Andy Montoya
Starbucks' grilled cheese sandwich is a popular item on their menu, and surprisingly delicious for a coffee shop. It is made with a combination of mozzarella and white cheddar cheese, with a butter and parmesan spread on the outside. The sandwich is made with sourdough bread and cooked until the cheese is melted and gooey. Many people have tried to recreate the Starbucks grilled cheese sandwich at home with copycat recipes, and while some have come close, the exact recipe is hard to replicate.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Bread | Sourdough |
| Cheese | Mozzarella, White Cheddar, Parmesan |
| Other ingredients | Butter, Garlic |
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What You'll Learn
Starbucks grilled cheese ingredients
The Starbucks grilled cheese sandwich is a popular item on their menu. It is made with a combination of mozzarella and white cheddar cheese, with a parmesan butter spread on the outside. The sandwich is made with sourdough bread, which is coated with the parmesan butter spread and then toasted until the cheese is melted.
To make the parmesan butter spread, mix together softened butter and grated parmesan cheese. Some recipes suggest adding crushed garlic to the mix. This spread is then coated on the outside of the bread.
For the cheese filling, it is recommended to use slices of mozzarella and white cheddar cheese. However, shredded cheese can also be used. The cheese is placed between two slices of sourdough bread, with the buttered side facing outward.
The sandwich is then cooked in a skillet or on a baking tray until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted. This usually takes around 5 minutes per side.
The Starbucks grilled cheese sandwich can be customised with different types of cheese, such as Gruyere or smoked Gouda, or by adding proteins like bacon or rotisserie chicken.
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Recreating the recipe at home
The Starbucks grilled cheese sandwich is a popular item on their menu, and it can be easily recreated at home. Here is a step-by-step guide to making your own Starbucks grilled cheese sandwich:
Ingredients:
- Bread: Thick-cut slices of sourdough bread are the closest to what Starbucks uses. You can also use brioche, multigrain, or ciabatta bread.
- Butter: Use good-quality unsalted butter and ensure it is softened at room temperature before mixing.
- Parmesan: Grate the Parmesan cheese into the softened butter. The best varieties to use are Parmigiano Reggiano or Pecorino Romano.
- Garlic: Crush fresh garlic cloves and set aside.
- Cheese: Starbucks uses a combination of mozzarella and white cheddar cheese. You can use slices or shred the cheese yourself. Provolone, havarti, fontina, and yellow cheddar are also great options for a melty sandwich.
Optional Ingredients:
- You can add bacon and tomato for a smoky and tangy flavour.
- For extra crunch and flavour, sprinkle garlic powder on the buttered bread.
- Other cheese options include Swiss, Monterey Jack, smoked Gouda, Gruyere, or even Brie.
- Use multigrain or fruit and nut bread instead of sourdough.
- Spread basil pesto or fig jam on the inside for a gourmet twist.
Instructions:
- Mix the softened butter, grated Parmesan, and crushed garlic in a small bowl until smooth.
- Spread the butter mixture generously on the outside of each slice of bread.
- Layer the mozzarella and cheddar cheese slices on the non-buttered side of the bread.
- Top the sandwiches with the remaining slices of bread, ensuring the buttered side is facing outward.
- Heat a large skillet or griddle to medium-low heat.
- Place the sandwiches on the hot skillet or griddle and cook for about 5 minutes on each side, or until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted.
- Remove the sandwiches from the skillet, cut in half, and serve immediately.
Enjoy your homemade Starbucks grilled cheese sandwich! It is best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Simply reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop over medium-low heat for a few minutes on each side.
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Customising the sandwich
The Starbucks grilled cheese sandwich is a combination of mozzarella and white cheddar cheese, coated with a butter and Parmesan spread, and toasted to perfection. However, you can customise the sandwich to your liking. Here are some ideas:
- Cheese: While the classic combination of mozzarella and white cheddar works well, you can experiment with different cheeses. Try using Gruyere, smoked Gouda, Swiss, Monterey Jack, provolone, havarti, fontina, yellow cheddar, or even Brie instead of the mozzarella or white cheddar.
- Bread: Starbucks uses sourdough bread, but feel free to use your preferred bread. Brioche, multigrain, fruit and nut bread, or even ciabatta would be great alternatives.
- Toppings: Add some toppings to the sandwich to give it a smoky or tangy flavour. Try adding cooked bacon, rotisserie chicken, or thinly sliced apples. You can also spread some basil pesto or fig jam on the inside for a gourmet twist.
- Extras: If you're feeling adventurous, try adding some extras like sliced dill pickles or Heinz Dill Pickle Relish. You can also sprinkle garlic powder on the buttered bread for an extra kick.
Remember, the key to a great grilled cheese sandwich is to keep the same butter-Parmesan crust, which gives the sandwich its unique flavour and texture. So, feel free to experiment with different cheeses, breads, and toppings, but don't skip the Parmesan butter!
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The best cheeses to use
Starbucks grilled cheese sandwich is made with a combination of mozzarella and white cheddar cheese. The key to a good grilled cheese sandwich is the blend of cheeses, and the combination of mozzarella and white cheddar creates a sharp yet smooth and milky flavour.
Mozzarella is a soft cheese that is known for its stretchy, gooey texture and mild flavour. It melts easily and is a good base cheese for a grilled cheese sandwich. When paired with a sharper cheese like cheddar, it provides a nice balance of flavours.
White cheddar is a type of cheddar cheese that has a slightly sharper and tangier flavour compared to regular cheddar. It has a more intense flavour without being too overpowering. The sharpness of the white cheddar pairs well with the mildness of the mozzarella, creating a nice contrast.
Other cheeses that can be used in a grilled cheese sandwich include provolone, havarti, fontina, yellow cheddar, and smoked Gouda. These cheeses all melt well and have unique flavours that can enhance the sandwich. For those who want an even sharper flavour, Gruyere or a nutty cheese can be used in place of mozzarella.
In addition to the cheeses, the Starbucks grilled cheese sandwich also features a butter-garlic Parmesan spread on the outside of the bread. This adds a crunchy, salty element to the sandwich and enhances the overall flavour.
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How to store leftovers
Grilled cheese sandwiches are best enjoyed fresh, but if you have any leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place the sandwich on a stovetop or in a microwave for a few minutes on each side until warmed through.
When reheating on the stovetop, use medium-low heat and cook the sandwich for about 5 minutes on each side, or until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted. If using a microwave, set it to medium power and heat the sandwich in short intervals, checking frequently to avoid overcooking.
Additionally, you can add a little butter or oil to the pan to enhance the flavour and promote even heating. If you prefer a crispier texture, a non-stick skillet or a griddle can be used over medium-low heat. Place the sandwich on the preheated surface and cook for a few minutes on each side until warmed to your desired level.
For those who prefer their grilled cheese extra crispy, an oven can be utilised. Place the sandwich on a non-stick baking tray and heat it at a moderate temperature for about 5-6 minutes on each side. This method ensures even heating and a crunchy exterior.
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Frequently asked questions
Starbucks uses a combination of mozzarella and white cheddar cheese in their grilled cheese.
Starbucks uses thick-cut slices of sourdough bread for their grilled cheese.
To make a copycat Starbucks grilled cheese, mix butter and parmesan cheese in a small bowl. Spread the mixture generously on one side of each slice of bread. Layer mozzarella and cheddar cheese slices on the non-buttered side of one slice. Top with the remaining slice of bread, with the buttered side facing outward. Place a griddle or large skillet over medium-low heat. Carefully place the assembled sandwich onto the hot griddle or skillet and cook for about 5 minutes per side or until golden brown and toasted.
