I love grilled cheese sandwiches, and the Starbucks version is my favourite. It has melted cheese, buttery bread, and a hint of garlic. It’s a taste that’s hard to find elsewhere. So, I decided to make it at home, keeping the flavours I love.
Copycat Starbucks Grilled Cheese Recipe
Key Takeaways
- Recreate the Starbucks grilled cheese sandwich at home with a delicious blend of white cheddar and mozzarella cheese
- Achieve the signature Parmesan butter spread with a simple 2:1 ratio of butter to Parmesan
- Enjoy a cost-effective and time-saving alternative to the $6+ café version
- Customize the sandwich with your favourite cheese combinations and bread options
- Indulge in a gooey, buttery, and flavorful grilled cheese that rivals the Starbucks original
Table of Contents
Why This Starbucks-Style Grilled Cheese is Better Than the Original
Do you love the taste of a Starbucks grilled cheese but hate the price? You can make a similar version at home. It’s cheaper and lets you add your own touches and save time.
Cost Comparison: Homemade vs. Café Price
The Starbucks grilled cheese costs over $6. That can add up fast if you eat it often. Making it at home costs just a few dollars. You’ll save money and still get to enjoy the flavours you love.
Time-Saving Benefits
Making your own grilled cheese at home saves time too. You won’t have to wait in a long line. It’s ready in about 10 minutes so that you can enjoy it quickly.
Customization Options
One great thing about making it at home is you can customize it. Add bacon, chicken, or lobster for a fancy touch. Try different cheeses like Gruyère or Pepper Jack to find your favourite. You can make it exactly how you like it.
So, try making it yourself next time you want a Starbucks grilled cheese. It’s cheaper and quicker, and you can make it just the way you like it. It’s a win-win!
Essential Ingredients for the Perfect Copycat Sandwich
Making a copycat version of the Starbucks grilled cheese sandwich at home is simple. You just need a few key ingredients from your local grocery store. The must-haves include:
- Sourdough bread – Look for pre-sliced sourdough from the bakery section for convenience.
- Butter – Room temperature salted butter works best for the perfect golden-brown crust.
- Parmesan cheese – Freshly grated Parmesan cheese is recommended for maximum flavour.
- Garlic – Choose between garlic powder or finely grated fresh garlic to suit your taste preferences.
- Mozzarella cheese – Sliced or shredded mozzarella melts beautifully in the sandwich.
- Sharp white cheddar cheese – This cheese adds a tangy depth of flavour to the blend.
By mixing these simple yet essential ingredients, you can make a copycat Starbucks grilled cheese that’s just as good as the original but cheaper. The secret is finding the right mix of crispy sourdough bread, gooey cheeses, and savoury garlic butter.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Sourdough Bread | 8 slices |
| Butter | 6 tablespoons |
| Parmesan Cheese | 1/4 cup, grated |
| Garlic | 1 head, roasted |
| Mozzarella Cheese | 1 cup, shredded |
| Sharp White Cheddar Cheese | 1/2 cup, shredded |
With these ingredients, you’re ready to make the cheese recipes, bread recipes, and vegetarian recipes that made the Starbucks grilled cheese so popular.
The Secret Behind Starbucks’ Signature Parmesan Butter Spread
The Starbucks grilled cheese sandwich is special because of its parmesan butter spread. This softened butter, parmesan cheese, and garlic mix makes the bread crispy and golden. It’s a flavour that’s hard to resist.
Perfect Butter-to-Parmesan Ratio
To get the Starbucks-style spread right, use 5 tablespoons of softened butter and 4 tablespoons of fresh parmesan cheese. This mix gives you a creamy texture with a strong parmesan taste.
Adding the Garlic Flavor
To make the spread even better, add 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder or one finely grated garlic clove. The garlic adds a savoury touch that goes well with the parmesan. Before mixing, melt the butter in the microwave for 10-15 seconds. This makes the spread smooth and easy to apply.
This parmesan butter spread is what makes the Starbucks grilled cheese so famous. You can make your own Starbucks grilled cheese (copycat recipe) at home by making this spread. Enjoy that crispy, cheesy taste in your own kitchen.
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Unsalted Butter, softened | 5 tablespoons |
| Grated Parmesan Cheese | 4 tablespoons |
| Garlic Powder | 1/2 teaspoon |
Mixing these three ingredients in the right amounts makes the parmesan butter spread just like Starbucks. This spread will take your homemade fast-food grilled cheese to the next level.
Choosing the Right Cheese Blend
Creating the perfect copycat Starbucks grilled cheese starts with the cheese blend. Starbucks uses white cheddar and mozzarella. For a similar taste at home, use two sharp white cheddar slices and one mozzarella slice per sandwich.
