Caprese Grilled Cheese Dippers

# What You'll Need:

01 - 8 slices sourdough or country white bread

02 - 8 oz fresh mozzarella, sliced

03 - 3 tablespoons 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 tablespoon olive oil, optional for brushing bread

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

02 - Lay out all bread slices and spread softened butter on one side of each slice.

03 - On the unbuttered side of half the bread slices, layer mozzarella, tomato slices, and basil leaves. Season lightly with salt and pepper.

04 - Top each filled slice with a remaining bread slice, positioning the buttered side facing outward.

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

06 - Place sandwiches in the preheated 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 strips.

08 - Arrange strips on a serving plate and offer warmed marinara sauce in a bowl for dipping.

01 -

The warm marinara transforms every bite into something reminiscent of a cozy Italian restaurant but without leaving your kitchen
You get that perfect contrast between hot melty cheese and bright fresh basil which is basically magic

02 -

I once skipped the resting step and watched helplessly as all the cheese slid out onto the cutting board, leaving me with very sad bread shells
Draining your tomato slices on paper towels for just 30 seconds makes a huge difference in preventing soggy bread

03 -

A cast iron skillet gives you the most even heat and beautiful golden color, but any heavy-bottomed pan will do the job
Use a serrated knife and a gentle sawing motion to cut your strips without squishing out all the filling