Description
This Caprese Grilled Cheese Sandwich is a delicious fusion of classic Italian flavors with the comforting warmth of a grilled cheese. Featuring fresh mozzarella, ripe tomato, fragrant basil pesto, and a crispy golden crust, it’s a perfect quick meal for any time of the day.
Ingredients
Scale
Bread and Oil
- 4 slices Bread
- 2 tablespoons Olive Oil
Spread
- 4 tablespoons Basil Pesto
Filling
- 1 Fresh Mozzarella Cheese Ball
- 1 Tomato
- Salt, to taste
- Ground Black Pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the skillet or grill pan: Set your stove to medium heat and allow your skillet or grill pan to warm up thoroughly. This ensures even cooking and a nicely crisped bread exterior.
- Prepare the bread: Lightly brush the outside of each bread slice with olive oil. This will help create that characteristic golden crust when grilled.
- Apply the pesto: On the un-oiled side of each bread slice, spread a generous layer of basil pesto, giving a fresh herbal flavor that complements the cheese and tomato.
- Assemble the sandwich: Place slices of fresh mozzarella evenly over the pesto on one bread slice. Top with sliced tomato, then season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to enhance the taste.
- Cook the sandwich: Close the sandwich with the other bread slice, pesto side facing down. Place it in the heated pan and grill each side for 2-4 minutes until the bread is golden brown and the cheese has melted completely.
- Serve: Remove the sandwich from the pan, slice it in half diagonally, and serve warm to enjoy the melting cheese and fresh flavors at their best.
Notes
- Use fresh, ripe tomatoes for the best flavor and juiciness.
- Fresh mozzarella melts best when layered thinly to ensure even cooking.
- Adjust the amount of olive oil to avoid soggy bread while ensuring a crispy crust.
- If basil pesto is unavailable, a mixture of fresh basil leaves mashed with olive oil and a pinch of garlic can be a good substitute.
- For a sharper flavor, consider adding a sprinkle of grated Parmesan inside the sandwich before grilling.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Category: Lunch
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Keywords: Caprese Grilled Cheese, grilled cheese sandwich, mozzarella sandwich, basil pesto sandwich, Italian sandwich