Want to try something different? You can mix provolone, havarti, fontina, or yellow cheddar. Deli-sliced white American cheddar is also a tasty option. But avoid fresh mozzarella for better melting.
- Use two slices of sharp white cheddar and one slice of mozzarella per sandwich
- Try blending provolone, havarti, fontina, or yellow cheddar for a unique twist
- Deli-sliced white American cheddar can be a good substitute
- Steer clear of fresh mozzarella in favour of the deli-sliced version
Choosing the right cheese blend lets you make a delicious Starbucks grilled cheese at home. Try different cheeses to find your favourite cheese recipes for the perfect copycat Starbucks grilled cheese.
Starbucks Grilled Cheese Recipe: Step-by-Step Instructions
Want to make the tasty grilled cheese from Starbucks at home? This easy guide will show you how. You’ll love the same great taste and feel in your kitchen.
Preparing the Spread
Begin by mixing the key ingredients for the Starbucks parmesan butter spread. Mix softened unsalted butter, parmesan cheese, and minced garlic in a small bowl. Stir until it’s smooth and creamy.
Assembly Technique
- Lay out your bread slices on a clean surface.
- Spread the parmesan butter mixture on the outer sides of each bread slice.
- Layer your favourite cheeses like cheddar, Swiss, and provolone on the non-buttered side.
Cooking Method
Heat a large non-stick skillet or griddle over low heat. Place the sandwiches in the pan, butter sides out. Cover with a lid or baking sheet to melt the cheese faster.
Cook for 4-5 minutes on each side. The bread should be golden, and the cheese melted and gooey. Use low heat to avoid burning the bread before the cheese melts.
Follow these steps to make a Starbucks grilled cheese recipe at home. Serve it with your favorite soup or salad for a tasty easy lunch recipe any day.
Tips for Achieving the Perfect Golden-Brown Crust
Making the ultimate grilled cheese sandwich, a favourite comfort food, is more than just cheese between bread. The secret to a great grilled cheese is a golden-brown crust. This crust keeps the cheese inside all gooey and delicious.
Start cooking your sandwich on low to medium-low heat to get that golden crust. This way, the cheese melts well without burning the bread. A non-stick skillet helps with even browning.
- Cook the sandwich for about 5 minutes per side, adjusting the heat as needed to prevent burning.
- The secret ingredient for crispiness? The Parmesan in the spread. It makes the crust wonderfully crispy.
- Spread butter evenly on the bread’s outer surface for even browning.
You can make the famous Starbucks-style grilled cheese sandwich at home by following these tips. It will have a mouthwatering golden-brown crust that will make you want more.
“The perfect grilled cheese sandwich is a delicate balance of melted cheese, crispy bread, and a golden-brown crust that seals in all the flavors.”
Best Bread Options for Your Sandwich
Choosing the right bread is key to making a great Starbucks grilled cheese sandwich at home. Sourdough bread is the top pick. It offers a perfect mix of tanginess and texture that goes well with the cheese and buttery spread.
Why Sourdough Works Best
Sourdough bread has a unique taste that matches the rich cheese blend well. Its slight acidity balances the sandwich’s heaviness, making it taste complete. Also, sourdough’s sturdy crumb keeps the bread firm, even with the sandwich’s fillings.
Alternative Bread Choices
- Try ciabatta or brioche if sourdough is hard to find. They have a strong structure that holds up to grilling.
- Multigrain bread is another good choice. It adds a nutty flavour and a heartier texture to the sandwich.
It’s crucial to pick a bread slice that’s about half an inch thick. This allows the cheese to melt right without burning the bread. With the right bread, you’re close to making a perfect Starbucks-style grilled cheese sandwich at home.
Creative Variations and Add-ins
The classic Parmesan butter-crusted grilled cheese from Starbucks is a treat. But you can make it even better. Try different cheese blends, proteins, and flavours to create your own cheese recipes and vegetarian recipes.
Swap mozzarella for Gruyère or Comté for a nuttier taste. Or, add a spicy kick with pepper jack or chipotle Gouda. Add crumbled bacon, shredded rotisserie chicken, or lobster meat for something special.
- Try thinly sliced apples for a sweet-savoury mix.
- Check out other cheeses like Monterey Jack, Gouda, or your favourite blend.
- Add sautéed mushrooms, wilted greens, or pesto for more flavour and texture.
