Caprese Grilled Cheese Recipe
A delicious and melty Caprese Grilled Cheese sandwich that combines gooey mozzarella, fresh tomato slices, fragrant basil pesto, and aromatic herbs on perfectly toasted sourdough bread. This easy stovetop grilled cheese offers a fresh twist on the classic Italian Caprese salad, ideal for a comforting lunch or quick dinner.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 1 sandwich
- Category: Lunch, Snack
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Bread and Butter
- 2 tablespoons salted butter, softened
- 2 slices sourdough bread, 1-inch thick
Seasonings
- Garlic powder, lightly sprinkled
- Italian seasoning, lightly sprinkled
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Cheese and Fillings
- 2/3 cup freshly shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- 6 slices roma tomato
- Basil pesto, to taste
- 4 large basil leaves, ribboned
Optional
- Balsamic reduction, for drizzling
Instructions
- Prepare the bread: Spread softened butter evenly on both sides of the sourdough bread slices. Lightly sprinkle garlic powder and Italian seasoning over the buttered surfaces. If using unsalted butter, add a pinch of salt to the inside pieces for seasoning.
- Preheat the pan: Heat a pan over medium-low heat or set an electric griddle to 275°F (135°C). This moderate temperature ensures the bread toasts evenly without burning while the cheese melts inside.
- Toast the first side: Place the bread slices into the heated pan and cook for about 1 minute, allowing the buttered side to get lightly toasted. Then, flip the slices so the toasted sides face up.
- Assemble the sandwich: On one slice of bread (toasted side up), layer 1/3 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese, followed by the sliced roma tomatoes, a generous spread of basil pesto, and the remaining 1/3 cup of mozzarella. Place the second slice of bread on top, with the hot toasted side facing down toward the cheese layer.
- Cook the sandwich: Continue cooking the sandwich for 2 to 4 minutes. Then carefully flip the sandwich. Cover the pan with a lid and cook for another 2 to 4 minutes until the bread is golden brown and crisp and the cheese is thoroughly melted.
- Add fresh basil and optional balsamic: Remove the sandwich from the pan. Gently lift the top piece of bread and insert the ribboned fresh basil leaves inside. If desired, drizzle a small amount of balsamic reduction over the filling for added sweetness and tang.
- Serve: Serve the Caprese Grilled Cheese immediately while warm, with extra basil pesto and balsamic reduction on the side if you like.
Notes
- For an extra flavor boost, make your own balsamic reduction by simmering balsamic vinegar until thick and syrupy.
- Adjust the amount of garlic powder and Italian seasoning to your taste preferences.
- Use good quality sourdough bread for the best texture and flavor.
- Cook on low heat to ensure the cheese melts fully without burning the bread.
Find it online: https://flavorspath.com/caprese-grilled-cheese-recipe/
