Tomato Basil Grilled Cheese (Printer-Friendly)

Fresh basil, ripe tomato, and creamy mozzarella between buttered bread, toasted until golden and perfectly melty.

# What You’ll Need:

→ Bread & Dairy

01 - 4 slices rustic or sourdough bread
02 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
03 - 4 ounces fresh mozzarella, sliced

→ Vegetables & Herbs

04 - 1 large ripe tomato, sliced
05 - 8 to 10 fresh basil leaves
06 - Salt and black pepper to taste

# How-To Steps:

01 - Lay out bread slices and evenly spread softened butter on one side of each slice.
02 - Place two bread slices, buttered side down, on a clean work surface.
03 - Layer mozzarella slices evenly over the bread, followed by tomato slices and basil leaves. Season generously with salt and black pepper.
04 - Top with remaining bread slices, buttered side up.
05 - Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat until ready for cooking.
06 - Place sandwiches in the skillet and cook for 3 to 4 minutes per side until bread is golden brown and cheese is fully melted. Gently press with a spatula for an even, crisp exterior.
07 - Remove from heat, cool for 1 minute, then slice diagonally and serve immediately.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It takes ten minutes but tastes like you put real thought into lunch.
  • The basil gives it that fresh, grown-up twist on the grilled cheese you grew up with.
  • You probably already have everything you need sitting in your kitchen right now.
  • It pairs with tomato soup so well it feels like cheating.
02 -
  • Pat the tomato slices dry with a paper towel before adding them, or the sandwich will get soggy.
  • Medium heat is your friend here, rushing it on high will give you burnt bread and cold cheese in the middle.
  • If your mozzarella is the wet kind in brine, drain it well and slice it thin so it melts faster.
03 -
  • Press down gently with the spatula while cooking to help the cheese melt into every layer.
  • If you're making more than two sandwiches, keep the finished ones warm in a low oven while you cook the rest.
  • Add a thin smear of pesto or garlic aioli inside for an extra flavor boost without much effort.
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