The 5-Minute Caprese Grilled Cheese is a delicious twist on the classic grilled cheese sandwich, offering all the rich, gooey comfort of the original, but with a burst of fresh flavors from a Caprese salad. This sandwich is quick to make and perfect for when you’re craving something simple yet special, with just a few ingredients that elevate the flavor.
The key to this sandwich is the combination of fresh mozzarella, juicy tomatoes, and fragrant basil—ingredients that are typically found in a Caprese salad. When layered inside two slices of perfectly toasted bread, they create a savory, slightly tangy filling that melts together beautifully with a touch of butter and golden-brown crispy bread.
To prepare, spread butter on the outside of two slices of your favorite bread -sourdough or whole wheat works beautifully. Layer fresh mozzarella slices, tomato slices, and basil leaves on the inside of the bread, then season with a little salt and pepper to enhance the flavors. Grill the sandwich on medium heat for just a few minutes, flipping until both sides are golden and crispy, and the cheese is perfectly melted.
The result is a perfect marriage of textures – the crunch of the toasted bread, the gooey melted mozzarella, and the freshness of the tomatoes and basil. A drizzle of balsamic glaze over the top adds a touch of sweetness and acidity, balancing out the richness of the cheese and butter.
This 5-Minute Caprese Grilled Cheese is an ideal meal for a quick lunch, a light dinner, or even as a side to a bowl of soup. It’s fast, simple, and full of fresh, bold flavors. Whether you’re in a rush or just craving something comforting, this Caprese grilled cheese is a go-to choice that delivers satisfying results every time.
Ingredients
- 2 slices Bread preferably sourdough or your choice
- 4 slices Fresh mozzarella thick slices
- 2 slices Tomato ripe slices
- 3 leaves Fresh basil whole leaves
- 1 tablespoon Butter at room temperature
- 1 tablespoon Balsamic glaze optional, for drizzling
Instructions
- Spread butter on one side of each bread slice.
- Layer mozzarella, tomato slices, and basil leaves on the unbuttered side of one slice.
- Top with the other slice of bread, butter side out.
- Heat a skillet over medium heat and grill the sandwich for about 2-3 minutes on each side until golden and the cheese has melted.
- Drizzle balsamic glaze before serving, if desired.
Nutrition
Wow, this is the best grilled cheese I’ve ever made! So gooey and fresh! 😍
Short and sweet recipe! Caprese is the best. 😊
I don’t even like tomatoes, but this tasted great! Maybe I’ll try some other fillings next time.
It took longer than 5 minutes for me…maybe my stove is slower? Still good tho.
I added some avacado and it was nice. Better than just cheese. Use butter on both sides!
I used cheddar instead of mozzarella because that’s what I had. It was okay but not like this recipe.
Such a quick meal! I was starving and had this done in no time. Thanks!
My kid wouldn’t eat it, too ‘green’. Guess kids don’t like basil. But I loved it.
Ain’t no way my kids would eat that! What’s the point of green stuff anyway? 🤷♂️
Maybe try leaving out the basil next time? Kids can be picky. But glad you enjoyed it!
I think I did something wrong… the bread burned before the cheese melted!
Burned bread? Yikes! That’s a big oof. 😂 You gotta watch it closely, especially if you’re new to grilled cheese!
Maybe your heat was too high? I usually start on medium-low to get it just right. Don’t give up!
It seemed too simple, but surprisingly tasty! I was skeptical at first. Will make again.
I totally agree! This recipe is so easy and delicious. Perfect for a quick meal!
Balsamic glaze is a game changer! Never thought it would taste this good with grilled cheese.
This was sooo good! The combo of flavors is magic. Will make again! 😊
I don’t know, wasn’t that too simple? I mean, it’s just a grilled cheese. 🤔
Glad you loved it! It’s super easy to make, right? 😊
I don’t get why everyone loves Caprese. Tomatoes are gross. But the cheese part? That’s okay I guess.
5 min? More like 10 in my kitchen! 😂 But it was worth the fuss.
Are you serious? Caprese grilled cheese? Seems like a weird combo to me. I don’t know, might skip this.
I get where you’re coming from, but trust me, it’s actually delicious! The flavors mix so well. Give it a try before skipping! 😊
This is the best grilled cheese I ever made! So simple and delicious. Will totally make again!
I can’t believe how quickly this comes together! Grilled cheese is a classic, but adding basil and balsamic makes it feel fancy. Yum!
Quick and easy! My kids loved it, but they said too much basil. 😒
I thought the basil was just right! Maybe try using less next time? Kids can be picky!
