Caprese Grilled Cheese
The yummiest twist on the classic grilled cheese - Pesto Caprese Grilled Cheese! Caprese-anything is already delicious and really hard for me to resist, so I put that combo in between two slices of crisp, rustic bread? Perfect for Spring. I have a great toaster oven in my apartment and grilled cheese sandwiches have never been easier :) Hot, crisp edges and gooey cheese in minutes. Add a smear of pesto for an added kick - or make it your own and add sundried tomatoes, some spice, a drizzle of balsamic, or even an egg :) This is an easy one, let's get cookin!
What You Need:
- 2 slices of sourdough or rustic bread
- 2-4 slices fresh mozzarella cheese
- 1 tbsp pesto, pre-prepared or homemade: recipe here!
- 1 tomato
- 1 tbsp butter
- salt and pepper
- fresh basil
What To Do:
- If you have a ball of fresh mozzarella, slice it into 1/4" thick slices. Slice the tomato into slices of the same thickness.
- Butter one side of each slice of bread. On the opposite side of each slice, spread a nice layer of pesto.
- If you're using a toaster oven, start building your sandwich!
- If using a heat pan or griddle, heat it over medium heat and place one slice of bread on the pan, buttered side down. Start building your sammie! Place a few slices of mozzarella on top of the pesto, then top it off with the beautiful tomato slices. Season each layer with salt and pepper.
- Top with fresh ribbons of basil.
- Add the other slice of bread, butter side up! If grilling in a pan, cook until golden grown, about 2-4 minutes, then flip and cook until the other side is just as golden and crispy!
- If you're using a toaster oven, slide your stacked sammie into the toaster oven and set it and forget it lol! Toast until golden brown and cheese is oozing and melted.
Look at that cheese pull! Caprese is a classic combination for a reason. The creamy mozzarella, juicy tomato, and strong, almost anise flavor of fresh basil are fantastic together. The pesto adds a nice boost of flavor, but like I mentioned before - make it your own! A drizzle of balsamic vinegar is delicious with this sandwich as well.
I've been in Japan for a week and it is incredible. It's been my dream to come here, and I am extremely grateful to be experiencing all of this. Such great food inspiration here. The people are fantastically accommodating and kind, and it's a beautiful place to immerse myself in.
Hope you're all having a great week! If you've tried any recipes from the blog, let me know! :) Snap a pic and tag #brokeandcooking / @_brokeandcooking, or tweet me @bac_blog!