Caprese Grilled Cheese Dippers (Printable Version)

Golden melty sandwiches with mozzarella, tomatoes, and fresh basil, sliced into strips for dipping in warm marinara sauce.

# What You Need:

→ Bread & Dairy

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

# How-To:

01 - Preheat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat.
02 - Lay out the bread slices. Spread 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 out.
05 - Lightly brush a little olive oil on the outside of each sandwich for extra crispness.
06 - Place sandwiches in the skillet. Cook for 3–4 minutes per side, pressing gently, until golden brown and cheese is melted.
07 - Remove sandwiches and let cool for 1–2 minutes. Slice each into 3–4 strips. Serve warm with a bowl of marinara sauce for dipping.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The tomato releases just enough moisture to marry with the melting mozzarella while still keeping that satisfying crunch from the bread
  • These dippers turn a childhood favorite into something adults get genuinely excited about at parties
02 -
  • Patting the tomatoes dry is the difference between perfectly crisp bread and a sad soggy situation
  • Medium-low heat might take longer but it guarantees the cheese melts completely before the bread burns
03 -
  • A cast iron skillet gives the most even browning and maintains consistent heat better than nonstick
  • If your mozzarella is very wet, slice it and let it drain on paper towels for 15 minutes before using
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