Caprese Grilled Cheese Dippers (Print version)

Golden, melty sandwiches inspired by Caprese salad, sliced into strips for dipping in warm marinara sauce.

# What You'll Need:

→ 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)

# Cooking Steps:

01 - Preheat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat.
02 - Lay out the bread slices. Spread 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. Top with remaining bread slices, buttered side facing out.
04 - Lightly brush a little olive oil on the outside of each sandwich for extra crispness.
05 - Place sandwiches in the skillet. Cook for 3-4 minutes per side, pressing gently, until golden brown and cheese is melted.
06 - Remove sandwiches and let cool for 1-2 minutes. Slice each into 3-4 strips. Serve warm with a bowl of marinara sauce for dipping.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The combination of warm melty mozzarella and fresh basil hits different than regular grilled cheese
  • Cutting them into strips makes dipping feel fun and interactive, perfect for sharing
02 -
  • Dry your tomato slices thoroughly with paper towels or the bread will get unpleasantly soggy
  • Letting the sandwiches rest for even one minute after cooking makes slicing so much cleaner
03 -
  • Low and slow heat beats rushing with high heat every time for that perfect golden crust
  • A small bowl of balsamic glaze on the side takes these from great to unforgettable
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