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Tomato Basil Grilled Cheese

Tomato Basil Grilled Cheese: A Cozy Twist on Comfort Food

Tomato Basil Grilled Cheese is a delightful, customizable sandwich that elevates comfort food with layers of melted cheese and a vibrant tomato-basil compote.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Resting Time 1 minute
Total Time 26 minutes
Servings: 2 sandwiches
Course: Lunch
Cuisine: American
Calories: 450

Ingredients
  

For the Sandwich
  • 4 slices Sourdough Bread Use sturdy sourdough for crunch; gluten-free optional.
  • 2 tablespoons Unsalted Butter Softened for spreading.
For the Cheese
  • 1/2 cup Mozzarella Cheese Freshly grated preferred.
  • 1/4 cup Provolone Cheese Can substitute with sharp cheddar.
For the Tomato-Basil Compote
  • 2 cups Plum Tomatoes Ripe tomatoes provide best flavor.
  • 1 handful Fresh Basil Oregano or parsley as substitute.
  • 2 tablespoons Extra-Virgin Olive Oil Regular olive oil works too.
For Seasoning
  • Sea Salt Adjust to taste.
  • Black Pepper Adjust to taste.
  • Red-Pepper Flakes Optional for spice.
For Garnishing
  • 4 leaves Fresh Basil Leaves Adds freshness when serving.

Equipment

  • skillet

Method
 

Tomato-Basil Compote Preparation
  1. In a skillet over medium heat, warm 2 tablespoons of extra-virgin olive oil. Add 2 cups of diced ripe plum tomatoes, sprinkling with sea salt and black pepper. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened and slightly saucy. Stir in fresh basil and red-pepper flakes. Remove from heat.
Bread Preparation
  1. Lay out 4 slices of sourdough bread. Spread softened butter on one side of each slice.
Sandwich Assembly
  1. On the unbuttered side, layer 1/2 cup of mozzarella and 1/4 cup of provolone cheese. Spoon tomato-basil compote over half of the slices, then top with remaining slices, buttered sides facing out.
Grilling
  1. Heat a skillet over medium-low heat. Place sandwiches in the pan and grill for 3-4 minutes until golden brown. Flip gently and continue for another 3-4 minutes until cheese melts.
Resting and Serving
  1. Remove sandwiches and let rest for 1 minute. Slice diagonally and garnish with basil leaves.

Nutrition

Serving: 1sandwichCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 18gFat: 24gSaturated Fat: 12gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 50mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 400mgFiber: 3gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 15IUVitamin C: 25mgCalcium: 20mgIron: 10mg

Notes

Use room-temperature butter for smooth spreading and grill on medium-low heat for optimal melting.

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