Garlic Grilled Cheese Recipe

Prepare garlic spread

In a small bowl, mash the garlic confit cloves with a fork until mostly smooth but still slightly textured. Stir in the reserved confit oil, softened butter, salt and pepper until well combined. Adjust seasoning to taste. If the mixture seems very oily, add up to 1 tsp additional butter to emulsify.

Butter bread for grilling

Spread about 1/2 tablespoon of the garlic-butter mixture evenly over one side of each sourdough slice (this will be the outside that contacts the griddle). Reserve the remaining garlic spread for the inside of the sandwich (use roughly 1/2 to 1 tsp inside each sandwich).

Assemble cheese mixture

In a bowl, toss the shredded cheddar with 2 teaspoons whole milk to keep it creamy. This helps the cheddar melt evenly. Lay out 4 slices of sourdough, buttered side down. Spread about 1/2 to 1 teaspoon of the garlic confit mixture on the interior of each slice. On each bottom slice, layer: 2 slices muenster (slightly overlapping), one-quarter of the cheddar mixture (about 1/4 cup), and 1–2 slices of swiss. Top with the matching sourdough slice, buttered side up.

Preheat pan

Heat a large nonstick or cast-iron skillet over medium-low to medium heat for 2–3 minutes. You want moderate heat so the cheese melts before the bread over-browns. If your skillet has hot spots, reduce heat slightly and move sandwiches as needed while cooking.

Grill sandwiches

Place sandwiches in the skillet, cooking 2 at a time if necessary without crowding. Cook for 3–4 minutes on the first side, pressing gently with a spatula every 30–45 seconds to ensure even contact. When the first side is golden brown and the cheese begins to show at the edges, carefully flip. Cook the second side another 3–4 minutes until golden brown and cheese is fully melted (total cooking time will vary with heat and pan). If bread browns before cheese melts, lower heat, cover the pan with a lid for 1–2 minutes, or transfer to a preheated 325°F (160°C) oven for 3–4 minutes to finish melting.

Rest and slice

Remove sandwiches to a cutting board and let rest 1 minute to let the cheese settle. Slice each sandwich diagonally in half for serving.

Sprinkle finely chopped parsley and a pinch of cracked red pepper flakes over the cut sandwiches if desired. Serve immediately while hot and gooey.