This amazing Caprese grilled cheese sandwich is a fun twist on the classic Italian combo of tomatoes, basil, and mozzarella!
Crusty sourdough bread is oozing with melted cheese and juicy tomato slices. Fresh basil and pesto’s bright, herbaceous notes infuse the sandwich. It screams summer, but you’ll want it all year round!
The best part? It’s surprisingly easy to whip up at home.
With just a handful of simple ingredients and a few minutes in the skillet, you can transform everyday staples into a restaurant-worthy meal.
Why You’ll Love This Caprese Grilled Cheese Sandwich
Gourmet Experience: It offers a gourmet twist on classic comfort food. It combines the elegance of a Caprese salad with the nostalgic appeal of a grilled cheese.
“Simple Preparation: This recipe is easy to prepare, with just a few steps and minimal ingredients. It’s perfect for a quick meal without compromising on flavor.
Visual Appeal: The vibrant colors of the fresh basil, ripe tomatoes, and golden-brown bread make this sandwich so pretty.
Delicious Taste: The combination of creamy mozzarella, tangy pesto, and juicy tomatoes creates a mouthwatering flavor profile.
Ingredients
- Crusty Sourdough Bread: The sturdy foundation for this flavorful sandwich. Its tangy chewiness perfectly complements the creamy fillings.
- Basil Pesto: The vibrant green spread packs a flavorful punch and adds a bright, herby kick to every bite.
- Fresh Mozzarella Cheese: It’s the star of the Caprese show!
- Large Ripe Tomato: Ripe tomato slices bring a burst of freshness to the sandwich.
- Fresh Basil Leaves: They elevate the classic Caprese flavor combination.
- Salted Butter: It creates a crispy, golden crust on the outside of the sandwich.
- Balsamic Glaze (Optional): It adds depth and a touch of sophistication to this grilled cheese masterpiece.
How to Make Caprese Grilled Cheese Sandwich
This sandwich provides a gourmet experience with minimal effort! Just follow these steps.
1. Spread the pesto. Spread about 1 tablespoon of the basil pesto on one side of each slice of bread.
2. Layer the ingredients. On one slice of bread, layer half of the mozzarella cheese slices, then the tomato slices, fresh basil leaves, and the remaining mozzarella. Top with the other slice of bread, pesto side down.
3. Butter the bread. Heat a skillet over medium-low heat. Spread the softened butter on the outside of both slices of bread.
4. Cook the sandwich. Place the sandwich in the skillet and cook until the bread is toasted and golden brown, about 3-4 minutes. Carefully flip the sandwich and continue cooking until the other side is golden brown and the cheese is melted, another 3-4 minutes.
5. Serve. Remove the sandwich from the skillet. Cut in half diagonally and serve immediately. If desired, drizzle with balsamic glaze for an extra pop of flavor. Enjoy your delicious caprese grilled cheese sandwich!
Tips for the Best Caprese Grilled Cheese Sandwich
To make your sandwich restaurant-quality, follow these simple tips.
- Choose the right bread. Use a crusty, hearty bread like sourdough that can stand up to the juicy tomatoes and hold the sandwich together well when grilled.
- Take a shortcut. You can use store-bought basil pesto for convenience. Or, make your own homemade pesto for maximum fresh flavor.
- Choose your cheese wisely. Fresh mozzarella offers a creamy, stretchy texture. But you can also use provolone or a mix of shredded mozzarella for extra flavor.
- Pick some top tomatoes. Choose ripe, juicy tomatoes and slice them thinly so they heat through without making the sandwich soggy. Pat them dry before adding.
- Double your pleasure. Spread softened butter on the outside of both slices of bread before grilling for an extra crispy, golden exterior.
- Boost the flavor. Drizzle the finished sandwich with aged balsamic vinegar or balsamic glaze for a pop of tangy-sweet flavor.
- Make it a feast. Serve with a side of tomato soup, Italian chopped salad, or pasta salad for a satisfying meal.
More Grilled Cheese Recipes To Try
Sheet-Pan Grilled Cheese
Pesto Grilled Cheese
BLT Grilled Cheese
French Onion Grilled Cheese
Caprese Grilled Cheese Sandwich
1
servings10
minutes8
minutes947
kcalLevel up your lunch game with this Caprese grilled cheese sandwich! With tomatoes, basil, pesto, and mozzarella, it’s such a refreshing treat.
Ingredients
2 slices crusty sourdough bread
2-3 tablespoons basil pesto
4 oz fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced 1/4 inch thick
1 large ripe tomato, sliced 1/4 inch thick
8-10 fresh basil leaves
2 tablespoons salted butter, softened
Balsamic glaze, for drizzling (optional)
Instructions
- Spread about 1 tablespoon of the basil pesto on one side of each slice of bread.
- On one slice of bread, layer half of the mozzarella cheese slices, then the tomato slices, fresh basil leaves, and the remaining mozzarella. Top with the other slice of bread, pesto side down.
- Heat a skillet over medium-low heat. Spread the softened butter on the outside of both slices of bread.
- Place the sandwich in the skillet and cook until the bread is toasted and golden brown, about 3-4 minutes. Carefully flip the sandwich and continue cooking until the other side is golden brown and the cheese is melted, another 3-4 minutes.
- Remove the sandwich from the skillet. Cut in half diagonally and serve immediately. If desired, drizzle with balsamic glaze for an extra pop of flavor. Enjoy your delicious Caprese grilled cheese sandwich!
Notes
- Using crusty bread like sourdough is well-suited to the juicy tomatoes and helps prevent the sandwich from getting soggy.
- Bringing the mozzarella to room temperature first ensures it will melt nicely without overcooking the bread.
- Cooking low and slow gives the cheese time to fully melt while the bread gets perfectly golden and crisp.
