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I can’t think of a better lunch than this Caprese Grilled Cheese made with crisp bacon, soft mozzarella, tomatoes, basil, and super soft bread!
If you love that mouthwatering caprese combination, you’ll also want to make my Caprese Bruschetta and my Caprese Burgers!
Who doesn’t love a good grilled cheese? My entire cheese loving family would classify grilled cheeses as one of our top five favorite foods. But let me tell you – you’ve never really enjoyed a grilled cheese unless
I wanted to make one of my most favorite grilled cheese combinations. Every summer, I eat caprese-something almost every day. I can’t get enough of the tomato/mozzarella/basil combination. A few years back I combined these flavors with bacon – because… its BACON – and created the ultimate caprese grilled cheese.
You can certainly do this with large heirloom tomatoes, but considering its not quite yet summer time, I opted to go with the cherry variety. I’m a lover of basil, so I use a lot. Sprinkle a bit of balsamic on top and let that mixture sit for a bit.
Then, to assemble this gorgeous sandwich, just make sure that you have some of that whole milk fresh mozzarella on both sides touching bread. If you don’t, then you won’t have that melty gooey cheesy glue holding your sandwich together.
I love to use a panini press to get the fun grill marks. I find it gives my grilled cheese that great exterior crunch. But, you can easily cook up this sandwich on any old grill pan.
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Ingredients
- 1/2 cup heirloom tomatoes sliced
- 4 fresh basil leaves thinly sliced
- 1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 slices Bread
- 1 teaspoon olive oil or olive oil spray
- 2 ounces fresh whole milk mozzarella
- 2 slices cooked bacon
Instructions
- In small bowl, combine 1/2 cup heirloom tomatoes (sliced), 4 fresh basil leaves (thinly sliced), 1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar, and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Stir to combine and allow to sit for at least five minutes.
- To make grilled cheese, add thin layer of olive oil using 1 teaspoon olive oil or olive oil spray to the outside of both slices of your 2 slices Bread. Place first slice, oil side down, on hot griddle. Add thin layer of 2 ounces fresh whole milk mozzarella, only using half the amount. Add tomatoes and basil, allowing any residual liquid to remain in bowl. Top with 2 slices cooked bacon. Cover with remaining mozzarella. Top with second piece of bread, oil side up.
- Allow to cook over medium heat, flipping once, until dark golden brown and cheese has melted. Serve immediately.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
That looks divine! You grilled that bread to perfection. Great lunch ideas. It’s still summer in Australia so we’re still enjoying sitting outside. This recipe would do really well for us!
Caprese salad is my favorite! I’m so happy i found this recipe and can’t wait to try it!
I am a big fan of a good ol’ toastie and this one takes the cake! Really flavourful and satisfying 🙂
Brilliant idea for a grilled cheese sandwich … one of my favorite comfort foods! Especially love the addition of the bacon – delicious!