Description

Crispy, golden sourdough. Melted cheese stretching between each bite. Ripe tomato slices melding with fresh basil. This isn’t your basic grilled cheese—it’s comfort food with a twist. Whether you’re hosting your next book club or craving an easy gourmet bite, this sandwich delivers flavor, warmth, and nostalgia in every slice.

Ingredients

Scale

4 slices sourdough bread

2 cups grated cheese (mozzarella, cheddar, or fontina)

1–2 ripe tomatoes, thinly sliced

small handful fresh basil leaves

2–3 tablespoons softened butter

salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Slice tomatoes into 1/4 inch rounds and pat dry with a paper towel

2. Spread a thin, even layer of softened butter on one side of each bread slice

3. On the unbuttered side of one slice, add a layer of cheese, then tomato slices, basil leaves, a sprinkle of salt and pepper, and another layer of cheese

4. Top with the second slice of bread, buttered side facing out

5. Preheat a non-stick skillet or cast iron pan over medium heat

6. Place the sandwich in the pan and cook undisturbed for 3–4 minutes until the bottom is golden brown

7. Flip the sandwich and cook for another 3–4 minutes until the cheese is melted and the second side is golden

8. Remove the sandwich from the pan, let rest for 1 minute, slice diagonally, and serve

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: sandwich
Method: grilling
Cuisine: american

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 sandwich

Keywords: sourdough, grilled cheese, tomato basil, gourmet sandwich, comfort food, book club recipes, elevated grilled cheese, panini