Garlic Butter Mayo Grilled Cheese

I discovered this trick during a busy week when I'd run out of butter but desperately needed something warm and comforting. The mayo was already sitting on the counter, and I figured it couldn't hurt to try. That first bite revealed the crispiest, most golden grilled cheese I'd ever made—the kind that shatters when you bite into it.

My roommate walked into the kitchen that day and immediately asked what smelled so incredible. We ended up making four more sandwiches, standing around the stove eating them straight off the cutting board. Now it's our go to late night comfort food, especially when it's raining outside and we need something warm in our hands.

Ingredients

• 4 slices sourdough bread: The tangy flavor and sturdy structure hold up perfectly to the crispy exterior and melty interior
• 4 slices sharp cheddar cheese: This brings the bold flavor punch that stands up to the garlic mayo
• 2 slices mozzarella cheese: Optional but creates that incredible cheese pull and smooths out the sharp cheddar
• 3 tablespoons mayonnaise: The secret weapon for achieving golden crunch without burning
• 1 large garlic clove: Freshly grated or minced garlic disperses evenly through the coating
• 1 teaspoon fresh parsley: Adds a bright herbal note that cuts through the richness
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Provides just enough subtle heat to make things interesting
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard: A thin layer inside adds complexity without overpowering

Instructions

Easily spray or drizzle oil for roasting vegetables, air frying, sautéing, and dressing salads with controlled coverage.

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Prepare the garlic mayo coating:

In a small bowl, stir together the mayonnaise, minced garlic, parsley, and black pepper until everything is evenly distributed

Build the sandwich layers:

Spread Dijon mustard on the interior side of two bread slices, then layer cheddar and mozzarella before topping with remaining bread

Coat the exterior:

Spread the garlic mayo mixture generously on the outside of both the top and bottom bread slices, covering every corner

Cook to golden perfection:

Place sandwiches in a skillet over medium low heat for 3 to 4 minutes per side, pressing gently until deep golden and crisp

Easily spray or drizzle oil for roasting vegetables, air frying, sautéing, and dressing salads with controlled coverage.

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Last winter, my sister came over feeling exhausted after a tough week at work. I made these for both of us, and we sat by the window watching snow fall while the cheese stretched in perfect strings with every bite. She said it was exactly what she needed, and now she calls me whenever she's craving that specific comfort.

Choose the Right Bread

Sourdough works beautifully because its structure withstands the weight of melting cheese and the crisping process. The slight tang also balances the richness of the mayo coating. If you must use another bread, choose something substantial with a tight crumb.

Master the Heat

Patience with temperature makes all the difference here. Too high, and the exterior burns before the cheese melts. Too low, and you'll wait forever for that crunch. Medium low allows the mayonnaise to slowly brown and crisp while the heat penetrates to melt everything inside.

Customize Your Flavor Profile

The beauty of this recipe lies in how easily it adapts to whatever you're craving. Sometimes I add caramelized onions for sweetness or a few chili flakes for heat. The garlic mayo base works with almost any cheese combination you can imagine.

• Try sliced tomato with basil for a fresh summer variation
• Add crispy bacon or caramelized onions for extra depth
• Serve immediately after slicing for maximum crunch

Keeps sponges and brushes organized beside the sink, making dishwashing and post-cooking cleanup faster and neater.

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Simple as it is, this sandwich has become one of those recipes I return to again and again because it never fails to hit the spot.

Recipe Q&A

→ How is the garlic mayo spread prepared?

Mix mayonnaise with finely minced garlic, chopped parsley, and black pepper until well combined for a flavorful spread.

→ What bread type is recommended?

Sourdough bread works best due to its sturdy texture and pleasant tang, providing a crispy crust when toasted.

→ Can other cheeses be used?

Yes, Swiss, Gruyère, or pepper jack are excellent alternatives to sharp cheddar for varied flavors.

→ How should the sandwich be cooked for optimal crispiness?

Cook on medium-low heat pressing gently to achieve deeply golden, crispy bread and fully melted cheese inside.

→ Are there optional ingredients to enhance flavor?

Adding Dijon mustard inside or mixing chili flakes into the mayo can introduce extra tang or heat.