Caprese Grilled Cheese

5 from 3 votes

Caprese Grilled Cheese is a delightful twist on a classic! Melty mozzarella, ripe tomatoes, and zesty pesto snuggled between buttery sourdough slices—pure comfort in every bite!

Prep Time10

Total Time10

Course: Dinner

Cuisine: Italian

Keyword: Caprese Grilled Cheese

Servings: sandwich

Author: Chelsea Lords

Cost: $4.24

Equipment

Medium pan or electric griddle

Ingredients

2 tablespoons salted butter softened
2 slices sourdough bread 1-inch thick
Garlic powder
Italian seasoning
2/3 cup freshly shredded mozzarella cheese
6 slices roma tomato
basil pesto
4 large basil leaves ribboned
Balsamic reduction optional, see note 1
Salt and pepper

US - Metric

Instructions

Spread butter on both sides of the bread slices. Sprinkle lightly with garlic powder and Italian seasoning. If using unsalted butter, add a pinch of salt to the inside pieces of bread.
Heat a pan over medium-low heat or set an electric griddle to 275°F. Place the bread slices in the pan and cook for 1 minute. Flip the bread so the toasted side is up. On one slice, add 1/3 cup mozzarella cheese, sliced tomatoes, pesto, and the remaining 1/3 cup cheese. Place the other slice of bread on top, with the hot toasted side touching the cheese.
Cook for 2–4 minutes, then flip the sandwich. Cover the pan with a lid and cook for another 2–4 minutes, or until the bread is golden and crisp and the cheese is melted.
Remove the sandwich from the heat and lift the top piece of bread enough to add the fresh basil leaves. If desired, drizzle with a small amount of balsamic reduction.
Serve the grilled cheese immediately with extra pesto and balsamic reduction on the side, if desired.

Video

Notes

Note 1: You can buy balsamic reduction or make it easily by combining 1 cup balsamic vinegar and 1/4 cup honey in a small pot. Place over high heat, bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer until the vinegar mixture reduceds to 1/3 cup, about 10 minutes. Set this balsamic reduction aside to cool before adding it to the sandwich.

Nutrition