Kitchen Divas

  • Recipes
  • About
  • Contact
  • Work With Us
  • Subscribe
menu icon
go to homepage
  • Recipes
  • About
  • Contact
  • Work With Us
  • Subscribe
    • Bloglovin
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
  • subscribe
    search icon
    Homepage link
    • Recipes
    • About
    • Contact
    • Work With Us
    • Subscribe
    • Bloglovin
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
  • ×
    Home » Recipes » Breakfast and Brunch Recipes

    Copycat Starbucks Grilled Cheese

    Published: Mar 15, 2023 · Modified: May 15, 2025 by Karin and Ken · This post may contain affiliate links. 8 Comments

    Share
    Pin62
    Post
    Email
    Share
    71Shares
    71Shares
    Jump to Recipe Jump to Video Print Recipe

    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!

    Closeup shot of two slices of copycat Starbucks grilled cheese sandwich on plate

    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 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.

    Overhead shot of individual grilled cheese ingredients on plates
    • 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.

    Closeup shot of butter and parmesan cheese mixed in bowl using a spoon

    2: Add white cheddar and mozzarella cheese on top of slices of bread.

    Closeup shot of bread topped with mozzarella cheese slices
    Closeup shot of bread topped with mozzarella and white cheddar cheese.

    3: Spread the butter mixture on both sides of the sandwiches.

    Overhead shot of uncooked copycat Starbucks grilled cheese sandwiches on table

    4: Cook until golden brown, bread butter side up.

    Closeup shot of uncooked copycat Starbucks grilled cheese sandwiches on griddle
    Overhead shot of copycat Starbucks grilled cheese sandwich halves on plate

    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.

    How do you make grilled cheese better?

    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.

    Can I multiply this recipe?

    Absolutely. The ratios remain the same, so double, triple, or quadruple this recipe. Make as many as you want!

    How do you know when grilled cheese sandwiches are done?

    Press on the sandwich with your finger. If it's crispy when you press, then it's done.

    Can I make grilled cheese in the oven?

    Absolutely. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake at 375 for 10 to 15 minutes until golden brown.

    Closeup shot of two halves of copycat Starbucks grilled cheese sandwich on plate on top of each other.

    Video

    YouTube video

    More Grilled Cheese Recipes

    Do you like copycat Starbucks grilled cheese? Here some recipes you may also like to try.

    • Grilled Cheese Hamburger with Bacon
    • Air Fryer Mushroom Grilled Cheese with Thyme
      Air Fryer Mushroom Grilled Cheese with Thyme - Skillet too!
    • Inside Out Grilled Cheese - Cheese Toastie
      Inside Out Grilled Cheese - Cheese Toastie
    • Buffalo Chicken Grilled Cheese Sandwich
      Buffalo Chicken Grilled Cheese Sandwich - air fryer and skillet

    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

    Karin and Ken
    This copycat Starbucks grilled cheese recipe delivers all the toasted, cheesy goodness of the original at a fraction of the cost.
    5 from 3 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 5 minutes mins
    Cook Time 6 minutes mins
    Total Time 11 minutes mins
    Course brunch, lunch, Main Course
    Cuisine American
    Servings 2
    Calories 451 kcal

    Equipment

    • Measuring cups and spoons
    • small bowl
    • Fork
    • cutting board
    • butter knife
    • Wire Cheese Slicer
    • Aluminum foil
    • Sharp knife

    Ingredients
      

    • 3 tablespoons salted butter room temperature
    • 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
    • 4 slices sourdough bread
    • 3 slices Mozzarella cheese
    • 3 slices mild white cheddar cheese
    Get Recipe Ingredients

    Instructions
     

    • Blend the butter and grated Parmesan cheese together until equally mixed. Set aside.
    • On one side of the bread, place one and a half pieces of mozzarella cheese. On top of the mozzarella cheese, place one and a half slices of cheddar cheese. Top the cheese with another slice of bread. Repeat this step for the second sandwich.
    • Butter the outward facing pieces of bread with the butter and Parmesan cheese mixture.
    • Place a griddle over medium heat. When the griddle is hot, put the sandwiches onto the griddle 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.
    • 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

    Calories: 451kcalCarbohydrates: 69gProtein: 31gFat: 40gSaturated Fat: 23gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 109mgSodium: 1426mgPotassium: 216mgFiber: 3gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 1111IUCalcium: 511mgIron: 5mg
    Keyword starbucks grilled cheese recipe
    Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
    Closeup photo of two halves of a grilled cheese sandwich. One slice is placed on top of the other.
    Share
    Pin62
    Post
    Email
    Share
    71Shares
    71Shares

    More Breakfast and Brunch Recipes

    • Chicken ceasar wrap cut in half on a plate.
      Chicken Caesar Wrap
    • A hand picking up a sausage wrapped in bacon.
      Bacon-Wrapped Sausage (Oven & Air Fryer)
    • Rhubarb simple syrup in a jar with a spoon scooping some out.
      Rhubarb Simple Syrup
    • Oreo pancakes drizzled with chocolate sauce.
      Oreo Pancakes

    Comments

    1. Cristina Sanchez says

      September 15, 2024 at 11:35 am

      I want to try this, but it doesn't say what temperature is the oven.
      Thank you

      Reply
      • Karin and Ken says

        September 15, 2024 at 11:46 am

        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

    2. Sandra says

      March 22, 2023 at 2:22 pm

      5 stars
      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

      Reply
      • Karin and Ken says

        March 22, 2023 at 2:42 pm

        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

    3. Kim says

      March 21, 2023 at 12:32 pm

      5 stars
      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

      Reply
      • Karin and Ken says

        March 21, 2023 at 12:47 pm

        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

    4. Sally says

      March 21, 2023 at 12:31 pm

      5 stars
      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

      Reply
      • Karin and Ken says

        March 21, 2023 at 12:47 pm

        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

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating





    Welcome!

    We are the kitchen divas: Karin and my partner in life, Ken.

    We have been attached at the heart and hip since the first day we met, and we love to create new dishes to keep things interesting. Variety is definitely the spice of life!

    More about us

    Most Popular July 4th Recipes!

    • A slice of red, white, and blue cheesecake on a stack of white plates.
      Red, White, and Blue Cheesecake
    • 4th of July candy chocolate bark leaned up against other chocolate bark.
      4th of July Chocolate Bark
    • A bowl of cheesecake fruit salad with a wooden spoon.
      Cheesecake Fruit Salad
    • A slice of red white and blue cake being held up by a metal spatula.
      Red, White, and Blue Cake

    More Red, White and Blue Desserts ➡️

    Summer Favorites

    • A slice of strawberry charlotte cake on a plate topped with fresh strawberries.
      Strawberry Charlotte
    • A slice of Oreo delight on a white plate garnished with an Oreo cookie.
      No-Bake Oreo Delight
    • A slice of Funfetti ice cream cake on a blue plate.
      Funfetti Ice Cream Cake for Birthdays & More
    • A stack of three frozen s'mores bars on top of each other.
      Frozen S’mores

    More Sweet Treats ➡️

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    About

    • About
    • Privacy Policy

    Newsletter

    • Sign up for emails and what's new!

    Contact

    • Contact
    • Work With Us

    As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Copyright © 2025 Kitchen Divas All Rights Reserved