Caprese Grilled Cheese Dippers

Golden, melty grilled cheese inspired by Caprese salad, sliced into strips and served with tangy marinara for dipping.

# 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:

01 - Preheat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat until evenly hot.

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. Top with remaining bread slices, buttered side facing out.

04 - Lightly brush olive oil on the outside of each sandwich if desired for enhanced crispness.

05 - Place sandwiches in the skillet and cook for 3 to 4 minutes per side, pressing gently, until golden brown and cheese is fully melted.

06 - Remove sandwiches from heat and let cool for 1 to 2 minutes. Slice each sandwich into 3 to 4 strips.

07 - Serve warm with a bowl of marinara sauce for dipping.

# Expert Advice:

01 -

The combination of warm melted mozzarella and cool fresh basil creates this incredible temperature contrast that makes every bite exciting
They are the perfect solution when you want something nostalgic yet elegant enough for guests

02 -

Never rush the melting process by turning up the heat because the bread will burn before the cheese melts properly
Letting the sandwiches rest for even one minute after cooking makes slicing so much cleaner

03 -

A drizzle of balsamic glaze over the tomatoes before grilling adds this incredible depth that people cannot quite identify but absolutely love
Sprinkle a little garlic powder in the butter for an extra savory kick