Introduction
If you’re craving a comforting yet gourmet twist on a classic sandwich, look no further than the Caprese Grilled Cheese paired with a delightful Garlic Butter Tomato Sauce. This recipe combines the rich flavors of fresh mozzarella, tangy pesto, and perfectly sautéed cherry tomatoes to create a dish that’s both satisfying and bursting with taste.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
For the Caprese Grilled Cheese:
– 4 large slices of thick sourdough bread
– 4 thick slices of fresh mozzarella cheese
– 1/4 cup pesto
– 2 tablespoons salted butter
– Garlic Butter Tomato Sauce (see below)
For the Garlic Butter Tomato Sauce:
– 10 ounces fresh cherry tomatoes
– 1 clove garlic, minced
– 2 tablespoons salted butter
– 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
– Salt and pepper to taste
Prep Time
10 minutes
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 2 sandwiches
Enjoy this delicious Caprese Grilled Cheese alongside the rich Garlic Butter Tomato Sauce for an unforgettable meal that’s perfect for any time of the day!
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Prepare the Garlic Butter Tomato Sauce
– Place the cherry tomatoes in a dry nonstick skillet over medium heat. Cook until they begin to char slightly.
– Reduce the heat and add 1 tablespoon of butter, stirring carefully as it may splatter.
– Gently press the tomatoes with the back of a wooden spoon to release their juices.
– Add the minced garlic, balsamic vinegar, and the remaining tablespoon of butter.
– Simmer the mixture until it thickens to a jam-like consistency. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Assemble the Sandwiches
– Spread pesto evenly on one side of each slice of sourdough bread.
– On two slices of bread, layer the fresh mozzarella slices and spoon the prepared garlic butter tomato sauce over the cheese.
– Top with the remaining slices of bread, pesto side down.
– Spread butter on the outer sides of each sandwich.
Cook the Sandwiches
– Heat a skillet over medium-high heat.
– Place the sandwiches in the skillet and cook until the bread is golden brown and crispy, and the cheese has melted, flipping once to ensure even cooking.
– Once cooked, remove from the skillet, slice, and serve immediately.
Notes
Selection of Bread
– Choose thick, crusty sourdough bread for the best texture and flavor.
Cheese Options
– Fresh mozzarella provides a creamy texture, but you can substitute with other cheeses like provolone or fontina if desired.
Pesto Variations
– Homemade pesto will yield the freshest taste, but store-bought works in a pinch.
Cooking Tips
– Monitor the heat while cooking to prevent burning; adjust if necessary for consistent browning.
Storage Suggestions
– If you have leftovers, store the sandwiches in an airtight container and reheat in a skillet for optimal crispiness.
Cook techniques
Skillet Cooking
Using a skillet allows for even cooking, achieving a crispy exterior while ensuring the cheese melts properly.
Pressing Tomatoes
Gently pressing the cherry tomatoes helps to release their juices, enhancing the sauce’s flavor and texture.
Layering Ingredients
Layering the mozzarella and sauce evenly ensures that each bite of the sandwich is packed with flavor.
Spreading Pesto
Evenly spreading the pesto on the bread helps infuse the sandwich with its fresh, herby taste throughout.
Medium-High Heat
Cooking over medium-high heat allows the bread to brown nicely while giving enough time for the cheese to melt adequately.
Jam-Like Sauce Consistency
Simmering the sauce until it thickens creates a rich flavor and the perfect texture to complement the sandwich.
Flipping the Sandwich
Flipping the sandwich during cooking ensures both sides are golden brown and evenly cooked, enhancing the overall texture.
FAQ
Can I use a different type of bread?
Yes, any thick bread such as ciabatta or whole grain can work, but sourdough enhances the overall taste.
How can I make it vegetarian?
This recipe is already vegetarian. Just ensure the pesto used is made without cheese or animal products if vegan is desired.
What if I don’t have balsamic vinegar?
You can substitute it with red wine vinegar or even lemon juice for a different flavor profile.
Can I make the sauce in advance?
Yes, the garlic butter tomato sauce can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for a couple of days.
How do I store leftover sandwiches?
Store any leftover sandwiches in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheat them in a skillet for the best texture.
Conclusion
This Caprese Grilled Cheese, paired with the Garlic Butter Tomato Sauce, offers a delightful combination of flavors and textures. The creamy mozzarella melts perfectly between the crunchy sourdough, while the fresh pesto and sweet-tart tomato sauce elevate the dish, making it a comforting yet gourmet sandwich experience.
Caprese Pasta
Toss cooked pasta with fresh mozzarella, cherry tomatoes, pesto, and a drizzle of balsamic vinegar for a quick and satisfying meal.
Tomato Basil Soup
Serve the Garlic Butter Tomato Sauce as a base for a creamy tomato basil soup by blending it with vegetable broth and a splash of cream.
Pesto Pizza
Use the pesto spread as a base on pizza dough, layering fresh mozzarella and roasted cherry tomatoes, then bake until bubbly.
Stuffed Chicken Breast
Add mozzarella and pesto inside a chicken breast for a flavorful stuffing, then bake and serve with the garlic butter tomato sauce on top.
Veggie Wrap
Spread pesto on a tortilla, add fresh mozzarella, sliced tomatoes, and greens, then roll it up for a refreshing wrap.
