Caprese Grilled Cheese Dippers (Printer-Friendly)

Crispy sourdough layered with fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil, sliced 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 Make It:

01 - Place a large skillet or griddle over medium heat and allow it to come to temperature.
02 - Arrange all bread slices on a clean surface. Spread softened butter evenly on one side of each slice.
03 - On the unbuttered side of four bread slices, arrange mozzarella slices, tomato slices, and fresh basil leaves. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
04 - Top each assembled sandwich with a remaining bread slice, buttered side facing outward.
05 - For a crisper exterior, lightly brush olive oil over the outside of each sandwich.
06 - Transfer sandwiches to the preheated skillet. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes per side, pressing gently with a spatula, until both sides are golden brown and cheese is fully melted.
07 - Remove sandwiches from heat and let rest for 1 to 2 minutes. Cut each sandwich into 3 or 4 strips.
08 - Arrange dippers on a serving platter alongside warmed marinara sauce for dipping.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The way warm mozzarella gets all gooey while fresh basil keeps everything bright and alive
  • Dipping golden crisp strips into tangy marinara feels like playing with your food but elevated
  • These come together faster than you can preheat your oven and disappear just as quickly
02 -
  • Pressing gently while cooking helps the cheese adhere to both bread slices so nothing slides apart when you dip
  • Slicing against the grain creates sturdier dippers that hold their weight in marinara without collapsing
  • Room temperature ingredients cook more evenly than cold ones straight from the fridge
03 -
  • A drizzle of balsamic glaze over the tomatoes before grilling adds that sweet tangy depth that makes people wonder what your secret ingredient is
  • Dried oregano sprinkled into the butter creates an herb crusted exterior that tastes like your favorite Italian restaurant
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