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Starbucks Grilled Cheese Sandwich

Recreate the beloved Starbucks grilled cheese at home with this simple recipe. Features perfectly crispy buttery bread and creamy melted cheese that's ready in just 13 minutes.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 8 minutes
Total Time 13 minutes
Servings: 1 sandwich
Course: Lunch, Snack
Cuisine: American
Calories: 385
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main
  • 2 slices of white or sourdough bread
  • 2 tablespoons butter softened
  • 2 slices of American cheese or 1.5 ounces of cheddar Swiss, or a blend
  • A pinch of salt to taste
  • A small pinch of black pepper to taste

Equipment

  • Skillet or griddle (non-stick preferred)
  • Spatula or flat turner
  • Knife for slicing
  • Cutting board
  • Plate for serving

Method
 

  1. Gather your two bread slices, softened butter, cheese slices, and seasonings on your cutting board and have them ready to go.
  2. Spread about one tablespoon of softened butter evenly on the outside of one bread slice, and the remaining butter on the outside of the second slice.
  3. Place your skillet over medium heat and let it warm for about one minute until it's hot but not smoking.
  4. Lay the first buttered bread slice butter-side-down onto the hot skillet and let it toast for about 3 to 4 minutes until light golden-brown.
  5. Once the first slice reaches golden brown, top it with your cheese slices while it's still on the skillet.
  6. Place your second buttered bread slice on top of the cheese, butter-side-up, creating a complete sandwich while still in the skillet.
  7. Cook for another 3 to 4 minutes until the bottom slice is golden brown and the cheese is fully melted inside. Use your spatula to gently press down on the sandwich once or twice during cooking.
  8. Slide the sandwich onto a plate and add a small pinch of salt and black pepper to the top while it's still warm if desired.

Notes

Keep your heat at medium throughout the entire process, as medium-high or high heat will char the bread before the cheese has time to melt properly. Use softened butter, not cold butter straight from the fridge, so it spreads smoothly without tearing the bread. Cut your sandwich diagonally after cooking to make it look more appealing and easier to handle.