Description
A delicious grilled cheese sandwich featuring roasted vegetables, fresh mozzarella, and basil, bringing together classic Italian flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 medium zucchini, sliced into 1/4-inch rounds
- 1 red bell pepper, seeded and sliced into strips
- 1 yellow bell pepper, seeded and sliced into strips
- 8 slices rustic sourdough or Italian bread
- 8 oz fresh mozzarella, sliced
- 2 medium ripe tomatoes, sliced
- 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, packed
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Balsamic glaze for drizzling, optional
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Set oven to 425°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Prepare Vegetables: Arrange zucchini and bell pepper slices on the prepared baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Toss until evenly coated.
- Roast Vegetables: Roast for 18 to 20 minutes, stirring once halfway through, until vegetables are tender and lightly caramelized. Remove from oven and set aside to cool slightly.
- Butter Bread: Spread a thin layer of softened butter on one side of each bread slice.
- Assemble Sandwiches: On the unbuttered side of 4 bread slices, layer roasted vegetables, mozzarella slices, tomato slices, and fresh basil. Season lightly with salt and pepper. Drizzle with balsamic glaze if desired. Top each with a remaining bread slice, buttered side facing outward.
- Heat Cooking Surface: Place a large skillet or griddle over medium heat and allow it to reach cooking temperature.
- Cook Sandwiches: Place sandwiches on the heated skillet and cook for 3 to 5 minutes per side, gently pressing with a spatula and turning as needed, until bread is golden brown and cheese is fully melted.
- Serve: Transfer sandwiches to a cutting board, slice diagonally if desired, and serve immediately while warm.
Notes
- For extra flavor, add garlic powder or Italian seasoning to the vegetables before roasting.
- If using a non-stick skillet, you might need less butter.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 60mg