Tomato Basil Grilled Cheese (Printable)

Toasted sourdough with mozzarella, fresh tomato slices, and fragrant basil leaves.

# 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 - 8–10 fresh basil leaves

→ Seasonings

06 - Salt, to taste
07 - Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

# Directions:

01 - Spread 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 each with the remaining bread slices, buttered side up.
04 - Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat.
05 - Place sandwiches in the skillet and cook 3 to 4 minutes per side, pressing gently, until bread is golden brown and cheese is melted.
06 - Remove sandwiches from skillet, allow to cool for one minute, then slice and serve warm.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • It tastes like summer in your mouth even when it's cold outside.
  • Ready in under 20 minutes, which means you can feed yourself without ordering takeout.
  • The fresh basil keeps the cheese from feeling heavy, somehow making it taste lighter.
02 -
  • Don't skip the resting step; it gives the cheese a chance to set just enough so your sandwich doesn't fall apart when you bite into it.
  • Medium heat is your friend here because high heat burns the bread before the cheese melts.
03 -
  • Slice your tomato just before assembling so it stays firm instead of releasing all its juice into the bread.
  • Keep your butter softened but not melted, and spread it thin so it toasts to crispy rather than greasy.
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