Caprese Grilled Cheese Dippers (Printable)

Crispy mozzarella, tomato, and basil sandwiches sliced into strips for dipping in warm marinara sauce.

# What You’ll 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 - 0.5 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

# 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 mozzarella, tomato slices, and basil leaves. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
04 - Top 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 skillet and cook 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 sandwich into 3-4 strips.
08 - Arrange warm strips on a serving platter and serve with warmed marinara sauce for dipping.

# Expert Hints:

01 -
  • The combination of warm melted mozzarella and fresh basil creates that perfect bite of comfort meets freshness
  • Cutting them into strips makes them interactive and fun for guests or just yourself on a cozy night
02 -
  • Dry your tomato slices thoroughly with paper towels or the bread will turn soggy no matter how well you butter it
  • Medium heat is your friend because high heat burns the butter before the cheese melts through
03 -
  • A balsamic glaze drizzle over the tomatoes before grilling adds that sweet acidic note that makes everything pop
  • Press gently with your spatula while cooking to ensure good contact between bread and cheese
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