Tomato Basil Grilled Cheese (Printable Version)

Toasted bread with fresh tomato, basil, and melted cheese, perfect for a quick and flavorful meal.

# What You 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

# How to Make It:

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

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It's ready in 20 minutes but tastes like you spent hours on it.
  • The fresh basil and tomato combination transforms an ordinary sandwich into something that feels a little fancy without any real fuss.
  • It's vegetarian, budget-friendly, and works for breakfast, lunch, or a quick dinner.
02 -
  • If your tomato is watery, pat the slices dry with a paper towel before assembling—wet tomato turns your sandwich into a bread puddle.
  • Don't skimp on the butter; it's what creates that addictive crispy exterior that makes this taste homemade rather than microwave-reheated.
03 -
  • Use a cast iron skillet or well-seasoned griddle if you have one—the even heat distribution is worth the extra care.
  • Press the sandwich very gently with your spatula as it cooks; too much pressure squeezes out the cheese, not enough and the bread doesn't make full contact with the heat.
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