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With a creamy, cheesy filling, perfectly golden sourdough bread, and a buttery garlic spread, this isn’t just any grilled cheese, it’s the best grilled cheese sandwich you’ll ever make. If you’re looking to take this simple comfort food to the next level, this gourmet grilled cheese recipe is the one you’ll crave again and again. There’s nothing quite as comforting as a grilled cheese sandwich paired with a warm bowl of tomato soup.
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Pin It NowWhether you call it tomato soup and grilled cheese or flip it around to say grilled cheese and tomato soup, this classic duo has been bringing cozy joy to kitchens for generations.
Why You’ll Love This Grilled Cheese
- Ultimate flavor combo: Cream cheese, Colby-Jack, and mozzarella give every bite a gooey, melty pull.
- Perfectly golden crust: The butter mixture crisps the bread to perfection.
- A touch of spice: Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes give a gourmet twist without overpowering the classic taste.
- Pairs perfectly with soup: Especially a warm, homemade grilled cheese and tomato soup pairing.
Ingredients
In addition to the sourdough bread, mozzarella cheese, and Colby-Jack cheese, you will need the following ingredients:
For the Butter Mixture:
- Salted butter
- Shredded cheddar cheese
- Garlic powder
For the Filling:
- Full-fat cream cheese
- Mayonnaise
- Garlic powder
- Italian seasoning
- Dijon mustard
- Red pepper flakes
Directions
1. Make the Butter Mixture
In a small bowl, combine the softened butter, shredded cheddar cheese, and garlic powder. Mix until smooth and spreadable.
2. Prepare the Creamy Filling
In another bowl, stir together the cream cheese, mayonnaise, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, Dijon mustard, and red pepper flakes until smooth.
3. Assemble the Sandwich
- Spread the butter mixture on one side of each slice of sourdough bread.
- Flip the bread over and spread the cream cheese mixture evenly on the inside of two slices.
- Layer with shredded mozzarella cheese and Colby-Jack slices.
- Top with the remaining bread slices, butter side facing out.
4. Grill to Perfection
Heat a skillet over medium heat. Place the sandwiches in the pan and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, pressing gently with a spatula, until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted.
5. Serve and Enjoy
Slice in half and serve warm. For the ultimate comfort meal, pair with a bowl of tomato soup on the side.
Tips for the Best Grilled Cheese Sandwich
- Use sourdough bread: It holds up to the filling and toasts beautifully.
- Low and slow heat: Keeps the bread crisp without burning while the cheese melts inside.
- Get creative: Swap cheeses, add crispy bacon, or throw in some caramelized onions, pesto, avocado, lunch meat, or veggies for a true gourmet grilled cheese experience.
What to Serve with Grilled Cheese
The most iconic pairing? Grilled cheese and tomato soup. The rich, cheesy sandwich dipped into creamy soup is the perfect combination of flavors and textures. You can also serve your grilled cheese with:
- A side salad for freshness
- French fries or tater tots for crunch
- Pickles for a tangy balance
Frequently Asked Questions
Grilled cheese is best enjoyed fresh, but you can assemble the sandwiches ahead of time and store them in the fridge. Cook when ready to serve.
Absolutely! Rye, Texas toast, or even multigrain bread work well. Just make sure it’s sturdy enough to hold the cheesy filling.
The combination of multiple cheeses, a creamy spread, and a seasoned butter mixture takes this beyond the basic sandwich.
This isn’t just any sandwich, it’s the best grilled cheese sandwich recipe for when you want comfort food with a gourmet twist. Whether you’re dipping it into your favorite soup, enjoying it on its own, or making it for family and friends, this recipe will always be a hit.
So, grab your sourdough, mix up that buttery spread, and discover why grilled cheese and tomato soup will forever be the ultimate comfort food pairing.
More Soups and Sandwiches
Best Grilled Cheese Recipe
Equipment
- Small mixing bowls
- butter knife
- Pan for grilling
Ingredients
For the Sandwich
- 4 slices of sourdough bread
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 4 slices Colby-Jack cheese
For the Butter Mixture
- ½ cup salted butter softened
- ¼ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
For the filling
- 4 ounces ½ brick full-fat cream cheese, softened
- 2 Tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/4 tsp Dijion mustard
- 1/8 tsp red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Make the butter mixture. In a small bowl, stir together the butter, garlic powder, and shredded cheddar cheese until smooth and fully combined, and set aside.
- Make the filling. In another small bowl, mix the cream cheese, mayonnaise, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, Dijon mustard, and red pepper flakes until everything is fully incorporated. Set aside.
- Butter the bread. Use a butter knife to spread a thin layer of the softened butter mixture on one side of each bread slice, making sure the butter reaches all the way to the edges.
- Start to assemble. Preheat a non-stick skillet or cast-iron pan over medium heat. A drop of water dropped in the pan should sizzle right away. When the pan is hot enough, place one slice of bread in the skillet, butter side down.
- Add the cheese. On top of the bare side of the bread layer two slices of Colby Jack cheese, half of the cream cheese mixture (spread to the edges of the bread), and then ½ of the shredded mozzarella.
- Add the top. Top the cheese with the second slice of bread, butter side up, and use a spatula to add gentle pressure to the sandwich, pressing it into the pan.
- Cook. Cook the sandwich undisturbed for 3 to 4 minutes, or until it's golden brown and crispy. Using the same spatula to carefully flip the sandwich and cook the other side for 2-3 minutes until it’s a light golden brown and the cheese is melty and gooey.
- Make the second sandwich, cut and serve. Remove the grilled cheese from the skillet and place it onto a cutting board. Repeat with the second sandwich. Allow both sandwiches to rest for 1 minute before cutting in half. Serve warm.
