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The Starbucks grilled cheese sandwich is one of the tastiest savory options on the Starbucks menu. It’s made with thick slices of sourdough bread, two types of cheese: white cheddar and mozzarella, and a savory parmesan butter spread that brings everything together. With this recipe, you can recreate your favorite Starbucks bakery item at home and save money, too!
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Why this is the best Starbucks grilled cheese recipe ever!
There is something extra special about the Starbucks frilled cheese sandwich. Starbucks took a simple comfort food and elevated it with parmesan butter spread on the outside, which will give the sandwich extra depth of flavor, crunch, and a salty finish.
With two melty cheeses inside, white cheddar and mozzarella, you get that dreamy gooey pull after each bite. It’s the ultimate grilled cheese you’ll want to make on repeat any time of day!
Why do you need to make this recipe?
- It’s a simple, elevated take on grilled cheese.
- You’ll save money skipping the Starbucks drive-through.
- It’s quick, easy, and super satisfying to make at home!
Table of Contents
- Why do you need to make this recipe?
- Ingredients for this copycat Starbucks grilled cheese sandwich.
- How to make this Starbucks grilled cheese copycat recipe
- Frequently asked questions – FAQ
- How do I store leftover grilled cheese?
- Can I use other cheeses?
- The Best Starbucks Grilled Cheese recipe
- Starbucks Grilled Cheese recipe Recipe
Ingredients for this copycat Starbucks grilled cheese sandwich.
Here’s what you’ll need to make your very own Starbucks grilled cheese sandwich at home. Scroll to the recipe card for the full measurements.
- Parmesan- Adds saltiness and flavor when mixed with butter.
- Butter- Use high-quality butter for best results. I used unsalted butter here to make sure I can balance out the saltiness of the cheese slices.
- White cheddar- White cheddar slices, just like Starbucks uses!
- Mozzarella- For that ooey gooey center
- Sourdough – Thick-cut slices work best. You can also make your own sourdough bread with my recipe!
- Garlic Powder- This will be added to the butter spread to make it even closer to the real deal.
How to make this Starbucks grilled cheese copycat recipe
Follow these easy steps, and don’t forget to scroll down for the printable recipe card with full instructions.
- Grate the parmesan cheese and mix it with a rubber spatula into softened butter alongside the garlic powder.
- Spread the mixture onto the outside of your sourdough bread slices.
- Assemble the sandwich by layering mozzarella and white cheddar on the non-buttered side.
- Close the sandwich, buttered sides out.
- Grill in a nonstick skillet or on a large skillet over medium-low heat for 1–2 minutes per side or untli golden brown and crunchy.
- Enjoy your delicious sandwich as is or with this summer avocado corn salad.
Pro Tip
Want the cheese to melt faster? Cover your pan with a lid while toasting it.
Frequently asked questions – FAQ
How do I store leftover grilled cheese?
While grilled cheese is best fresh, you can store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium-low heat or pop it in the microwave briefly.
Can I make the Starbucks grilled cheese in the air fryer?
Yes! Preheat your air fryer to 375°F, assemble the sandwich as instructed, and air fry for 6–8 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the bread is golden and the cheese is melted.
Can I prep these ahead of time?
Totally! Assemble the sandwiches and refrigerate them (uncooked) for up to 24 hours. Then just cook when you’re ready to eat.
Can I use other cheeses?
Absolutely! While this recipe uses white cheddar and mozzarella to stay true to the Starbucks grilled cheese, here are a few delicious swaps:
- Swiss
- Munster
- Gruyere
- Fontina
- Havarti
- Provolone
- Orange cheddar
- Pepper Jack
- Colby Jack
Can I use other bread types?
Yes! While sourdough is iconic for the Starbucks grilled cheese sandwich, you can also try:
- Brioche
- Multigrain
- Ciabatta
What to serve with your grilled cheese?
For the full Starbucks experience, enjoy it with an Iced Caramel Macchiato. You can also go classic and pair it with tomato soup or a crisp Caesar salad.
What is the best Starbucks Sandwich?
That’s up to you, but if you ask me, this grilled cheese is definitely top tier!
The Best Starbucks Grilled Cheese recipe
Starbucks Grilled Cheese recipe
Ingredients
- 3 tbsp butter softened
- 3 tbsp parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 4 sliced sourdough bread
- 3 slice white cheddar cheese divided
- 3 slices mozzarella cheese divided
Instructions
- In a small bowl, mix the softened butter, garlic powder, and parmesan cheese together.3 tbsp butter, 3 tbsp parmesan cheese, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Spread the butter mixture on the outside of the sourdough bread slices.4 sliced sourdough bread
- Place 1 & 1/2 slices of mozzarella and 1 & 1/2 slices of white cheddar on the non buttered side. Top the sandwich with the remaining piece of toast, keeping the buttered side outside.3 slice white cheddar cheese, 3 slices mozzarella cheese
- Heat a large pan or skillet on medium-low heat, place the sandwiches on there and toast each side for 1-2 minutes or until the outside is toasty and the cheese is melted. Want the cheese to melt faster? Cover with a lid.
- Remove the grilled cheeses from the pan, slice in half, and enjoy!
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Needs garlic and then it might taste like the Starbucks version
Great tip!
Make it with garlic and tell me how it turns out!
While I am sure this is delicious ( like your other recipes) it is missing the garlic! I love Starbucks grilled cheese sandwiches. Their ingredient list does list a garlic- cheese- butter blend.