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You know those salads you can never quite forget because they hit all the right notes every single time? That is Caprese for me. There is just something about creamy mozzarella, juicy tomato slices, and fresh basil that makes me swoon. Yes. Swoon.

And if you really want to turn that swoon into a full blown love affair, this Caprese Grilled Cheese does the job without even trying. Serve it with Garlic Steak and Potatoes and watch the buttery bread and melted mozzarella soak up every garlicky steak drip in the best possible way. For a fun twist, it also pairs beautifully with a BBQ Chicken Pizzadilla, adding a smoky, cheesy extra layer of comfort to your plate.

Caprese Grilled Cheese sandwich

What Makes This Recipe So Good

This Caprese Grilled Cheese takes everything you love about a classic caprese salad and turns it into a warm, melty sandwich that feels both simple and elevated. The combination of mozzarella, tomato, and basil gives you that familiar caprese flavor, while the crisp bread adds the texture you never knew you were missing.

What makes it stand out is the balance between freshness and comfort. The mozzarella melts into a smooth, creamy layer, the tomatoes soften just enough to blend into the cheese, and the basil stays bright without getting lost.

What Goes Into Caprese Grilled Cheese

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Flat lay photo of ingredient shot of Roma tomatoes, bread, mozzarella cheese, fresh basil, garlic olive oil, red onion, balsamic glaze

A few fresh, reliable ingredients are all you need to build a Caprese Grilled Cheese with crisp bread, a creamy center, and bright caprese flavor.

  • Mozzarella Cheese: Thick slices melt into a smooth, rich layer that gives the sandwich its signature pull.
  • Tomatoes: Ripe roma or vine ripened tomatoes add natural sweetness and just enough juiciness to brighten the melt.
  • Fresh Basil: Chopped basil brings freshness that cuts through the richness of the cheese.
  • Garlic Olive Oil: Brushing the bread with garlic oil adds depth and helps the exterior toast evenly.

Note: Please see recipe card at the bottom for a full list of ingredients with measurements.

How To Make Caprese Grilled Cheese

Lay out all four slices o bread
  1. Prepare the Bread: Lay out all four slices and get them ready for layering so the assembly goes smoothly.
Top two slices with mozzarella, tomato, sliced onion, and chopped basil.
  1. Add the Fillings: Top two slices with mozzarella, tomato, sliced onion, and chopped basil, keeping the layers even from edge to edge.
Place the remaining bread slices on top and brush the outsides lightly with garlic olive oil.
  1. Close the Sandwiches: Place the remaining bread slices on top and brush the outsides lightly with garlic olive oil.
Warm a nonstick skillet over low to medium with a light coating of oil.
  1. Heat the Pan: Warm a nonstick skillet over low to medium heat with a light coating of oil to prevent sticking.
Place the sandwiches in the pan and cook until both sides turn golden and the cheese melts
  1. Cook Place the sandwiches in the pan and cook until both sides turn golden and the cheese melts, covering with a lid if needed.
Remove from the pan, drizzle with balsamic glaze.
  1. Finish and Serve: Remove from the pan, drizzle with balsamic glaze, slice if you like, and enjoy while warm.

This Caprese Grilled Cheese goes especially well with light, bright sides that match its Italian inspired flavors. Try it with a bowl of Tomato Basil Soup for a comforting classic, or pair it with Mediterranean Pasta Salad for something fresh and hearty. If you want a warm side with a little richness, serve it alongside Parmesan Scalloped Potatoes, which add a creamy bite that complements the melty mozzarella.

Tips For Making Caprese Grilled Cheese

  • Pat the tomato slices dry so your sandwich stays crisp. I learned this the hard way after one very soggy trial run.
  • Slice the mozzarella thick. It melts slowly and gives you that dreamy pull that always feels a little extra rewarding.
  • Keep the heat on low to medium. It may feel slow, but it gives the cheese time to melt without rushing the bread.
  • Brush the bread with garlic olive oil for deeper flavor. It is a tiny step that makes the whole thing taste intentional.

Recipe FAQ’s

Can I Use A Different Type Of Cheese?

Yes. Provolone or fontina melt beautifully and still work well with the caprese flavors.

How Do I Keep The Sandwich From Getting Soggy?

Pat the tomato slices dry and avoid overloading the fillings. Moisture is the main culprit.

Can I Make This In A Panini Press?

Absolutely. It cooks evenly and gives you a gorgeous golden crust without babysitting the pan.

Side view image of Caprese Grilled Cheese

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5 from 1 vote

Caprese Grilled Cheese

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes
Servings: 2
Melted cheese and warmed tomatoes with thick, crusty sourdough bread, brushed with garlic olive oil and drizzled in balsamic glaze.
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Ingredients 
 

  • 4 thick slices bread of choice
  • 8 thick slices mozzarella cheese about 1/2 an inch thick
  • 2 large roma or vine ripened tomatoes sliced
  • 1/4 medium red onion sliced thinly
  • 10 leaves fresh basil roughly chopped
  • 1-2 tablespoons garlic olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons balsamic glaze

Instructions 

  • Layer 2 pieces of the bread with cheese slices, tomatoes, onion slices and chopped basil. Top both pieces with remaining bread, and brush over the outside of the sandwich with the garlic olive oil.
  • Cook on a pre heated nonstick pan/skillet over low – medium heat sprayed with cooking oil (or a drizzle of olive oil) until brown and golden on both sides and cheese has melted. You can also cover the pan with a lid to ensure melty cheese.
  • To serve, drizzle with balsamic vinegar. Enjoy!

Notes

The thicker those mozzarella slices, the more melted cheesy haven you’ll have oozing out of your sandwich.

Nutrition

Serving: 1g | Calories: 143kcal | Carbohydrates: 17g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 8g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5g | Cholesterol: 3mg | Sodium: 44mg | Potassium: 465mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 9g | Vitamin A: 1.675IU | Vitamin C: 26mg | Calcium: 49mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Tried this? Leave a comment below!
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Hey Good Food Lovers! It’s nice to see you! My name is Karina. Welcome to Cafe Delites, my beloved space for the last 10 years where my passion for food has flourished and connected millions!

5 from 1 vote

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5 Comments

  1. Nicole says:

    5 stars
    It was so good last night. My husband had extra tomatoes with his and I had extra onions. Perfect all the way!

  2. magdalena says:

    Looks great and is very tasty, now I have finished eating.

    1. Karina says:

      Wow that’s awesome! X

  3. liztiptopshape says:

    As an Italian, I have to say this is my sort of grilled cheese! lol Looks delicious!!!

    1. Karina says:

      Lol Italianos unite!! Xx