Caprese Grilled Cheese Dippers

Crispy sourdough layered with fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil, cut into dippable strips served with warm marinara sauce.

# What You Need:

01 - 8 slices sourdough or country white bread

02 - 8 oz fresh mozzarella, sliced

03 - 3 tbsp unsalted butter, softened

04 - 2 medium ripe tomatoes, sliced

05 - 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves

06 - 1 cup marinara sauce, warmed

07 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

08 - 1 tbsp olive oil (optional, for brushing bread)

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

02 - Lay out the bread slices. Spread 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.

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

05 - Lightly brush a little olive oil on the outside of each sandwich for extra crispness.

06 - Place sandwiches in the skillet. Cook for 3-4 minutes per side, pressing gently, until golden brown and cheese is melted.

07 - Remove sandwiches and let cool for 1-2 minutes. Slice each into 3-4 strips. Serve warm with a bowl of marinara sauce for dipping.

01 -

The combination of warm melted mozzarella with fresh cool tomatoes creates this incredible temperature contrast that makes every bite interesting
Cutting them into strips somehow makes them feel more fun and special, plus people eat them with their hands which always relaxes a gathering

02 -

I once assembled these hours ahead and ended up with completely soggy bread, so always build and cook them right before serving
Medium low heat is your friend here, as high heat burns the bread before the cheese has time to melt properly

03 -

A cast iron skillet gives the most gorgeous even golden crust, but any heavy bottomed pan will do the job
Pat your tomato slices with paper towels before assembling to prevent soggy bread syndrome