Quick Tomato Mozzarella Sandwich Recipe – Easy Grill Guide

Last Updated on 2 months by Neha Deshmukh

Quick Tomato Mozzarella Sandwich Recipe – Easy Grill Guide

Hey everyone! If you’re anything like me, sometimes you just crave something simple, satisfying, and utterly delicious. This quick tomato mozzarella sandwich is exactly that. I first made this when I was a student and needed a fast, comforting meal – and it’s been a go-to ever since! It’s perfect for a light lunch, a quick dinner, or even a snack. Let’s get grilling!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This isn’t your average grilled cheese. The burst of fresh tomato, the creamy mozzarella, and fragrant basil create a flavour explosion in every bite. It’s unbelievably easy to make, requiring minimal ingredients and effort. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to use up any ripe tomatoes you have on hand. Honestly, who doesn’t love a good, melty sandwich?

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up these delightful sandwiches:

• 2 Tbsp Olive oil
• 8 bread slices
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, sliced
• 1 whole onion, sliced
• 8 mozzarella cheese slices
• Salt to taste
• Black pepper to taste
• Fresh basil leaves as needed

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk ingredients! A few little things can make a big difference.

Olive Oil Varieties

I usually reach for extra virgin olive oil for its lovely flavour, but a regular olive oil works just fine for grilling. About 30ml is what you’re looking for.

Bread Choices for Grilling

A slightly sturdy bread holds up best to grilling. Sourdough, Italian bread, or even a good quality white bread are all excellent choices. Avoid anything too soft, as it might fall apart.

Mozzarella Cheese Types

Fresh mozzarella is amazing if you can get it! But pre-sliced mozzarella works perfectly well for convenience. You could also experiment with smoked mozzarella for a different flavour profile.

Fresh Basil – The Aromatic Highlight

Don’t skimp on the basil! It really elevates the sandwich. If you don’t have fresh, a pinch of dried basil will do in a pinch, but fresh is best.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get cooking!

1. First, brush one side of each of the 8 bread slices with olive oil. This will give us that beautiful golden-brown colour and prevent sticking.
2. Preheat your grill pan over medium heat. You want it nice and hot, but not scorching.
3. Place 2 bread slices, oil-side down, onto the hot grill pan.
4. Now comes the fun part! Layer mozzarella slices, sliced cherry tomatoes, and sliced onions on top of the bread. Don’t be shy with the fillings! Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Scatter some fresh basil leaves over the fillings – this is where the magic happens.
6. Drizzle a little more olive oil over the fillings. This helps everything melt together beautifully.
7. Top with the remaining bread slices, oil-side up.
8. Grill the sandwiches for about 3-4 minutes per side, pressing gently with a spatula. This ensures even cooking and a lovely, crispy exterior.
9. Flip carefully and grill the other side until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the bread is golden brown and crispy.
10. Slice diagonally and serve immediately!

Expert Tips

Here are a few tricks I’ve learned over the years to make this sandwich perfect:

Achieving the Perfect Grill Marks

Make sure your grill pan is hot before adding the bread. Don’t move the sandwiches around too much – let them sit and develop those gorgeous grill marks.

Preventing Soggy Sandwiches

Don’t overload the sandwich with too many tomatoes. Pat the tomato slices dry with a paper towel before adding them to the sandwich.

Cheese Melting Techniques

Grilling on medium heat allows the cheese to melt completely without burning the bread. Covering the grill pan for the last minute or so can also help speed up the melting process.

Variations

Want to switch things up? Here are a few ideas:

Vegan Tomato Mozzarella Sandwich

Swap the mozzarella for a vegan mozzarella alternative. There are some really good ones available now!

Gluten-Free Tomato Mozzarella Sandwich

Use your favourite gluten-free bread. Just be sure it’s sturdy enough to hold up to grilling.

Spice Level Adjustment (Adding Chili Flakes)

A pinch of red chili flakes added to the tomato filling gives a lovely little kick. My friend, Priya, loves this addition!

Festival Adaptation (Adding a Mint Chutney Spread)

For a bit of an Indian twist, spread a thin layer of mint chutney on the bread before adding the other fillings. It’s surprisingly delicious! My family always requests this during Diwali.

Serving Suggestions

This sandwich is fantastic on its own, but it also pairs well with:

• A simple side salad
• Tomato soup
• A cup of chai (because, why not?)

Storage Instructions

This sandwich is best enjoyed fresh. However, if you have leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Reheat in a pan or toaster oven to restore some of the crispiness.

FAQs

Let’s answer some common questions:

What type of bread works best for grilled cheese sandwiches?

Sourdough, Italian bread, or a good quality white bread are all great choices. You want something sturdy that can hold up to grilling.

Can I use other cheeses besides mozzarella?

Absolutely! Provolone, cheddar, or even a blend of cheeses would be delicious.

How can I prevent the bread from burning before the cheese melts?

Grill on medium heat and press gently with a spatula. Covering the pan for the last minute can also help.

Can I prepare the sandwich fillings in advance?

Yes, you can slice the tomatoes and onions ahead of time. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Is it possible to make this sandwich in a regular pan instead of a grill pan?

Yes, you can! Just use a non-stick pan and cook over medium heat, pressing down on the sandwich with a spatula. You won’t get the grill marks, but it will still be delicious.

Enjoy! I hope you love this recipe as much as I do. Let me know in the comments how yours turns out!