Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Recreates a popular café-style grilled cheese at home.
- Features a blend of cheeses for extra flavor and creaminess.
- Golden, crispy bread with perfectly melted cheese inside.
- Quick and easy to prepare in minutes.
- Great for pairing with soup or salad.
- Perfect comfort food for any time of day.
- Easy to customize with additional fillings.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
sourdough bread
sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
gruyere cheese, shredded
mozzarella cheese, shredded
parmesan cheese, grated
butter, softened
mayonnaise
Directions
- Heat a skillet or griddle over medium heat.
- In a bowl, mix the shredded cheddar, gruyere, and mozzarella cheeses.
- Spread a thin layer of mayonnaise on one side of each slice of sourdough bread.
- Spread a light layer of butter over the mayonnaise for extra crispness.
- Place one slice of bread, mayonnaise side down, onto the heated skillet.
- Add a generous amount of the cheese mixture on top of the bread and sprinkle some grated parmesan over it.
- Place the second slice of bread on top, with the mayonnaise side facing outward.
- Cook for about 3–4 minutes until the bottom becomes golden brown.
- Carefully flip the sandwich and cook another 3–4 minutes until the cheese melts and the other side is crispy.
- Remove from the skillet, allow it to rest for a minute, then slice and serve warm.
Servings and timing
Servings: 2 sandwiches
Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 8 minutes
Total time: 13 minutes
Variations
Add sliced tomatoes inside the sandwich for a fresh and juicy twist.
Include crispy bacon for a smoky flavor.
Use brioche or artisan bread instead of sourdough for a softer texture.
Add caramelized onions for a sweet and savory depth of flavor.
Mix a little cream cheese into the shredded cheese blend for extra richness.
Storage/Reheating
Refrigerator: Store leftover sandwiches in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
Reheating on skillet: Heat the sandwich in a skillet over medium-low heat until warmed through and crisp again.
Reheating in oven: Warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 8–10 minutes.
Avoid reheating in the microwave if possible, as it may make the bread soggy.
FAQs
What makes this grilled cheese similar to the Zupas version?
The combination of multiple cheeses and the use of mayonnaise and butter on the bread helps create the same creamy interior and crispy golden crust.
Can I use different cheeses?
Yes, cheeses like fontina, provolone, or Monterey Jack can be used depending on your preference.
Why use mayonnaise instead of only butter?
Mayonnaise spreads easily and helps create a crisp, evenly browned crust.
What type of bread works best?
Sourdough works well because it holds the melted cheese and develops a great crispy texture.
Can I cook this sandwich in an air fryer?
Yes, cook it at 375°F (190°C) for about 6–8 minutes, flipping halfway through.
How do I keep the cheese from spilling out?
Avoid overfilling the sandwich and press the bread lightly together before cooking.
Can I make this sandwich ahead of time?
You can assemble the sandwich ahead, store it in the refrigerator, and cook it when ready to serve.
What soups pair well with grilled cheese?
Tomato soup, roasted red pepper soup, or creamy vegetable soup pair wonderfully with grilled cheese.
Can I freeze grilled cheese sandwiches?
It is not recommended, as the texture of the bread and cheese may change after freezing.
How do I get perfectly melted cheese?
Cook the sandwich over medium to medium-low heat so the cheese melts before the bread browns too quickly.
Conclusion
This Copycat Zupas Ultimate Grilled Cheese brings the comforting café favorite into your kitchen with its rich blend of melted cheeses and perfectly crisp golden bread. Simple to prepare and incredibly satisfying, it’s a perfect meal for pairing with soups or enjoying on its own. Once you try this homemade version, it’s sure to become a regular favorite.
PrintCopycat Zupas Ultimate Grilled Cheese
This Copycat Zupas Ultimate Grilled Cheese recreates the rich, creamy café favorite with a blend of melted cheeses and perfectly crisp golden sourdough bread. It’s a comforting, indulgent sandwich that’s simple to prepare and perfect for lunch or dinner.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Total Time: 13 minutes
- Yield: 2 sandwiches
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Pan Fry
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 4 slices sourdough bread
- 1/2 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup gruyere cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 2 tablespoons parmesan cheese, grated
- 2 tablespoons butter, softened
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
Instructions
- Heat a skillet or griddle over medium heat.
- In a bowl, combine the shredded cheddar, gruyere, and mozzarella cheeses.
- Spread a thin layer of mayonnaise on one side of each slice of sourdough bread.
- Spread a light layer of butter over the mayonnaise.
- Place one slice of bread, mayonnaise side down, onto the heated skillet.
- Add a generous amount of the cheese mixture on top and sprinkle grated parmesan over it.
- Place the second slice of bread on top with the mayonnaise side facing outward.
- Cook for 3–4 minutes until the bottom is golden brown.
- Carefully flip the sandwich and cook another 3–4 minutes until the cheese melts and the other side becomes crisp.
- Remove from the skillet, let rest for 1 minute, then slice and serve warm.
Notes
- Add sliced tomatoes for a fresh and juicy variation.
- Crispy bacon can be included for a smoky flavor.
- Brioche or artisan bread can be used instead of sourdough for a softer texture.
- Caramelized onions add a sweet and savory depth of flavor.
- Reheat leftovers in a skillet or oven to keep the bread crisp.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 520 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 920 mg
- Fat: 31 g
- Saturated Fat: 16 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 36 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 23 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg
