The Best Starbucks Grilled Cheese Recipe Copycat

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This Starbucks Grilled Cheese Recipe Copycat delivers the perfect balance of melty cheese and a golden Parmesan crust that you can now enjoy from the comfort of your own kitchen. If you're craving that cheesy, gooey sandwich made with delightfully crispy bread, then give this recipe a try.

A Starbucks Copycat Grilled Cheese Sandwich cut in half, and stacked on top of each other on a ceramic plate lined with parchment paper.

A perfectly toasted grilled cheese sandwich is undeniably comforting. The blend of cheeses, the crispy slices of sourdough bread, and the savory Parmesan butter is what makes this recipe irresistible. This grilled cheese sandwich recipe that uses two types of cheese hits the spot every time, whether you're looking for a quick lunch or something to pair with a hearty tomato soup for a cozy dinner.

A STARBUCKS TWIST ON A SIMPLE CLASSIC

The secret to nailing this copycat recipe lies in the Parmesan butter spread. Not only does it add incredible flavor, but it also creates that crispy, golden crust that you'll love. Plus, the choice of cheeses for this recipe ensures that every bite is filled with melty and delicious.

A Starbucks Copycat Grilled Cheese Sandwich cut in half and stacked on top of each other then placed on a white ceramic plate.

Making this Easy Starbucks Grilled Cheese Copycat Recipe is incredibly easy. It even tastes just as good (if not better!) than the original. So skip the line, save your money, and make this recipe to enjoy a fresh and homemade version of your favorite café treat.

WHAT MAKES THIS EASY STARBUCKS GRILLED CHEESE COPYCAT RECIPE SO SPECIAL?

There's more to this sandwich than just the melted cheese and toasted bread. It's an elevated version of a classic comfort food. We're using sourdough bread instead of just the typical store-bought sandwich loaf. This bread adds a tangy depth of flavor. And Parmesan butter gives the exterior an irresistible crunch. The combination of sharp white cheddar and creamy mozzarella creates a perfectly balanced cheesy filling that pulls beautifully every time you bite into it.

Since you're making this recipe at home, you have control over the quality and amount of ingredients that you'll use. With that, you can tailor the sandwich however you like. Want an extra cheesy sandwich? Add more mozzarella cheese. Prefer a bit of spice? Add a tiny pinch of chili flakes to the Parmesan butter when making it. You can make this sandwich even more delicious in many ways.

Partial, side angle shot of a stack of The Best Starbucks Grilled Cheese Copycat recipe on a white plate.

PERFECT PAIRINGS TO THIS RECIPE

You'll love how easy and delicious this sandwich recipe is. It's perfect for busy weeknights or whenever you want something comforting quickly. Make it a satisfying meal by pairing it with a delicious bowl of tomato soup. Fancy an all-Starbucks-inspired meal? Try this with Starbucks Double Chocolate Chip Frappuccino, Starbucks Iced Shaken Espresso, or The Best Starbucks Brownies Recipe.

Flat lay shot of the ingredients for making a sandwich. There's butter, parmesan cheese, white cheddar and mozzarella cheese, then slices of sourdough bread, all in separate containers and arranged neatly on a marble surface.

INGREDIENTS FOR THIS EASY STARBUCKS GRILLED CHEESE COPYCAT RECIPE

Here are the simple ingredients you will need to make the Starbucks Grilled Cheese Recipe Copycat. Scroll down to the recipe card at the bottom of the page for the detailed ingredient measurements.

Sourdough Bread: offers a firm structure and tangy flavor that perfectly pairs perfectly with this recipe's melty cheese. Plus, there's a specific bite of sourdough bread that makes it more satisfying than the typical sandwich loaf.
Butter: helps the bread crisp up and creates a rich, buttery flavor. Opt for unsalted because we're already gathering the saltiness from the cheeses.
Garlic Powder: adds more flavor to the butter parmesan spread.
Grated Parmesan Cheese: is mixed with butter for that iconic crispy, cheesy crust. If you can, use freshly grated Parmesan.
Sharp White Cheddar Cheese: offers a bold, savory taste and melts beautifully.
Mozzarella Cheese Slices: adds creaminess and that irresistible cheese pull to this sandwich.

