.
FAQ
Do you have frequently asked questions about grilled cheese? Here are some of the most commonly asked questions about Starbucks copycat grilled cheese.
Try adding other toppings like avocado, tomatoes, bacon, or spinach. Get creative and if you need ideas make sure to have a look at the list we created.
Absolutely. The ratios remain the same, so double, triple, or quadruple this recipe. Make as many as you want!
Press on the sandwich with your finger. If it's crispy when you press, then it's done.
Absolutely. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake at 375 for 10 to 15 minutes until golden brown.
Video
More Grilled Cheese Recipes
Do you like copycat Starbucks grilled cheese? Here some recipes you may also like to try.
Starbucks Copycat Grilled Cheese
Ready to get cooking a perfect starbucks grilled cheese? Remember that you can print this recipe if you would like.
Copycat Starbucks Grilled Cheese
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons salted butter room temperature
- 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- 2 slices sourdough bread
- 2 slices Mozzarella cheese
- 2 slices sharp white cheddar cheese or mild if you prefer
Instructions
- In a small bowl, combine the butter, parmesan cheese, and garlic powder. Set aside.
- Place the 2 slices of bread on a cutting board; spread 1 side of each slice with half of the butter.
- Heat a dry small nonstick skillet over medium heat.
- Place 1 slice of bread, butter side down, in the pan and top with the cheeses, alternating types. Mozzarella and then white cheddar, then mozzarella, then the final piece of white cheddar.
- Arrange the second slice of bread, butter side up, on top.
- Cook the sandwich until golden brown underneath, about 2 minutes. Carefully flip the sandwich using a flat spatula. Gently press down on the sandwich with that spatula to encourage even browning and help the cheese melt.
- Cook until the second side is golden brown and the cheese is melted, about 2 minutes.
- Once golden brown on both sides and the cheese has melted, remove from the heat. Cut the sandwiches in half and serve immediately.
Video
Notes
- To make sure the heat is evenly distributed when cooking, use a flat griddle or skillet rather than a pan with raised sides that might cause hot spots in certain locations of your sandwiches as they cook.
- When tenting your sandwiches before flipping them over for the second side, be sure not to cover them too tightly so that steam won't build up inside and prevent proper browning from taking place while they cook through on the other side!
- Let your sandwiches set at room temperature for 10 to 15 minutes so they cook more evenly.
- Preheat your griddle over low heat, then increase it to medium heat after putting on the sandwiches for perfectly golden brown grilled cheese.
- Always soften your butter for easy combining and to avoid tearing the bread.
Nutrition
Cristina Sanchez says
I want to try this, but it doesn't say what temperature is the oven.
Thank you
Karin and Ken says
Try this. Place a griddle or skillet over medium heat. When hot, put the sandwiches on and allow to cook for 1 to 2 minutes or until the first side is brown. Flip the sandwiches and tent with aluminum foil, reducing the heat to medium low. Cook until the second side is brown and the cheese is melted. Hope this helps. Enjoy every bite! I hope you enjoy this recipe as much as we all do! All the best. Karin
Sandra says
Excellent recipe. We all loved it Will definitely make again Thank you KD for another winner I am never buying one at Starbucks again.you’re the best Thanks
Karin and Ken says
You’re most welcome! I stopped going to Starbucks too! Thank you for taking the time to let me know. You made my day. All the best. Karin
Kim says
Best copycat recipe we’ve triedThank you for sharing it No need to go to Starbucks when I crave their grilled cheese anymore Your recipe really hits the spot
Karin and Ken says
I’m so glad you like this easy recipe. We love it too. Thank you for taking the time to let me know you made my day. All the best. Karin
Sally says
I’m impressed We all are This grilled cheese is just as good if not better than Starbucks Definitely cheaper We will be making this recipe again It’s a keeper Thx for sharin
Karin and Ken says
Thank you for your kind words. We love this easy recipe too. Glad we’re not alone! Thank you for letting me know. Enjoy your day! Karin