Grilled Cheese Italian Style
Take your grilled cheese game to the next level with this irresistible Grilled Cheese Italian Style recipe! Featuring layers of creamy fresh mozzarella, fragrant basil, and tangy sun-dried tomatoes nestled between slices of crusty Italian bread like ciabatta or focaccia, this gourmet twist will transport your taste buds straight to Italy. Each sandwich is brushed with olive oil and toasted to golden perfection in buttery richness, creating a crispy exterior that gives way to gooey, melty goodness inside. A drizzle of balsamic glaze adds a touch of sweetness, making every bite a perfect balance of savory flavors. Ready in under 20 minutes, this easy yet elegant sandwich is perfect for lunch, dinner, or a comforting snack. Serve it with a fresh side salad or a bowl of tomato soup for a meal that’s both satisfying and flavorful.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 4 slices Italian bread (such as ciabatta or focaccia)
- 8 slices Fresh mozzarella cheese
- 4 pieces Sun-dried tomatoes (packed in oil)
- 8 leaves Fresh basil leaves
- 2 tablespoons Unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon Extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon Balsamic glaze (optional)
- 1 pinch Salt
- 1 pinch Black pepper
Instructions
Lay out the slices of Italian bread on a flat surface. Brush one side of each slice lightly with olive oil; this will be the side that faces out during cooking.
Flip the bread slices over and layer 2 slices of fresh mozzarella on each piece.
Add 2 fresh basil leaves on top of the mozzarella on each sandwich.
Roughly chop the sun-dried tomatoes and distribute them evenly over the basil leaves.
Drizzle a small amount of balsamic glaze (if using) over the fillings for a hint of sweetness, then sprinkle a pinch of salt and pepper over everything.
Top with the second slice of bread, olive oil side facing outward, to assemble the sandwiches.
Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium-low heat. Add 1 tablespoon of butter and allow it to melt, coating the surface of the pan.
Place the sandwiches in the pan and cook for about 3–4 minutes on one side, or until the bread is golden brown and crisp. Press down lightly with a spatula to ensure even cooking.
Flip the sandwiches and add the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter to the pan. Cook for an additional 3–4 minutes, until the second side is golden brown and the cheese is melted and gooey.
Remove the sandwiches from the pan and let them cool for 1 minute before slicing them in half.
Serve warm, garnished with an extra drizzle of balsamic glaze if desired. Pair with a side salad or a cup of soup for a complete meal.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1745 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 103.2 g | 132% | |
| Saturated Fat | 51.8 g | 259% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 240 mg | 80% | |
| Sodium | 2953 mg | 128% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 133.0 g | 48% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 5.7 g | 20% | |
| Total Sugars | 21.7 g | ||
| Protein | 70.4 g | 141% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 1270 mg | 98% | |
| Iron | 8.9 mg | 49% | |
| Potassium | 1010 mg | 21% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
