I’m sharing the very best Caprese Grilled Cheese Sandwich recipe, along with all my tips and secrets for making the perfect grilled cheese sandwich, every time!
Every summer, when tomatoes are at their height, I see post after post with the classic Caprese salad on all the blogs. They always look beautiful with their perfectly sliced red tomatoes, gleaming white mozzarella cheese, and richly colored green basil leaves. Just gorgeous!
But, do you know what? I’ve never had a Caprese salad that wasn’t, well, to be honest…a little bit bland. Really. So, I decided to take those classic ingredients and work them into a nice, warm, melty grilled cheese. And I can tell you with confidence that this Caprese Grilled Cheese Sandwich is not the least bit bland.
It’s the pesto that really perks it up and enriches the flavor. Plus, who doesn’t like melty cheese?
And I’ll tell you a little secret – I bake all my “grilled” cheese sandwiches. I started doing it out of frustration, actually. Every single time I’d do them on the stovetop, I’d set off the smoke alarm, and I despise that blaring thing! By baking them, you can do as many as you want all at once and no smoke alarm taunting you 😊.
Recipe Snapshot: {Recipe Name}
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 17 minutes
Servings: 2
Cuisine: American
Cooking Method: Oven
Primary Ingredients: Bread, pesto, mozzarella, tomato, butter
Skill Level: Easy
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How to Make a Caprese Grilled Cheese Sandwich
- Preheat the oven to 375 degrees.
- Spread one slice of bread with half the pesto. Top with half the shredded mozzarella and sliced tomatoes. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Top with remaining mozzarella.
- Spread remaining bread slice with remaining pesto. Place on top of sandwich.
- Spread one side of sandwich liberally with softened butter and sprinkle lightly with dried Italian herbs. Place buttered side down on a baking sheet. Repeat the butter and seasoning on the second side.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until golden brown, turning once halfway through cooking.
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Recipe
Caprese Grilled Cheese Sandwich
Ingredients
For each sandwich:
- 4 slices bread (recommend: sourdough)
- 4 tablespoons prepared pesto
- ¼ cup shredded mozzarella
- 4 slices tomato
- Salt and pepper
- 4 tablespoons softened butter
- ½ teaspoon dried Italian seasoning optional
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375 degrees.
- Spread two slices of bread with half the pesto. Top with half the shredded mozzarella and sliced tomatoes. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Top with remaining mozzarella.4 slices bread, 4 tablespoons prepared pesto, ¼ cup shredded mozzarella, 4 slices tomato, Salt and pepper
- Spread remaining bread slices with remaining pesto. Place on top of sandwich.
- Spread one side of each sandwich liberally with softened butter and sprinkle lightly with dried Italian herbs. Place buttered side down on a baking sheet. Repeat butter and seasoning on second side.4 tablespoons softened butter, ½ teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until golden brown, turning once halfway through cooking.
Nutrition Information
Nutrition information is calculated by software based on the ingredients in each recipe. It is an estimate only and is provided for informational purposes. You should consult your healthcare provider or a registered dietitian if precise nutrition calculations are needed for health reasons.
I always do these types of sandwiches in the oven. You can do the quantity wanted in one whack, and the clean up is easier. Look great.
Miss P
Just made this for lunch with our last 2 homegrown tomatoes!!! I didn’t have mozzarella so I used shredded cheddar and it was delish! I will make it again with mozzarella because I love caprese Salad!!
So glad you enjoyed it!
I love caprese salad but I think I might like it better sandwiched between two pieces of crusty bread! Such a delicious looking sandwich….yum!
Really, isn’t everything better between crusty bread :-)
Mmm this is so gorgeous and I can tell it’s absolutely delicious, too!!
Thanks, Sues!
You had me at “easy” and “tasty” haha! It’s the simple things in life… seriously!! These sandwiches are to die for!! They’d make a great quick dinner or lunch and this is a great base recipe, in case you want to add more ingredients. Love it!!
You’re right, Rose! This is really easy to alter to include, for instance, a grilled chicken breast if you wanted more protein. Or bump it up with a handful of baby spinach.
Oh…. I wish I had some nice ripe home grown tomatoes. That just looks luscious.
Miss P
I wish you did, too, because you would really enjoy this grilled cheese with a perfect homegrown tomato!
The garlic and romano cheese in the pesto really perks up the bland mozzarella and makes this so delicious, Ashley!
Lana, this sandwich rates a 10 for me. I love your use of dried herbs and fresh tomato. Plus that melted cheese is pure perfection! Hungry!!!
Thanks, Renee! I’d definitely rate it a 10, too.
Do you happen to have a recipe for the pesto in the Caprese Grilled Cheese sandwich?
Hi Judy – I used a purchased pesto for the sandwiches just to make it easy, but here’s a link to a classic pesto recipe if you want to make your own: http://www.simplyrecipes.com/recipes/fresh_basil_pesto/