Tomato Basil Grilled Cheese

# What You Need:

→ Bread & Dairy

01 - 4 slices sourdough or country-style bread

02 - 4 oz mozzarella cheese, sliced or shredded

03 - 2 tbsp unsalted butter, softened

→ Vegetables & Herbs

04 - 1 large ripe tomato, thinly sliced

05 - 8 to 10 fresh basil leaves

→ Seasonings

06 - Salt, to taste

07 - Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

# How to Make It:

01 - Spread the softened butter evenly over one side of each bread slice.

02 - Place two bread slices buttered side down on a cutting surface. Layer each with half of the mozzarella, tomato slices, basil leaves, then season with salt and pepper.

03 - Top with the remaining bread slices, ensuring the buttered sides face up.

04 - Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat until hot.

05 - Place sandwiches onto the skillet and cook for 3 to 4 minutes per side, pressing gently, until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is thoroughly melted.

06 - Remove sandwiches from heat, allow to rest for one minute, then slice and serve warm.

# Expert Advice:

01 -

It's genuinely hard to mess up, even if you're cooking on autopilot before work.
The basil and tomato combo tastes restaurant-quality but costs less than a coffee.
Ready in 20 minutes flat, which means lunch happens when you actually want it.

02 -

If your cheese isn't melting all the way through by the time the bread is golden, lower the heat and cook longer—rushing it will burn your bread and leave solid cheese in the middle.
Room-temperature tomatoes matter; cold tomato slices will cool down the whole sandwich, so let them sit out for ten minutes if your kitchen is cool.

03 -