Tomato Basil Grilled Cheese (Printable)

Melted mozzarella, fresh tomato, and basil on golden toasted sourdough for a quick satisfying meal.

# What 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

# How to Make It:

01 - Spread the softened butter evenly over one side of each bread slice.
02 - Place two bread slices, buttered side down, on a cutting board. Layer each with half the mozzarella, tomato slices, basil leaves, and season with salt and pepper.
03 - Top with the remaining bread slices, buttered side up.
04 - Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat.
05 - Place the sandwiches in 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 from the skillet, allow to cool for one minute, then slice and serve warm.

# Expert Hints:

01 -
  • It's ridiculously fast: Lunch is ready before you can even set the table properly.
  • Fresh basil and tomato together: This pairing hits different than plain cheese and bread, trust me.
  • Gooey, warm, deeply satisfying: One bite feels like wrapping yourself in comfort.
02 -
  • Tomato timing is everything: Slice your tomato right before assembly—sitting tomatoes release water that turns bread into a damp sponge.
  • Medium heat is your friend: High heat burns the outside while leaving the cheese cold inside; medium heat feels slower but delivers that perfect golden crust with melted center.
03 -
  • Press gently while cooking: A little pressure helps the cheese melt faster and the bread toast evenly, but too much squeezes out the tomato juice and flattens your masterpiece.
  • Let it rest for one minute after cooking: This gives everything time to set so the sandwich stays together when you cut it, and the flavors have a moment to settle.
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