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Copycat Starbucks grilled cheese on sourdough with melted white cheddar and mozzarella

Perfect Starbucks Grilled Cheese (Copycat Recipe)

A crispy sourdough grilled cheese with white cheddar, mozzarella, and a savory Parmesan-garlic butter crust. This is an independent copycat recipe and is not affiliated with Starbucks.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings: 2 sandwiches
Course: Lunch
Cuisine: American
Calories: 610
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Grilled Cheese
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter softened
  • 3 tablespoons Parmesan cheese very finely grated
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
  • 4 slices sourdough bread about 1/2 inch thick
  • 4 slices sharp white cheddar cheese thinly sliced
  • 4 slices low-moisture mozzarella cheese thinly sliced
  • 1 pinch fine sea salt optional

Equipment

  • Large skillet cast iron or stainless steel
  • Small mixing bowl
  • spatula
  • Butter knife

Method
 

  1. Mix the softened butter, finely grated Parmesan, garlic powder, and black pepper in a small bowl until evenly combined.
    Sourdough bread coated with Parmesan garlic butter for copycat Starbucks grilled cheese
  2. Spread a thin, even layer of Parmesan butter on one side of every sourdough slice, taking it all the way to the edges.
  3. Place two slices buttered-side down. Layer each with one slice cheddar, two slices mozzarella, and one more slice cheddar. Close with the remaining bread, buttered-side up.
  4. Preheat a large skillet over medium-low for 2 minutes. Add the sandwiches and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until golden. Cover for the final minute to help melt the cheese.
  5. Carefully flip and cook for another 3 to 4 minutes, covering again if needed, until both sides are crisp and the cheese is fully melted.
    Copycat Starbucks grilled cheese sandwiches becoming crisp and golden in a skillet
  6. Transfer to a cutting board, rest for 1 minute, slice diagonally, and serve immediately.

Notes

  • Use low-moisture mozzarella so the bread does not become soggy.
  • Medium-low heat gives the cheese time to melt before the Parmesan crust gets too dark.
  • Freshly grated Parmesan adheres better than coarse pre-shredded cheese.
  • This is an independent copycat recipe and is not affiliated with Starbucks.