Tomato Basil Grilled Cheese (Print Version)

Classic comfort sandwich with fresh basil, juicy tomato, and creamy mozzarella toasted to golden perfection.

# What You'll Need:

→ Bread & Dairy

01 - 4 slices rustic or sourdough bread
02 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
03 - 4 ounces fresh mozzarella, sliced

→ Vegetables & Herbs

04 - 1 large ripe tomato, sliced
05 - 8 to 10 fresh basil leaves
06 - Salt and black pepper to taste

# How to Make It:

01 - Lay out bread slices and evenly spread softened butter on one side of each slice.
02 - Place two bread slices, buttered side down, on a clean work surface.
03 - Layer mozzarella slices evenly over the bread, followed by tomato slices and basil leaves. Sprinkle with salt and black pepper.
04 - Top with remaining bread slices, buttered side up.
05 - Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat.
06 - Place sandwiches in the skillet and cook for 3 to 4 minutes per side, or until bread is golden brown and cheese is melted. Press gently with a spatula for an even, crisp exterior.
07 - Remove from pan, cool for 1 minute, then slice and serve immediately.

# Additional Tips::

01 -
  • It takes the comfort of grilled cheese and makes it feel gourmet without any extra effort or fancy techniques.
  • The combination of creamy mozzarella, sweet tomato, and aromatic basil tastes like summer even in the middle of winter.
  • You can have it on the table in under twenty minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends.
  • It pairs beautifully with a bowl of tomato soup for the ultimate cozy meal.
02 -
  • Do not rush the heat, medium is key because high heat will burn the bread before the cheese has a chance to melt.
  • Pat the tomato slices dry with a paper towel before layering them in, or the sandwich can get soggy and lose its crispness.
  • Softening the butter first makes all the difference, cold butter tears the bread and leaves uneven patches that do not brown properly.
03 -
  • Press the sandwich gently with your spatula while it cooks to help the cheese melt faster and create a more cohesive bite.
  • If your tomatoes are especially juicy, sprinkle a tiny pinch of salt on the slices and let them sit for a few minutes, then blot them dry to prevent sogginess.
  • Use a heavy skillet or place a smaller pan on top of the sandwich as it cooks for an even, restaurant style press.
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