Um, what’s the point of basil? This recipe didn’t need it. Ruined my sandwich. 😩
I think basil adds a fresh taste! But I get it, not everyone likes it. Try without next time!
Nah, you’ll be surprised how basil makes it better! 😋 Give it another shot and you might like it!
5 stars! I used white bread and it still came out great! Who needs sourdough?
Easy to follow! I omitted the basil since I didn’t have any, but it was still great!
No basil? Sounds kinda boring! I love basil in mine. Did you at least add some other spice?
I’m glad to hear you enjoyed it! Basil is good but not a must for grilled cheese. Happy cooking!
Not impressed. The combo is weird and the bread got soggy. I like my grilled cheese classic.
Why put glaze on it? Yall crazy with that fancy stuff. Just eat!
Glaze? Sounds unnecessary! Just give me the grilled cheese and I’m good. No need for all that extra stuff.
I totally get what you mean! But that glaze adds a nice touch, ya know? Sometimes fancy is just fun!
I tried making this for my husband and he said it was delish. Good job!
My husband wouldn’t like it, he hates tomatoes. 😒 But good for you!
That’s awesome to hear! This recipe is so easy and quick, I love it. ❤️
Really? Just 5 minutes? It took me forever to make. The cheese just wouldn’t melt right.
This was super easy and so good! I added some avocados too. Yum!
Never thought of putting basil in a grilled cheese! My new favorite.
This recipe is a bit too easy. Can we have something harder next time? 👎
It’s called a 5-minute recipe for a reason! Sometimes easy is what we need! 😊
This was so yummy! The mozzarella melted perfectly. Will definitely make again!
Glad you enjoyed it! It’s super easy and quick to make.
I love caprese salad, but grilled cheese? Hmm… didn’t think it would work, but it does! 😂
Sounds interesting! I always thought grilled cheese was just for the classic style. Might try this! 😊
This recipe sounds fancy but I ain’t got all dem ingredients. Just bread and butter is good enough. 🤷♂️
Yummy!! My kids loved it and even my hubby who usually dislikes tomatoes. 🤩
Why would you put basil in a grilled cheese? That’s just wrong.
Where’s the garlic??? I thought it would be more flavorful. Disappointing!
Garlic would have been great, but this is a classic Caprese, not all recipes need garlic! Give it another chance, maybe it’ll grow on you.
I mean, it’s just a cheese sandwich right? Not really impressed. Also, where’s the garlic? 😒
I dunno, this seems kinda boring. Just cheese and tomatoes? Where’s the pizzazz?
I think it’s a classic for a reason! Sometimes simple is best. You can always add more stuff if you want!
Easy recipe but tastes a bit bland. Needs salt or something.
Is balsamic glaze really needed? I don’t see the point… but whatever.
Balsamic glaze adds a nice sweetness and balance to the savory flavors. You might change your mind when you try it!
Grilled cheese is not even Italian. Caprese made it bad.
Sourdough wasn’t at my store so I used white bread and it still tasted awesome!!!
Didn’t have fresh mozzarella, used shredded. Not the same but still tasted alright. Just saying!
I didn’t have balsamic glaze and used ketchup instead. Still turned out decent, but hoping to try it the right way next time. 🤷♂️
I don’t think ketchup is a good idea! Balsamic is what makes it a Caprese. Might as well call it a ‘fast food cheese sandwich’ now. 😆
Ketchup?! That’s a wild swap! 😂 But hey, if it worked for you, who am I to judge? Just make sure to get that balsamic next time. Trust me, it makes a difference!
Quick and easy! Perfect for my lunch break. Thanks for sharing! 🌟
But isn’t grilled cheese always made with cheddar? This seems different. 🤔
This sounds delicious! I love a good sandwich that’s quick to make. Can’t wait to try it out! 😋
It was ok but I think I prefer regular grilled cheese with cheddar. Just a personal choice.
Not gonna lie, I burnt mine, but it was still yum. 😂
Too much cheese for my taste, but my kids loved it. They devoured it in minutes.
Yum! The basil really adds a nice flavor. I used regular bread and it was still good.
Regular bread? Are you sure that works? I mean isn’t sourdough like, owesome for this? Just curious.
I totally agree! Basil makes everything better. I can’t wait to try this with my homemade bread next time!
Sourdough?? How about plain white bread? Only thing I had and still turned out ok.
This is so simple and delicious! I made it for lunch today and it was a hit. Definitely making again.
Sounds great but can u really make it in just 5 mins? I always take longer.
I’m so glad you liked it! It’s one of my go-to recipes for a quick meal.
Delish! I added some garlic powder to the butter. Made it even better!