How to Cook a Starbucks Grilled Cheese at Home?
The Starbucks grilled cheese sandwich has gained a bit of a cult following. With its crispy sourdough and gooey blend of cheeses, it’s no wonder people crave it regularly.
But what if you could make that same delicious grilled cheese right in your kitchen? In this guide, I’ll show you how to replicate the famous Starbucks grilled cheese at home with simple ingredients and techniques.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make a grilled cheese that rivals Starbucks, you need just a few basic ingredients:
- Sourdough bread (2 slices)
- Mozzarella cheese (2 slices or shredded)
- White cheddar cheese (2 slices or shredded)
- Butter or mayonnaise (for spreading on the bread)
These ingredients can be found at most grocery stores, but be sure to get high-quality bread and cheese for the best results.
Choosing the Right Bread
The bread you use can make or break your grilled cheese. For the Starbucks version, sourdough is the go-to choice. Why? Because sourdough has a slightly tangy flavor and a sturdy texture that crisps up beautifully without getting soggy.
If you can’t find sourdough, ciabatta or a hearty artisan loaf will work well, but sourdough really is the best match.
The Cheese Blend
Starbucks uses a combination of mozzarella and white cheddar in their grilled cheese. This duo creates the perfect balance of gooeyness and sharp flavor.
Mozzarella melts easily and gives that stretchy, gooey texture we all love, while the white cheddar adds a rich, tangy taste. If you want to experiment, you can try adding gruyère or fontina to the mix for an extra layer of flavor.
Butter vs. Mayonnaise: Which is Best?
One of the biggest grilled cheese debates is whether to use butter or mayonnaise on the bread. Both work well, but they serve slightly different purposes:
- Butter: Adds a rich, buttery flavor and helps achieve that golden-brown crust.
- Mayonnaise: Surprisingly, mayonnaise gives a slightly crisper texture and is easier to spread evenly on the bread. It also has a higher smoke point, meaning it’s less likely to burn.
For a Starbucks-style grilled cheese, either option works great, but if you’re new to grilled cheese making, try using mayonnaise for that perfect crisp.
Preparing Your Sandwich
Start by assembling your sandwich. Lay one slice of bread down and layer it with mozzarella and white cheddar cheese. If you’re using shredded cheese, be sure to spread it out evenly across the bread to ensure every bite is full of cheesy goodness.
Next, top the cheese with the second slice of bread. Lightly spread butter or mayonnaise on the outside of both bread slices.
The Ideal Cooking Temperature
To achieve the perfect grilled cheese, patience is key. You want to cook your sandwich on medium-low heat. Too high, and you risk burning the bread before the cheese has a chance to melt. A lower temperature allows the bread to crisp up slowly, giving the cheese plenty of time to get gooey without overcooking the exterior.
Cooking Time for Each Side
Once your pan or griddle is preheated to medium-low, place the sandwich on the heat. Let it cook for 3-4 minutes on each side. You’re looking for a golden-brown crust, so resist the temptation to press down on the sandwich too hard, as this can squeeze out the cheese.
Using a Panini Press for Starbucks-Style Grilled Cheese
Starbucks uses a panini press to grill their sandwiches, and this helps achieve an even heat distribution. If you have a panini press at home, it’s a great tool to use.
Simply preheat the press to medium heat and place the sandwich inside. Cook for about 3-5 minutes, or until both sides are golden and the cheese is fully melted.
The Secret to Gooey Cheese
To get that perfectly gooey cheese, use shredded cheese instead of slices. Shredded cheese melts more evenly and fills the sandwich better, ensuring every bite is packed with flavor.
Another trick? Cover the pan with a lid while the sandwich cooks. This traps heat inside and helps the cheese melt faster without overcooking the bread.
Adding a Twist to Your Grilled Cheese
If you want to put a unique spin on your grilled cheese, consider adding extra ingredients. Tomato slices, bacon, or even a sprinkle of garlic powder can elevate the flavor. Just be sure not to overstuff the sandwich, as this can make it harder for the cheese to melt evenly.
How to Serve Your Grilled Cheese?
Once your grilled cheese is done, slice it diagonally for that classic look. Serve it alongside tomato soup, potato chips, or a fresh salad. The contrast between the crispy, cheesy sandwich and a cool or creamy side dish makes for the ultimate comfort meal.
Storage and Reheating Tips
If you have leftovers (though I doubt you will!), store the grilled cheese in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, avoid using the microwave as it will make the bread soggy. Instead, reheat it in a pan on low heat or pop it in a toaster oven until the cheese is melted and the bread is crispy again.
Healthier Alternatives to the Classic Recipe
Looking for a lighter version? You can swap out the traditional sourdough for whole wheat bread or even use gluten-free bread if needed. For a vegan option, use plant-based cheeses like Daiya or Violife, and spread the bread with vegan butter or olive oil.
Conclusion
Making a Starbucks-style grilled cheese at home is easy, and with the right ingredients and techniques, you can enjoy this delicious sandwich anytime.
From choosing the best bread to perfecting the melt, these simple steps will have you serving up a restaurant-quality grilled cheese in no time!
FAQs
What kind of bread does Starbucks use for grilled cheese?
Starbucks uses sourdough bread for its grilled cheese, which gives it a crispy texture and tangy flavor.
Can I use non-dairy cheese for this recipe?
Yes! Non-dairy cheeses like Daiya or Violife melt well and make a great vegan alternative.
How can I make the grilled cheese crispier?
Use mayonnaise on the outside of the bread instead of butter for a crisper crust, and cook it slowly over medium-low heat.
What’s the best way to prevent burning the grilled cheese?
Keep the heat low and be patient. Cooking over medium-low heat allows the bread to crisp up without burning while the cheese melts.
