Get ready to transform the classic grilled cheese into a mouthwatering finger-food experience that will make your taste buds dance! These Baked Grilled Cheese Sticks are not just another recipe - they're a game-changing twist on a beloved comfort food that combines crispy, golden-brown bread with ooey-gooey melted cheese, perfectly paired with a rich, warm tomato soup. Whether you're looking for a quick lunch, a crowd-pleasing appetizer, or a nostalgic comfort meal, these cheese sticks are about to become your new obsession.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 slices of bread
- 4 slices of cheese
- 1 cup tomato soup
- Butter for spreading
- Garlic powder to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (218°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Take the bread slices and lightly butter one side of each slice. Sprinkle a small amount of garlic powder on the buttered sides for extra flavor.
- Place cheese slices between two bread slices, with the buttered sides facing outward, creating 4 sandwiches.
- Cut each sandwich diagonally into three equal "stick" portions, creating 12 total cheese sticks.
- Arrange the cheese sticks on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they are not touching each other for even baking.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the bread turns golden brown and crispy and the cheese is completely melted.
- While the cheese sticks are baking, warm the tomato soup in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching.
- Remove the cheese sticks from the oven and let them cool for 2-3 minutes to set the crispy exterior.
- Serve the baked grilled cheese sticks immediately alongside the warm tomato soup for dipping.
Tips
- Choose the right cheese: Use a cheese that melts well like cheddar, American, or monterey jack for the best gooey texture.
- Butter is key: Spread butter evenly on the bread's exterior to ensure a consistent golden-brown color and crispy texture.
- Don't overcrowd the baking sheet: Leave space between each cheese stick to allow even heat circulation and crispy edges.
- Watch carefully while baking: Ovens can vary, so start checking at the 10-minute mark to prevent burning.
- Let them rest briefly after baking to help the cheese set and make them easier to handle.
- Experiment with seasonings: Try adding dried herbs or different spices to the garlic powder for extra flavor variations.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 378kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 14g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Cholesterol: 60mg
