Description
A delicious twist on classic bruschetta, these Bruschetta Grilled Cheese Sandwiches combine fresh tomatoes, basil, and mozzarella with crusty ciabatta bread, all grilled to golden perfection and finished with a drizzle of balsamic glaze. Perfect as a savory snack or light meal with a flavorful Italian flair.
Ingredients
Scale
Bread and Cheese
- 1x 10.5oz/300g loaf of Ciabatta, divided into 16 slices
- 1x 4.5oz/125g ball of Fresh Mozzarella, thinly sliced and patted dry with paper towels
- 1/3 cup / 30g freshly grated Parmesan
Bruschetta Topping
- 10.5oz / 300g good quality fresh Tomatoes, diced
- 1/2 small Red Onion, finely diced
- 1/2 small bunch (approx 2 heaped tbsp) Fresh Basil, finely diced
- 1 clove of Garlic, peeled
- 1/4 cup / 60ml Extra Virgin Olive Oil
To Serve
- Balsamic Glaze
Instructions
- Prepare Bruschetta Mix: After dicing your tomatoes, press them gently with paper towels on the chopping board to remove excess moisture. Transfer tomatoes to a mixing bowl and combine with finely diced red onion, fresh basil, 1/2 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil, and season well with salt and pepper. Mix gently to combine and set aside.
- Assemble Sandwiches: Brush one side of all ciabatta slices with extra virgin olive oil. Place half of these slices oil-side down on a flat surface. Layer with thin slices of mozzarella, then spoon over the prepared bruschetta mix, and sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan on top. Finish by placing the remaining ciabatta slices on top, oil-side up. Press gently to secure the filling.
- Grill Sandwiches: Heat a griddle or frying pan over medium heat (medium-high if you desire some char). Place assembled sandwiches in the pan. Cook until the bottom is golden and lightly charred, then carefully flip. Use the peeled garlic clove to gently rub the top of the sandwich. After the second side is cooked and golden, transfer sandwiches garlic-side down to a serving board and rub the tops with the garlic again.
- Serve: Depending on pan size, cook the sandwiches in two batches. Serve immediately by drizzling each sandwich with balsamic glaze for a perfect finishing touch.
Notes
- Pressing the tomatoes with paper towels helps prevent soggy sandwiches by reducing excess moisture.
- Using fresh, high-quality mozzarella and ripe tomatoes greatly enhances the sandwich flavor.
- Balsamic glaze adds a sweet tangy contrast that complements the rich cheese and fresh bruschetta topping.
- Adjust the heat carefully to ensure cheese melts without burning the bread.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 230 kcal
- Sugar: 0.69 g
- Sodium: 400 mg
- Fat: 12.54 g
- Saturated Fat: 3.893 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7.961 g
- Trans Fat: 0.003 g
- Carbohydrates: 20.94 g
- Fiber: 1.4 g
- Protein: 8.54 g
- Cholesterol: 15 mg
