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Savory Caprese Grilled Cheese Recipe Easy Homemade with Fresh Basil and Tomato

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A delicious grilled cheese sandwich featuring fresh basil, juicy tomato slices, and a blend of shredded and sliced mozzarella cheese on rustic sourdough or olive bread. Perfect for a quick, comforting meal with a fresh twist.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 slices rustic sourdough or olive bread
  • 4 oz fresh mozzarella, sliced thin
  • ½ cup shredded mozzarella
  • 1 large ripe tomato, sliced
  • About 8 fresh basil leaves, washed and patted dry
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 teaspoon olive oil (optional)
  • Balsamic glaze for drizzling (optional)
  • Salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Slice the fresh mozzarella and tomato into thin, even slices (about ¼ inch thick). Wash and dry the basil leaves carefully.
  2. Mix the shredded mozzarella with a pinch of salt and pepper in a small bowl for easy layering.
  3. Spread a thin, even layer of softened butter on one side of each bread slice. This side will be the outside that hits the skillet.
  4. Place two bread slices butter-side down on a clean surface. Evenly distribute the shredded mozzarella on each slice.
  5. Layer the fresh mozzarella slices on top, followed by tomato slices and basil leaves.
  6. Drizzle a tiny bit of olive oil inside if desired. Finish with a pinch of salt and pepper.
  7. Top with the remaining bread slices, butter-side up.
  8. Heat a non-stick skillet or cast iron pan over medium heat. Place one sandwich in the pan and press down gently with a spatula.
  9. Cook for about 3–4 minutes until the bottom is golden brown and the cheese starts to melt.
  10. Flip carefully and cook the other side another 3–4 minutes, adjusting heat as needed to prevent burning while allowing cheese to melt thoroughly.
  11. If the bread is browning too fast but cheese isn’t melted, lower the heat and cover the pan for 1–2 minutes to trap heat.
  12. Remove from pan, slice in half, and drizzle with balsamic glaze if using. Serve immediately while warm.

Notes

Pat tomato slices dry before assembling to prevent sogginess. Use a combination of shredded and sliced mozzarella for the best melt and texture. Cook on medium or medium-low heat to avoid burning the bread while allowing cheese to melt. Fresh basil should be added inside the sandwich just before cooking to keep its flavor and prevent wilting. For a richer flavor, drizzle olive oil inside the sandwich or brush bread edges with garlic-infused olive oil instead of butter.

Nutrition

Keywords: grilled cheese, caprese, mozzarella, basil, tomato, sandwich, easy recipe, quick lunch, comfort food

Find it online: https://prismtaste.com/savory-caprese-grilled-cheese-recipe-easy-homemade-with-fresh-basil-and-tomato/