Pizza Margherita Grilled Cheese
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
5 mins
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Cook Time
25 mins
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Total Time
30 mins
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Servings
4 sandwiches
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Calories
450 kcal
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
Italian
Pizza Margherita Grilled Cheese
Description
This grilled cheese recipe starts with a sauce made by sautéing minced garlic in olive oil, adding tomato paste, and stirring before incorporating fire-roasted diced tomatoes, salt, and sugar. Simmering the sauce thickens it and blends the flavors. Each slice of sourdough bread is spread with about two tablespoons of sauce, topped with fresh mozzarella slices and fresh basil leaves for aroma and taste. Olive oil is drizzled atop the basil, and seasoning of salt and pepper adds balance.
The sandwich is assembled by topping with another slice of bread spread with sauce on the inside. The tops of the bread are brushed with melted butter and seasoned before grilling on a medium-heated skillet or griddle until both sides are golden brown and the cheese melts. If needed, oven warming aids the melting process. The result is a crisp, buttery crust enclosing melty cheese and a bright tomato-basil filling.
This sandwich offers a portable, comforting way to enjoy Margherita pizza flavors with a satisfyingly crispy texture from the grilled bread. It suits lunch or casual dinners and pairs well with salads or simple sides.
Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- 1 garlic minced, large clove
- 2 tsp. tomato paste
- 14.5 ounces diced tomatoes fire-roasted, canned
- 1/4 teaspoons salt
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 16 ounces mozzarella cheese sliced, fresh
- 1 cup basil leaves
- 8 lices sourdough bread
- 3 tablespoons butter melted
Instructions
- In a small sauce pan, heat olive oil and garlic over a medium heat. Saute until softened, about 1 minute. Add tomato paste, stir to combine. Cook for one minute. Add tomatoes, salt and sugar, whisk until tomato paste is fully incorporated.Simmer for 8-10 minutes until thickened. Set aside.
- Heat a large cast-iron skillet or griddle to a medium heat.
- Spread about 2 tablespoons of sauce on each slice of bread. Top with four ounces of slices of cheese. Top with 4-5 leaves of basil.
- Drizzle with a little bit of olive oil. Season with salt and pepper. Place the other two pieces of bread, sauce side down on cheese and basil. Brush tops with butter. Season with a bit of salt and pepper.
- Place sandwich butter-side down in a skillet heat to medium (work in batches if needed), brush other side with butter. Cook until golden brown and crispy on each side and the cheese is melted. (If you are having a hard time getting the cheese to melt, pop into a 350 degree oven for a few minutes.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 4sandwiches
Amount Per Serving
Calories 450 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 450kcal | 23% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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