Tomato Basil Grilled Cheese (Printable Version)

A warm sandwich blending fresh tomato, basil, and melted mozzarella on toasted sourdough bread.

# The Ingredients 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 to 10 fresh basil leaves

→ Seasonings

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

# Step-by-Step Instructions:

01 - Spread softened butter evenly over one side of each bread slice.
02 - Place two bread slices, buttered side down, on a clean surface. Layer each with half of the mozzarella, tomato slices, basil leaves, then season with salt and pepper.
03 - Top the layered bread slices with the remaining bread slices, buttered side up.
04 - Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat.
05 - Place sandwiches on the skillet and cook for 3 to 4 minutes per side, pressing gently, until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted.
06 - Remove sandwiches from the skillet, let rest for one minute, then slice and serve warm.

# Additional Tips::

01 -
  • It's fancy enough to impress someone at lunch, but simple enough to make on a Tuesday night when you're starving.
  • Fresh basil turns the familiar into something that tastes like a restaurant made it in your kitchen.
  • The whole thing comes together in 20 minutes, start to finish.
02 -
  • Medium heat is your friend—rushing it with high heat gives you burnt bread and cold cheese in the middle, a lesson learned through several regrettable mistakes.
  • The quality of your tomato matters more than any other ingredient, so taste before you slice.
03 -
  • Slice your tomato just before assembly so it doesn't weep liquid onto the bread and make everything soggy.
  • If you're making two sandwiches, cook them one at a time so you can give each one proper attention and avoid overcrowding the pan.
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