Roasted Veggie Caprese Grilled Cheese (Printable Version)

Crispy grilled cheese featuring roasted zucchini, peppers, fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil for a vibrant Italian-American sandwich.

# Ingredient List:

→ Vegetables

01 - 1 medium zucchini, sliced into 1/4-inch rounds
02 - 1 red bell pepper, seeded and sliced into strips
03 - 1 yellow bell pepper, seeded and sliced into strips

→ Sandwich Assembly

04 - 8 slices rustic sourdough or Italian bread
05 - 8 ounces fresh mozzarella, sliced
06 - 2 medium ripe tomatoes, sliced
07 - 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, packed
08 - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
09 - 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
10 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
11 - Balsamic glaze for drizzling, optional

# Directions:

01 - Preheat the oven to 425°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
02 - Arrange zucchini and pepper slices on the prepared baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Toss to coat evenly.
03 - Roast vegetables for 18 to 20 minutes, turning once halfway through, until tender and lightly caramelized. Remove from oven and set aside.
04 - Spread a thin layer of softened butter on one side of each bread slice.
05 - On the unbuttered side of 4 bread slices, layer roasted vegetables, mozzarella slices, tomato slices, and basil leaves. Season lightly with salt and pepper. Drizzle with balsamic glaze if desired. Top with remaining bread slices with buttered side facing outward.
06 - Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat.
07 - Cook sandwiches for 3 to 5 minutes per side, pressing gently and turning as needed, until bread is golden brown and cheese is completely melted.
08 - Slice sandwiches diagonally and serve immediately while warm.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • The roasted vegetables bring a sweetness that perfectly balances the rich, melted mozzarella
  • Buttery sourdough creates this irresistible crunch that gives way to all that cheesy, tender goodness inside
02 -
  • Dont rush the vegetable roasting step, because those caramelized edges are what make this sandwich sing
  • Buttering the bread, not the pan, gives you much more even browning and that perfectly crispy exterior
03 -
  • Use a cast iron skillet if you have one, because it creates the most even, gorgeous crust
  • Let the roasted vegetables cool slightly before assembling, otherwise they can make the bread soggy
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