Caprese Grilled Cheese Dippers

Melty mozzarella and tomato grilled cheese sandwiches with fresh basil, sliced into dippable strips for marinara dipping.

# What You'll Need:

01 - 8 slices sourdough or country white bread

02 - 8 oz fresh mozzarella, sliced

03 - 3 tbsp unsalted butter, softened

04 - 2 medium ripe tomatoes, sliced

05 - 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves

06 - 1 cup marinara sauce, warmed

07 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

08 - 1 tbsp olive oil, optional

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 mozzarella, tomato slices, and basil leaves. Season lightly with salt and pepper.

04 - Top with remaining bread slices, 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 skillet and cook for 3 to 4 minutes per side, pressing gently, until golden brown and cheese is melted.

07 - Remove sandwiches and let cool for 1 to 2 minutes. Slice each sandwich into 3 to 4 strips.

08 - Serve warm with a bowl of marinara sauce for dipping.

01 -

The way the basil gets fragrant and the tomatoes turn sweet and jammy against the hot cheese
How slicing them into strips makes everything feel more fun and dippable, like comfort food turned into finger food

02 -

Pat your tomato slices with paper towels before assembling, otherwise the bread can get soggy before it even hits the pan
Do not rush the medium heat, too high and you will burn the bread before the cheese has a chance to melt properly

03 -

Use a cast iron skillet if you have one, the heat distribution creates the most even golden crust
If your mozzarella seems especially wet, give the slices a quick pat dry too, nobody wants a soggy sandwich situation