Caprese Grilled Cheese Dippers (Print Version)

Golden, melty grilled cheese sandwiches inspired by classic Caprese salad, sliced into strips and served with marinara.

# Components:

→ Bread & Dairy

01 - 8 slices sourdough or country white bread
02 - 8 oz fresh mozzarella, sliced
03 - 3 tbsp unsalted butter, softened

→ Vegetables & Herbs

04 - 2 medium ripe tomatoes, sliced
05 - 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves

→ Sauce

06 - 1 cup marinara sauce, warmed

→ Seasonings

07 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
08 - 1 tbsp olive oil, optional for brushing bread

# Preparation Steps:

01 - Preheat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat.
02 - Lay out bread slices and spread softened butter on one side of each slice.
03 - On the unbuttered side of half the slices, layer mozzarella, tomato slices, and basil leaves. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
04 - Top with remaining bread slices, buttered side facing outward.
05 - Lightly brush a little olive oil on the outside of each sandwich for extra crispness if desired.
06 - Place sandwiches in the skillet. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes per side, pressing gently, until golden brown and cheese is melted.
07 - Remove sandwiches and let cool for 1 to 2 minutes. Slice each into 3 to 4 strips.
08 - Serve warm with a bowl of marinara sauce for dipping.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It takes the comfort of grilled cheese and turns it into something you can serve at a party without any fuss.
  • The fresh basil and tomato make it feel light and summery, even though its melted cheese on butter-toasted bread.
  • Slicing them into strips means everyone gets crispy edges in every bite.
  • You can make a whole batch in one skillet without flipping individual pieces a dozen times.
02 -
  • If your tomatoes are really juicy, pat them dry with a paper towel before layering them in, or the bread can get soggy.
  • Dont rush the heat, medium is your friend here because it gives the cheese time to melt before the bread burns.
  • Letting the sandwiches rest before slicing keeps the cheese from oozing out all over your cutting board.
03 -
  • Press down gently with your spatula while the sandwiches cook, it helps the cheese melt evenly and the layers stick together.
  • If the bread is browning too fast, lower the heat and give the cheese more time to melt through.
  • Fresh mozzarella has more moisture than low-moisture mozzarella, so if you use the drier kind, youll get less ooze but more browning.
Return