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This Starbucks grilled cheese sandwich copycat is cheesy, gooey, and irresistible! Thick sourdough bread, melty mozzarella & cheddar, and a parmesan butter spread make this easy recipe the perfect homemade Starbucks treat when you want something cozy and comforting.
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I’ve spent years experimenting with coffee shop recipes at home! and this Starbucks grilled cheese copycat was one of my favorites to perfect. It’s all about the small details, thick slice of sourdough, a mix of white cheddar and mozzarella, and that crispy parmesan butter crust.
After a few tweaks, I nailed the flavor and texture so you can enjoy this cafe-style sandwich at home anytime, and for way less!!
Bonus: You can easily swap cheeses or bread to make it your own!
Why you’ll love this Starbucks Grilled Cheese Sandwich Copycat
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?
- Starbucks took a simple comfort food and elevated it with parmesan butter spread on the outside for extra depth of flavor, crunch, and a savory finish and we are recreating just that!
- Two melty cheeses inside give that dreamy gooey pull in every bite.
- Quick, easy, and perfect for any time of day.
Ingredients You Need for Homemade Starbucks Grilled Cheese
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 for their grilled cheese!
- Mozzarella- For that ooey gooey Starbucks-style 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 butter 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 your Starbucks grilled cheese sandwich in a nonstick skillet or on a large skillet over medium-low heat for 1–2 minutes per side or until golden brown and crunchy.
- Enjoy your delicious sandwich as is or with this summer avocado corn salad.
Recipe Pro tip from my kitchen
- Want the cheese to melt faster? Cover your pan with a lid while toasting it. For more expert tips on melting cheese perfectly, check out this cheese melting guide.
- I’ve tested this sandwich dozens of times in my kitchen to get that perfect crispy parmesan crust without burning the bread, trust me, medium-low heat is key!
Frequently asked questions – FAQ
Can I make a Starbucks grilled cheese sandwich at home?
Yes! This easy copycat recipe shows you exactly how to make a Starbucks grilled cheese sandwich with sourdough, mozzarella, cheddar, and Parmesan butter spread.
Can I make it in an 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.
How to store leftover Starbucks grilled cheese sandwiches
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 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, you can try it with Swiss, Munster, Gruyere, Fontina, Havarti , Provolone, Orange cheddar, Pepper Jack, or even Colby Jack.
Can I use other bread types?
Yes! While sourdough is iconic but you can also try it with brioche, multigrain, or 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.
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.