Caprese Grilled Cheese Sandwich is a twist on the classic grilled cheese recipe with an updated flavor. Every bite is brimming with fresh mozzarella, juicy tomatoes, pesto and fresh basil leaves, all the flavors of a summertime Caprese salad.
Woo hoo! It's National Grilled Cheese Month and I couldn't be happier!
But actually, any month is a good time for a good grilled cheese, especially when it's a grilled caprese sandwich!
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Caprese Grilled Cheese
Don't you just love a warm melty grilled cheese sandwich with crisp buttery bread?
Then you're going to love a caprese pesto sandwich, the classic grilled cheese sandwich with an updated flavor.
Our mozzarella grilled cheese is bursting with fresh mozzarella, fresh tomatoes, pesto, basil leaves, and, of course, butter!
Butter makes every bite of this pesto grilled cheese better especially when all those flavors of a caprese salad are in every bite.
Have you tried using my pesto butter in place of regular butter for added summer flavor? I think you need to!
And grilled cheese with tomato is one of my personal favorite ways to eat a grilled cheese sandwich.
Add in all that basil flavor, melted mozzarella and ripe tomatoes and you'll have a taste of summer in every bite.
Trust me when I tell you that caprese grilled cheese sandwiches will be requested over and over again!
I have a hunch that this will be the best grilled cheese you have ever eaten. Let me know!
Learn all about pesto, what does pesto taste like, how to make it, store it and even freeze it, along with lots more easy pesto recipes!
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Stop by the Swirls of Flavor Amazon Storefront for GG's personal kitchen recommendations!
Who invented the first grilled cheese sandwich?
Have you ever wondered who created the grilled cheese? It all began in 1915 with a man named James L. Kraft when he invented processed cheese and getting a patent for it in 1916.
Originally called "Toasted Cheese Sandwiches", the grilled cheese sandwich gained popularity in the 1920's during the depression when inexpensive sliced bread and Kraft's American cheese became readily available.
And yes, this James L. Kraft is the man behind the Kraft company that still exists today. Click on the link to read more about James and his grilled cheese sandwiches.
Swirls of Flavor Recipe Tips
- Make a homemade pesto
- Make the sandwich with your favorite bread
- Add a balsamic glaze
- Serve with a balsamic vinaigrette as a dipping sauce
- For a caprese panini, make this recipe using a panini press!
Substitutions
- Substitute dried basil for the fresh basil, if you must
- Substitute your favorite cheese for the fresh mozzarella
- Use my Pesto Butter in place of butter
- Use slices of sourdough bread in place of the bread
How to make grilled mozzarella sandwich
Scroll down for the full recipe instructions and ingredient amounts in the recipe card below
- Spread butter over one side of each slice of bread.
- Place two bread slices, butter side down on flat surface.
- Top with basil pesto, mozzarella, tomato slices, basil leaves and remaining slices of bread, butter side up.
- Heat large non-stick skillet or grill pan over medium heat then cook sandwiches until bread is golden, cheese is melted and sandwich is heated through, turning once.
Ingredients for mozzarella grilled cheese
- rustic Italian bread - makes this sandwich indulgent
- pesto - adds summer flavor
- fresh mozzarella cheese -melts into delicious creaminess
- tomato - adds juicy flavor
- basil leaves - fresh summer herb flavor
- butter - makes bread crispy and flavorful
Grilled Cheese Recipes
Not a fan of that high carb rustic Italian bread (even though it’s so delicious!)? No worries, we’ve got you covered. Check out this Cauliflower Grilled Cheese With Fig Jam & Cheddar made with cauliflower rice “bread”!
And there’s nothing quite like the comfort food combination of tomato soup and grilled cheese. So next time why make yourself a bowl of homemade Creamy Tomato Soup With Bacon Cheddar Grilled Cheese Croutons?
Caprese Recipes
- Caprese Quinoa Salad
- Caprese Skewers
- Caprese Pasta Salad
- Caprese Ravioli
- Caprese Burgers
- Baked Chicken Caprese
Caprese Grilled Cheese Sandwich
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Ingredients
- 4 slices rustic Italian bread
- 2 Tbs. prepared pesto
- 4 slices (4 ounces) fresh mozzarella
- 4 tomato slices
- 4 large basil leaves
- 2 Tbs. butter
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Instructions
- Spread butter over one side of each slice of bread.
- Place two bread slices, butter side down on flat surface.
- Top with pesto, mozzarella, tomato slices, basil leaves and remaining slices of bread, butter side up.
- Heat large non-stick skillet over medium heat then cook sandwiches until bread is golden, cheese is melted and sandwich is heated through, turning once
Notes
- Make a homemade pesto
- Make with your favorite bread
- Add a balsamic glaze
- Serve with a balsamic vinaigrette as a dipping sauce
Nutrition
This was a great flip on the typical grilled cheese. I made it last night with soup, and it was delicious!
Oh my, this sandwich recipe looks amazingly delicious! The fresh mozzarella makes this so enticing and tempting! An instant favorite! Loved it!