Tomato Basil Grilled Cheese (Printable)

Toasted sourdough with melted mozzarella, fresh tomato slices, and basil leaves.

# What You'll Need:

→ Bread & Dairy

01 - 4 slices sourdough or country-style bread
02 - 4 oz mozzarella cheese, sliced or shredded
03 - 2 tbsp unsalted butter, softened

→ Vegetables & Herbs

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

→ Seasonings

06 - Salt, to taste
07 - Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

# Directions:

01 - Spread softened unsalted butter evenly over one side of each bread slice.
02 - Place two buttered-side-down bread slices on a cutting board and layer each with half the mozzarella, tomato slices, basil leaves, salt, and freshly ground black pepper.
03 - Top the layered slices with the remaining bread, buttered side up.
04 - Preheat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat.
05 - Place sandwiches into the skillet and cook for 3 to 4 minutes per side, pressing gently, until bread is golden brown and cheese has melted.
06 - Remove sandwiches from skillet, allow to cool for one minute, then slice and serve warm.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • The tomatoes soften just enough to become juicy without making the bread soggy
  • Fresh basil transforms an ordinary grilled cheese into something that tastes like an Italian café
  • Twenty minutes from ingredients to dinner, perfect for those nights when you need food fast
02 -
  • Pat your tomato slices dry with paper towels before layering them, or the bread will steam instead of crisp
  • Medium heat is your friend, high heat burns the bread before the cheese melts
03 -
  • Use a cast iron skillet if you have one, it holds heat evenly and creates the most gorgeous crust
  • Layer the tomatoes in the middle with cheese on both sides, this prevents the bread directly under the tomatoes from getting soggy
Return