Besides being the Happiest Place on Earth, the Disney theme parks are also known for having some of the most delicious food. Whether you’re chomping on a Cheeseburger Egg Roll in Disney World’s Magic Kingdom, devouring a quesabirria taco in Disneyland’s Disney California Adventure, or snacking your way around the world in Epcot, the theme parks are a foodie’s paradise.
Disney has quite a few iconic snacks, including Dole Whip, turkey legs, and the Mickey-shaped pretzel. But when you stop for a full meal in between riding Haunted Mansion and watching a character-filled parade, you’ll find that even the simplest foods taste that much better when the magic of Mickey Mouse is in the kitchen.
Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort has turned a simple French toast recipe into Tonga Toast, a cultural icon that even Elvis loved. Gideon’s Bakehouse cookies draw as long a line as any Disney attraction. And the park’s grilled cheese sandwich has fans ordering the staple plus a bowl of soup in even the hottest of weather.
What makes the grilled cheese sandwich so special that parkgoers forgo restaurant reservations for the quick meal? A cheesy, creamy three-ingredient addition that’s so good, once you try it, you’ll never be able to make a grilled cheese without it again.
How To Make Copycat Disney Grilled Cheese Sandwiches
Peyton Beckwith
Disney sells two equally loved grilled cheese sandwiches: one in Disneyland’s Jolly Holiday Bakery Cafe and another at Disney World’s Woody’s Lunch Box in Toy Story Land. While, just like the parks, the cheesy sandwich at Disneyland came first, the Disney World sandwich is the one that has stolen hearts—so much so that Disney shared its official recipe when the theme parks were temporarily closed in 2020.
First off, yes, the type of cheese does matter—Disney uses two slices of Cheddar cheese and two slices of provolone cheese on each sandwich—but the pimento cheese-like spread is what really sends Disney’s grilled cheese over the top.
In between the four cheese slices, the sandwich gets a smear of a mixture of softened cream cheese, heavy cream, shredded Cheddar cheese, and a pinch of salt. Additionally, instead of butter on the outside, Disney uses a garlic aioli spread made with mayo, freshly minced garlic, and salt. So, not only does the sandwich get an even brown color and crispy bite, but it also has a punch of garlic and salt flavor.
Combine all the cheesy ingredients, savory garlic spread, and perfectly toasted white bread and you’ve got an “epic” grilled cheese sandwich, according to Allrecipes Senior Producer Nicole McLaughlin.
“Holy smokes, that’s good,” she said after trying the first bite of our copycat recipe. “That garlic comes through, then you get the tang from the cream cheese. It’s savory, it’s rich, and maybe in the top grilled cheeses I’ve ever had.”
So, whether you’re missing the bustling views of Main Street, U.S.A., or simply want to upgrade your grilled cheese beyond anything you’ve tried before, this copycat recipe will certainly do the trick. It seems everything Disney touches really does have a dose of magic.
Get the recipe
Copycat Disneyland Grilled Cheese
Dining and Cooking