Caprese Salad Grilled Cheese (Printable)

A vibrant blend of mozzarella, tomato, basil, and balsamic glaze in a toasted bread sandwich.

# What You'll Need:

→ Bread & Dairy

01 - 4 slices sourdough or Italian bread
02 - 4 oz fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced
03 - 2 tbsp unsalted butter, softened

→ Vegetables & Herbs

04 - 1 large ripe tomato, thinly sliced
05 - 8–10 fresh basil leaves

→ Condiments & Garnish

06 - 1 tbsp balsamic glaze
07 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

# Step-by-Step:

01 - Spread softened butter evenly on one side of each bread slice.
02 - Place two bread slices, butter-side down, on a clean surface. Layer mozzarella, tomato slices, and basil leaves on top. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
03 - Drizzle balsamic glaze over the tomato and basil layers.
04 - Cover with remaining bread slices, butter-side up.
05 - Heat a nonstick skillet or grill pan over medium heat.
06 - Place sandwiches in the skillet and cook 3–4 minutes per side, pressing gently, until bread is golden and cheese melts.
07 - Remove from heat, rest for 1 minute, slice in half, and drizzle with extra balsamic glaze if desired. Serve immediately.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It's comfort food with a fresh, sophisticated edge that feels like you're doing something fancy without actually trying.
  • Twenty minutes from craving to plate, which means you can satisfy that specific sandwich itch without ordering out.
02 -
  • Don't skip the resting period; that one minute makes the difference between a melty mess and a sandwich that holds together.
  • Pat your tomato slices dry with paper towels before assembling—excess moisture is the enemy of a crispy crust.
03 -
  • Use a bench scraper or thin spatula to gently press the sandwich while it cooks; this encourages the cheese to melt while keeping the bread from sticking.
  • Medium heat is your friend here—it's slower, but you get a golden exterior and actual melted cheese instead of burnt bread and cold cheese in the middle.
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