Quick 10-Minute Caprese Grilled Cheese Sandwich
A fast and delicious grilled cheese sandwich featuring fresh mozzarella, ripe tomatoes, and basil on buttery toasted bread, perfect for busy lunches or quick dinners.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 2 sandwiches 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 slices good-quality sourdough or Italian bread
- 8 ounces fresh mozzarella, sliced
- 1 large ripe tomato or 2 medium Roma tomatoes, sliced thinly
- A handful fresh basil leaves, washed and patted dry
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 1 teaspoon olive oil (optional)
- Balsamic glaze for drizzling
- Salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Slice the mozzarella into 1/4-inch thick pieces. Thinly slice the tomatoes to about the same thickness. Wash and dry the basil leaves carefully.
- Spread about 1 tablespoon of softened butter evenly on one side of each bread slice, covering the edges. Optionally brush a little olive oil on top of the buttered side for extra crispness.
- Place two slices of bread butter-side-down on a plate or cutting board. On each, layer half the mozzarella slices evenly, followed by the tomato slices, and then the fresh basil leaves. Sprinkle a pinch of salt and freshly cracked pepper over the tomatoes.
- Drizzle about 1 teaspoon of balsamic glaze over the basil. Top with the remaining bread slices, butter-side-up, to close the sandwich.
- Warm a skillet over medium heat for about 2 minutes.
- Place the sandwiches in the pan, pressing gently with a spatula or grill press. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the bread is golden brown and crispy. Flip carefully and cook the other side another 3-4 minutes, pressing down to help the cheese melt evenly.
- Remove from heat when mozzarella is gooey and bread is toasted. Let rest for a minute, then slice diagonally and serve immediately.
Notes
If cheese isn’t melting fast enough but bread is browning too quickly, lower heat and cover pan for 1-2 minutes to trap heat and speed melting. Use softened butter for even spreading and golden crust. Medium heat is best to avoid burning bread or soggy sandwich. Press gently but firmly while cooking.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 375
- Sugar: 4
- Sodium: 450
- Fat: 20
- Saturated Fat: 10
- Carbohydrates: 30
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 18
Keywords: Caprese, grilled cheese, quick sandwich, mozzarella, basil, tomato, easy lunch, comfort food