Gourmet Grilled Cheese Sandwich

Name: Gourmet Grilled Cheese Sandwich with Garlic Mayo
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 6 min
Total time: 16 min
Yield: 2 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 8 oz cream cheese, softened; 1 cup shredded Mexican cheese blend; 4 tbsp heavy cream; 1/2 tsp kosher salt; 1 cup mayonnaise; 1/2 tsp minced garlic; 1/2 tsp kosher salt; 8 slices sandwich bread; 4 slices provolone cheese; 4 slices mild cheddar cheese

This gourmet grilled cheese combines softened cream cheese with shredded Mexican, provolone, and cheddar cheeses, spread with garlic-infused mayonnaise for a rich, golden-brown crust that stays creamy inside.

🌍American 🏷️Grilled cheese 🏷️Sandwich 🏷️Comfort food 🏷️Cheesy Gourmet

🏷️

🏷️Provolone

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TikTok

Total

16 min

Servings

2

Difficulty

Easy

Est. Cost

$20–$33

Recipe Source

View original recipe

From TikTok

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TikTok

Ingredients

8 oz cream cheese, softened
1 cup shredded Mexican cheese blend
4 tbsp heavy cream
1/2 tsp kosher salt
1 cup mayonnaise
1/2 tsp minced garlic
1/2 tsp kosher salt
8 slices sandwich bread
4 slices provolone cheese
4 slices mild cheddar cheese

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Instructions

1
In the bowl of a stand mixer or a large bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, shredded Mexican cheese blend, heavy cream, and 1/2 teaspoon of kosher salt.
2
Mix on medium speed until the ingredients are well combined and the mixture is fluffy.
3
In a separate bowl, prepare the garlic mayonnaise spread by combining the mayonnaise, minced garlic, and the remaining 1/2 teaspoon of kosher salt.
4
Whisk the mayonnaise mixture until smooth and fully combined.
5
To assemble the sandwiches, lay out your bread slices. Place two slices of provolone cheese on half of the bread slices, and two slices of mild cheddar on the other half.
6
Generously spread the cream cheese mixture on top of the cheddar cheese slices.
7
Close the sandwiches by placing the provolone-topped slices on top of the cream cheese-topped slices.
8
Spread the garlic mayonnaise mixture on the outside of both sides of each sandwich.
9
Cook the sandwiches in a non-stick pan over medium heat for about 3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and the cheese is melted.
10
Remove from the pan, slice in half, and serve immediately.

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Tips & Notes

Pro tips

Soften the cream cheese fully and mix with heavy cream to create a spreadable paste that distributes evenly and melts without clumping.
Spread garlic mayo on the outside of bread only—reserve the creamy filling for the inside to avoid excess oil and prevent sogginess.
Cook over medium heat for 3–4 minutes per side, pressing gently midway through to encourage even cheese melting and golden browning.
Layer the three cheeses (cream cheese mixture, provolone, cheddar) for balanced flavor and texture; place softer cheeses toward the edges to prevent leakage.

Substitutions

Mexican cheese blend → Monterey Jack or mild pepper jack (for a spicier variant)
Provolone → Swiss or smoked gouda (adds nuttiness or smokiness)
Mayonnaise → equal parts softened butter and sour cream (reduces fat if preferred)

Storage & make-ahead

Store leftover sandwiches wrapped in foil in the refrigerator for up to 2 days; reheat gently in a skillet over low heat for 2–3 minutes per side to avoid scorching.

Common Questions

Can I make the garlic mayo ahead of time?

Yes, mix the mayonnaise and minced garlic up to 2 days in advance and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

How do I prevent the bread from burning while the cheese melts?

Use medium heat and allow 3–4 minutes per side. Let the cheese filling soften and melt before cooking; this reduces cooking time and prevents over-browning.