Caprese Grilled Cheese Dippers (Printer-friendly)

Golden, melty grilled cheese sandwiches inspired by Caprese salad with fresh mozzarella, tomato, and basil served with marinara.

# What You'll Need:

→ Bread & Dairy

01 - 8 slices sourdough or country white bread
02 - 8 oz fresh mozzarella, sliced
03 - 3 tbsp unsalted butter, softened

→ Vegetables & Herbs

04 - 2 medium ripe tomatoes, sliced
05 - 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves

→ Sauce

06 - 1 cup marinara sauce, warmed

→ Seasonings

07 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
08 - 1 tbsp olive oil, optional for brushing bread

# Steps:

01 - Preheat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat.
02 - Lay out bread slices and spread softened butter on one side of each slice.
03 - On the unbuttered side of half the slices, layer mozzarella, tomato slices, and basil leaves. Season lightly with salt and pepper. Top with remaining bread slices, buttered side facing out.
04 - Lightly brush a little olive oil on the outside of each sandwich for extra crispness.
05 - Place sandwiches in the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, pressing gently, until golden brown and cheese is melted.
06 - Remove sandwiches and let cool for 1-2 minutes. Slice each into 3-4 strips.
07 - Serve warm with a bowl of marinara sauce for dipping.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Takes everything you love about Caprese salad and tucks it into buttery, golden bread
  • The dippable format makes people surprisingly happy, like elevated childhood comfort food
  • Ready in twenty minutes but looks like you put actual thought into hosting
02 -
  • Patting tomatoes dry is not optional, I learned this the hard way with a pan full of soggy disappointment
  • Low and slow beats high heat, rushing results in burnt bread before the cheese melts through
03 -
  • Use a cast iron skillet if you have one, the heat distribution creates the most even golden crust
  • Letting sandwiches rest for even 60 seconds makes cutting cleaner and prevents cheese escape
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