Closeup shot of a Starbucks Grilled Cheese Sandwich recipe copycat that's been cut in half, with cheese oozing out of its corners.

HOW TO MAKE THIS EASY STARBUCKS GRILLED CHEESE COPYCAT RECIPE

Make sure to scroll down to the recipe card at the end of this post for the full step-by-step instructions.

Prepare the Parmesan Butter Spread. Firstly, mix the softened butter, garlic powder, and grated Parmesan cheese in a small bowl until well combined, and it makes a paste.

Assemble the sandwich. Spread the Parmesan butter mixture on one side of each slice of the sourdough bread afterwards. Place the cheddar and mozzarella cheeses on the unbuttered sides of the two bread slices accordingly. Top with the remaining bread, with the buttered side out.

A glass bowl with butter and Parmesan mixture.

Two slices of sourdough bread on a wooden chopping board, with a thin layer of the butter mixture on both.

Cook the sandwich. Next, heat the large skillet over medium-low heat. Now, you can cook the sandwich for 1-2 minutes per side. Remove the sandwich from the hot pan once the outside of the bread is golden brown and toasty, and the cheese has melted.

Serve and enjoy. Allow the sandwich to cool for a minute before slicing into it. Finally, serve and enjoy!

The finished product cut in half and placed on a plate.

TIPS AND TRICKS FOR THIS COPYCAT STARBUCKS GRILLED CHEESE

Use room temperature butter so it spreads more easily, and as a result, both sides of the sandwich will toast evenly.
Cook the sandwich on low-medium heat so you get a fully melted cheese filling. Moreover, you won't end up with burnt sourdough bread slices.
For an extra crispy crust, gently press down on the sandwich using a spatula.
Feel free to mix it up with the cheese combinations you want to use. Instead of White Cheddar and Mozzarella, you can use Provolone, Gruyère or Gouda for a more complex flavor profile.

WHY YOU NEED TO MAKE THIS RECIPE

It's easy and quick. This comforting classic just needs less than 15 minutes to make, so you're guaranteed to enjoy this in no time.
Budget-friendly. You can enjoy the same deliciousness from this perfect grilled cheese sandwich for a fraction of the price that you get from a coffee shop.
This recipe is incredibly delicious. Who knew you can get so much flavor from the simplest ingredients? Adding a thin layer of the Parmesan butter to the outer crust makes this sandwich a whole lot better too!
It's customizable. Whatever your preference, you can adjust the amount of cheese as well as the types you want to use. You can even take the flavors up a notch higher by adding seasonings and mild spices to the mix.
Perfect for any meal. This Easy Starbucks Grilled Cheese Copycat Recipe is perfect for any meal of the day. Whether is breakfast, lunch, dinner or simply just a snack, whip this up quickly to enjoy.

A whole Starbucks Grilled Cheese Sandwich copycat recipe cut in half and then served on a white ceramic plate with iced coffee on the side.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ's)

Can I use a different type of bread?

Yes, you can use a multigrain bread, ciabatta, or whatever type of bread is most accessible to you. However, sourdough gives the best texture and flavor.

What other cheeses work well?

If you want to change up your sandwich's flavor profile, Gruyere, Fontina, Monterey Jack, Yellow Cheddar, Gouda, Provolone or American cheese are great alternatives.

Flat lay shot of a perfect starbucks grilled cheese sandwich copycat recipe that's been cut in half.

Can I make this sandwich ahead of time?

It's best enjoyed fresh, but you can prep the sandwiches and just cook them when you're ready to eat.

How do I store leftovers?

Simply wrap in aluminum foil tightly and refrigerate for up to 2 days. Then, reheat in a skillet. As long as your sandwiches are stored well in the fridge, they'll still be delicious even after a couple of days. If you want to freeze it, put it in an airtight container after you wrap it up.

A starbucks grilled cheese copycat recipe that's been cut in half, and stacked on top of each other. Gooey cheese is oozing out of both halves.

Can I use pre-shredded cheese?

Freshly grated cheese melts better. However, pre-shredded cheese works in a pinch.

Is there a gluten-free option?

You can substitute sourdough with your favorite gluten-free bread. It works comparatively well.

What can I serve with this sandwich?

A bowl of tomato soup, fresh salad and fries all make excellent pairings to this sandwich.