Caprese Grilled Cheese Dippers (Printable)

Golden, melty mozzarella and tomato sandwiches sliced into strips for dipping in warm marinara. A 20-minute Italian-inspired appetizer.

# 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 (optional, for brushing bread)

# How To Make It:

01 - Preheat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat.
02 - Lay out the bread slices and spread butter 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, buttered side facing out. Lightly brush olive oil on the outside of each sandwich for extra crispness, if desired.
05 - Place sandwiches in the skillet. Cook for 3–4 minutes per side, pressing gently, until golden brown and cheese is melted.
06 - Remove sandwiches and let cool for 1–2 minutes. Slice each into 3–4 strips. Serve warm with a bowl of marinara sauce for dipping.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • The way the warm basil practically melts into the mozzarella creates this incredible aromatic moment that happens right as you take your first bite
  • These dippers turn an elegant salad into something finger food perfect and completely kid friendly without losing any sophistication
02 -
  • Pressing gently while cooking helps the cheese melt evenly and creates that restaurant style pressed sandwich texture
  • The cooling step before slicing is crucial because cutting too soon makes all the cheese ooze out immediately
03 -
  • A cast iron skillet creates the most even browning but any heavy bottomed pan will work beautifully
  • Use a very sharp serrated knife with a gentle sawing motion to cut clean strips without squishing the sandwiches
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