Caprese Grilled Cheese Dippers (Printable View)

Golden, melty sandwiches inspired by Caprese salad, sliced into dippable strips and served with tangy marinara sauce.

# What You'll 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 for brushing bread, optional

# How To Make It:

01 - Preheat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat.
02 - Lay out bread slices and spread softened butter evenly 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 positioning the buttered side facing outward.
05 - Lightly brush a small amount of olive oil on the outside of each sandwich for enhanced crispness.
06 - Place sandwiches in the skillet and cook for 3 to 4 minutes per side, pressing gently, until golden brown and cheese is melted.
07 - Remove sandwiches from heat and allow to cool for 1 to 2 minutes. Slice each sandwich into 3 to 4 dippable strips.
08 - Arrange warm strips on a serving plate and present with warmed marinara sauce in a small bowl for dipping.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The dunkable strips make everything feel more fun and interactive
  • Fresh basil transforms ordinary cheese into something that tastes like a fancy Italian bistro
  • Ready in under 20 minutes but impressive enough for guests
02 -
  • Do not overcrowd the pan or the steam will make the bread soggy instead of crispy
  • Let the tomatoes drain on paper towels for a few minutes if they seem especially juicy
  • The buttered side goes facing OUT, this is the golden crispy exterior
03 -
  • Use a cast iron skillet for the most even heat distribution and best crust
  • Low and slow beats high and fast, rushed sandwiches burn outside before melting inside
  • A restaurant-style sandwich press creates uniform dippers, but a good spatula works perfectly fine
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