Garlic Bread Grilled Cheese Recipe

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Ingredients

This recipe was developed at its original yield. Ingredient amounts are automatically adjusted, but cooking times and steps remain unchanged. Note that not all recipes scale perfectly.

Original recipe (1X) yields 2 servings

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
• 1 tablespoon grated Pecorino Romano cheese
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 4 slices white bread
• 4 slices provolone cheese
• cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Directions

Step 1: Heat a large skillet over medium heat.

Step 2: In a small bowl, combine the butter, chopped parsley, grated Pecorino Romano cheese, and minced garlic. Mix well.

Step 3: Lightly coat one side of each slice of bread with the butter mixture, then flip the slices over.

Step 4: Place two slices of bread, buttered side down, on a clean surface. Top with provolone and shredded mozzarella cheese.

Step 5: Place the remaining two slices of bread on top of the cheese-topped slices, buttered sides up.

Step 6: Transfer the sandwich to the skillet and cook on one side for 3 to 4 minutes, or until golden brown.

Step 7: Flip the sandwiches and cook on the second side for another 3 to 4 minutes, until the cheese is melted and the bread is golden brown.

Step 8: Remove the sandwiches from the skillet and cut each sandwich in half. Serve immediately.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

Nutrition Information	Amount	% Daily Value*
Calories	625	-
Total Fat	45g	58%
Saturated Fat	28g	141%
Cholesterol	122mg	41%
Sodium	1062mg	46%
Total Carbohydrate	28g	10%
Dietary Fiber	1g	5%
Total Sugars	3g	-
Protein	27g	54%
Vitamin C	6mg	6%
Calcium	779mg	60%
Iron	3mg	14%
Potassium	189mg	4%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data.

If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.

Recipe Source: Kimberly Holland

History of Garlic Bread Grilled Cheese

The Garlic Bread Grilled Cheese is a modern twist on two classic comfort foods. Grilled cheese sandwiches have been a staple in American cuisine for decades, with roots tracing back to the early 20th century. The combination of warm, melted cheese between crispy bread became an iconic dish, especially popular during the Great Depression for its low cost and ease of preparation. Garlic bread, on the other hand, is an Italian-American creation, blending the rich flavors of garlic, butter, and herbs on toasted bread. This fusion sandwich combines the best of both worlds, offering the savory comfort of grilled cheese with the aromatic, buttery crunch of garlic bread. It's a perfect example of culinary creativity, where the simplicity of a grilled cheese sandwich is elevated by the addition of garlic butter, making it a flavorful delight for cheese lovers.

Regional Variations and Regional Significance

Garlic bread is commonly associated with Italian-American cuisine, often served as a side dish with pasta, salads, or soups. It is a ubiquitous presence in Italian-American restaurants, especially in the United States, where it has evolved beyond its roots in Italy, where bread was simply seasoned with garlic and olive oil. In contrast, grilled cheese sandwiches have deep roots in North American cuisine, where they became popularized during the 1920s and 1930s with the advent of processed cheese and the widespread availability of sliced bread. The Garlic Bread Grilled Cheese, however, is an innovation that bridges these two culinary traditions, bringing together two beloved comfort foods into one satisfying sandwich. It is a perfect fusion of Italian and American culinary cultures.

How It Differs From Similar Dishes

What makes the Garlic Bread Grilled Cheese unique is the combination of the classic grilled cheese sandwich with garlic bread. While regular grilled cheese typically uses plain butter for the bread, this recipe calls for a garlic butter spread, enhancing the flavor profile with aromatic herbs and garlic. Moreover, the blend of Pecorino Romano, provolone, and mozzarella cheeses gives it a richer, more complex taste compared to traditional single-cheese grilled cheese sandwiches. The result is a sandwich that is crispy on the outside, gooey on the inside, and bursting with flavor.

Where It Is Typically Served

The Garlic Bread Grilled Cheese is often served as a casual meal or comfort food, making it a popular choice for lunch or dinner. It is commonly found in American diners, cafes, and casual eateries. While it might not be a traditional menu item in all restaurants, its rich flavor and hearty ingredients make it an ideal option for a hearty lunch or dinner. It pairs well with soups, especially tomato soup, which is a classic accompaniment for grilled cheese sandwiches. It can also be served as a side dish to more robust meals or enjoyed as a snack on its own.

Interesting Facts About Garlic Bread Grilled Cheese

• Garlic bread itself has evolved from an ancient Roman dish called panis focacius, which was seasoned with oil, salt, and herbs.
• The grilled cheese sandwich became popular in the United States during the 1920s, after sliced bread became widely available.
• Grilled cheese sandwiches were often served to soldiers during World War II because they were easy to make and inexpensive.
• Adding garlic to bread enhances its flavor and aroma, which is why garlic bread has become a favorite side dish for many Italian-American meals.
• This dish is highly customizable, with people adding ingredients like ham, mushrooms, or other cheeses to create their own unique versions.

Recipe

Ingredients:

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
• 1 tablespoon grated Pecorino Romano cheese
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 4 slices white bread
• 4 slices provolone cheese
• cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Instructions:

1. Heat a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Combine butter, parsley, Pecorino Romano cheese, and garlic in a small bowl.
3. Lightly coat one side of each bread slice with the butter mixture; flip. Top two slices of bread with provolone and mozzarella cheese, then place the remaining two slices, buttered-sides up, on top.
4. Cook on one side until golden brown, 3 to 4 minutes. Flip and cook on the second side until cheese is melted and the bread is golden brown, another 3 to 4 minutes. Cut sandwiches in half and serve.

Nutrition Information (per serving):

• Calories: 625 kcal
• Fat: 45 g
• Carbohydrates: 28 g
• Protein: 27 g
• Sodium: 1062 mg
• Saturated Fat: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 122 mg
• Fiber: 1 g

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