There’s no limit to customizing your grilled cheese. Be creative and enjoy it. Making it at home means you can make it just how you like it.
| Cheese Variation | Protein Add-in | Bread Choice |
|---|---|---|
| Gruyère, Comté, Pepper Jack, Chipotle Gouda | Bacon, Rotisserie Chicken, Lobster Meat | Sourdough, Nutty Multigrain |
| Monterey Jack, Gouda, Cheddar Blend | Sautéed Mushrooms, Wilted Greens, Chorizo | White Bread, Marble Rye |
You can make grilled cheese gourmet with a bit of creativity and a good pantry. Be your own chef and find your new favourite cheese recipes and vegetarian recipes.
Nutritional Information and Portion Size
The Starbucks Crispy Grilled Cheese on Sourdough has about 520 calories per serving. It’s 143 grams in size. The sandwich is mostly fat, carbs, and a bit of protein, with 47%, 37%, and 16,% respectively.
The homemade version’s calories can change based on what you use and how much you make. But, it’s key to look at the whole nutritional picture. It has a lot of saturated fat, 16 grams, which is 80% of the daily value. Also, it has 1,050 milligrams of sodium, which is 46% of what’s recommended daily.
Remember, this sandwich is meant for one person. To make your lunch more balanced, try adding a fresh side salad. It will add more nutrients and fibre to your meal.
Starbucks Grilled Cheese
Recreate the iconic Starbucks grilled cheese at home with this quick and easy recipe! With a golden, crispy sourdough crust and layers of gooey white cheddar and mozzarella cheese, this sandwich is a perfect comfort food that’s ready in minutes. Simple ingredients come together to make a melty, delicious sandwich that’s just as satisfying as the original. Perfect for lunch, a cozy snack, or anytime you’re craving that classic cheesy goodness!
Ingredients
- 4 slices sourdough bread
- 2 tbsp butter, softened
- 4 slices white cheddar cheese
- 2 slices mozzarella cheese
- Optional: a pinch of garlic powder or Italian seasoning
Instructions
- Prepare the bread: Spread softened butter evenly on one side of each slice of sourdough bread.
- Assemble the sandwich: Layer 2 slices of white cheddar and 1 slice of mozzarella between two slices of bread, buttered sides facing out.
- Heat the skillet: Place a non-stick skillet over medium heat.
- Cook the sandwich: Grill each sandwich for about 4-5 minutes per side until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted and gooey. Press down lightly with a spatula for an even cook.
- Serve: Slice in half and enjoy the gooey, toasty goodness!
Notes
Nutrition Information
Yield 2Amount Per ServingCalories 400Total Fat 22gCarbohydrates 34gProtein 18g
FAQ
What is the difference between the homemade Starbucks-style grilled cheese and the original from the café?
Making your own grilled cheese at home is cheaper than buying it at Starbucks. It also takes less time. You can add your favourite cheeses or ingredients like bacon or apples. The homemade version is just as good as the Starbucks one.
What key ingredients are needed to make the copycat Starbucks grilled cheese sandwich?
You’ll need sourdough bread, butter, Parmesan cheese, garlic, mozzarella, and sharp white cheddar. Use pre-sliced sourdough, fresh Parmesan, and deli-sliced cheeses for the best taste.
How do you make the signature Parmesan butter spread that gives the Starbucks grilled cheese its distinctive crust?
Mix softened butter, Parmesan cheese, and garlic. Use 5 tablespoons of butter, 4 tablespoons of Parmesan, and 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder or one clove of garlic.
What is the best cheese blend to use for a copycat Starbucks grilled cheese sandwich?
Starbucks uses sharp white cheddar and mozzarella. Use two slices of sharp white cheddar and one slice of mozzarella. You can also try provolone, havarti, or yellow cheddar.
How do you assemble and cook the homemade Starbucks-style grilled cheese sandwich?
First, make the Parmesan butter spread and put it on the bread. Place the cheese on the unbuttered side. Cook in a skillet over low heat for 5 minutes on each side. Use a cookie sheet to melt the cheese faster.
What is the best bread type for a copycat Starbucks grilled cheese sandwich?
Sourdough is the best choice for its tanginess and texture. Use pre-sliced sourdough from the bakery. If sourdough is unavailable, try ciabatta, brioche, or multigrain bread.
Can I customize the Starbucks grilled cheese sandwich with different ingredients?
Yes, you can add your own twist while keeping the Parmesan butter crust. Swap mozzarella for Gruyere or add bacon, chicken, or lobster. Thinly sliced apples can also be a great addition.
How many calories are in the Starbucks grilled cheese sandwich, and how does the homemade version compare?
A Starbucks grilled cheese has about 520 calories. The homemade version’s calories depend on the ingredients and portion size. It’s a protein-rich meal that can be balanced with a side salad.
Source Links
- https://getonmyplate.com/starbucks-grilled-cheese/ – Perfect Starbucks Grilled Cheese (copycat recipe) | Get On My Plate