Parmesan Crusted Grilled Cheese Sandwiches
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If you’re looking to elevate your grilled cheese game, these Parmesan Crusted Grilled Cheese Sandwiches are the way to go. Crispy, golden, and packed with flavor, they’re the perfect partner for a cozy bowl of tomato soup. I actually created this recipe to pair with the Nordstrom’s Tomato Basil Soup I shared yesterday—and let me tell you, it was every bit the dunk-worthy success I hoped for. It is the perfect grilled cheese for tomato soup.
Instead of using plain butter on the bread, I whipped up a garlic-Parmesan butter spread that adds a savory punch and helps create that irresistible crust. Inside, each sandwich is layered with sharp cheddar and creamy provolone, giving you that gooey, melty center that makes grilled cheese so comforting. The combination of textures—crispy cheesy crust outside, cheesy inside—makes this sandwich a standout, especially when dipped into rich tomato basil soup.
Ingredients for Parmesan Crusted Grilled Cheese Sandwiches
- BUTTER
- GARLIC POWDER
- SALT
- PARMESAN CHEESE
- BREAD
- CHEDDAR CHEESE SLICES
- PROVOLONE CHEESE SLICES
Instructions for Parmesan Crusted Grilled Cheese Sandwiches
Start by making the flavorful spread: in a small bowl, mix together softened butter, garlic powder, salt, and grated Parmesan cheese until well combined.
Next, spread the garlic-Parmesan butter generously over one side of each slice of bread. This buttery coating will create that irresistible golden crust as the sandwich cooks.
To assemble, place one slice of bread butter-side down in a skillet. Layer on one slice of cheddar and one slice of provolone, then top with a second slice of bread butter-side up.
Cook the sandwich over medium heat until the bottom is golden and crisp, then flip and cook the other side until the cheese is melted and the bread is perfectly toasted. Repeat the process to make a total of 3 sandwiches.
Serve warm—especially with tomato basil soup for the ultimate dunkable comfort meal!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use pre-shredded Parmesan cheese?
Yes, but freshly grated Parmesan melts and browns more evenly. Pre-shredded works in a pinch, especially for the garlic butter spread.
What kind of bread works best?
A sturdy sandwich bread like sourdough bread, Texas toast, or thick-cut white bread holds up well to the buttery crust and gooey cheese.
Can I make these in a panini press or air fryer?
Absolutely! A panini press gives a crisp, even crust. For an air fryer, cook at 375°F for 6–8 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Can I prep the garlic Parmesan butter ahead of time?
Yes—make it up to 3 days in advance and store it in the fridge. Let it soften before spreading.
What cheeses can I substitute for cheddar and provolone?
Try mozzarella, Swiss, or pepper jack for different flavor profiles. Just aim for one melty cheese and one with bold flavor.
How do I keep the crust from burning?
Cook over medium heat and watch closely. If the bread browns too quickly, lower the heat and cover the pan briefly to help the cheese melt.
FOR MORE RECIPES LIKE THIS, TRY:
- Grilled Mozzarella Sandwiches
- Hawaiian Grilled Cheese
- Italian Grilled Cheese
- Sophisted Grilled Cheese
Parmesan Crusted Grilled Cheese Sandwiches
Real Mom Kitchen
Equipment
Ingredients
- ¼ cup butter softened at room temperature
- 2 tsp garlic powder
- ¼ tsp salt
- ¼ cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- 6 slices bread
- 3 slices cheddar cheese
- 3 slices provolone cheese
Instructions
- In a small bowl, mix butter, garlic powder, salt, and Parmesan cheese together.
- Spread the mixture over one side of each of the slices of bread.
- Place a slice of the bread butter side down in a skillet. Top with a slice of each of the cheeses followed with another slice of bread with butter side up.
- Cook over medium heat until golden brown. Flip and repeat with the other side. The repeat the procces to cook all 3 sandwiches. Serves 3.
Nutrition
This is a Real Mom Kitchen original recipe.
