Caprese Grilled Cheese Dippers (Printable)

Crispy grilled cheese inspired by Caprese, featuring fresh mozzarella, tomato, and basil strips served with warm marinara for dipping.

# What You’ll Use:

→ 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 and spread softened butter on one side of each slice.
03 - On the unbuttered side of half the bread slices, layer mozzarella, tomato slices, and basil leaves. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
04 - Top each filled slice with a remaining bread slice, positioning the 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 preheated skillet and cook for 3 to 4 minutes per side, applying gentle pressure until golden brown and cheese is fully melted.
07 - Remove sandwiches and allow to cool for 1 to 2 minutes. Slice each sandwich into 3 to 4 strips.
08 - Serve warm strips alongside a bowl of marinara sauce for dipping.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The combination of warm melty mozzarella with fresh basil and sweet tomato creates that perfect hot cold contrast that makes Caprese salad so irresistible
  • Cutting them into dipper strips transforms a familiar sandwich into something interactive and fun, perfect for sharing or getting kids excited about dinner
02 -
  • Medium low heat is your friend here. High heat burns the butter before the cheese melts, leaving you with a sad burnt sandwich and cold center.
  • Pat your tomato slices dry with paper towels before layering. This tiny step prevents the dreaded soggy bread situation that ruins too many tomato grilled cheeses.
03 -
  • A balsamic glaze drizzle over the tomatoes before adding the top slice creates this sweet acidic punch that cuts through all the cheese.
  • Use a cast iron skillet if you have one. The heat retention creates the most even, consistent golden crust I have found.
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