Caprese Grilled Cheese Dippers (Printer version)

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

# What You'll Need:

→ Bread & Dairy

01 - 8 slices sourdough or country white bread
02 - 8 oz fresh mozzarella, sliced
03 - 3 tablespoons 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 tablespoon olive oil, optional for brushing bread

# Directions:

01 - Preheat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat.
02 - Lay out bread slices and spread softened butter on one side of each slice.
03 - On the unbuttered side of half the slices, layer fresh mozzarella, tomato slices, and basil leaves. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
04 - Top filled bread slices with remaining bread slices, with buttered side facing outward.
05 - Lightly brush olive oil on the outside of each sandwich for enhanced crispness if desired.
06 - Place sandwiches in the preheated skillet and cook for 3 to 4 minutes per side, pressing gently, until golden brown and cheese is melted.
07 - Remove sandwiches from skillet and allow to cool for 1 to 2 minutes. Slice each sandwich into 3 to 4 strips.
08 - Arrange warm sandwich strips on a serving plate and serve with a bowl of marinara sauce for dipping.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The way the basil gets fragrant when it meets the hot cheese is pure magic
  • These dippers turn a simple sandwich into something people actually gather around
02 -
  • Do not rush the cooking process or the cheese will not have time to melt properly before the bread burns
  • A cast iron skillet gives the best crust, but any heavy bottomed pan works perfectly fine
03 -
  • Pat your tomato slices with a paper towel before assembling to prevent soggy bread
  • Use a serrated knife in a gentle sawing motion to cut through the crispy crust without squishing the filling
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