Crispy Cheddar and Heirloom Tomato Sourdough Sandwich

Ingredients

- 8 slices sourdough bread
- 8 slices sharp cheddar cheese
- 4 medium heirloom tomatoes, sliced
- 4 tablespoons salted butter, softened
- 8 slices cooked bacon (optional)
- 12 fresh basil leaves (optional)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Ingredients:
\- Start by washing and slicing the heirloom tomatoes into even slices for uniform cooking. Set aside.
\- If you’re using bacon, cook 8 slices in a pan over medium heat until crispy. Drain on paper towels and set aside.
\- Rinse and pat dry the fresh basil leaves if using.

2. Preheat and Butter the Bread:
\- Preheat a large skillet or stovetop pan over medium-low heat.
\- While the pan is heating, generously butter one side of each slice of sourdough bread using the softened salted butter.

3. Assemble the Sandwich:
\- Place a slice of bread, buttered side down, on a cutting board or plate.
\- Layer 2 slices of sharp cheddar cheese on the unbuttered side of the bread.
\- Add a layer of sliced heirloom tomatoes. If using, add 2 slices of crispy bacon and 3 fresh basil leaves.
\- Top with another slice of sourdough bread, buttered side up.

4. Pan Fry the Sandwiches:
\- Carefully transfer the assembled sandwich to the preheated skillet.
\- Cook for approximately 3-4 minutes on each side, pressing gently with a spatula, until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted. Adjust the heat if the bread is browning too quickly.

5. Serve:
\- Once cooked, remove the sandwiches from the skillet and let them sit for a minute to settle.
\- Slice in half if desired and serve immediately.

Preparation & Cooking Times

- Preparation Time: PT10M
10 minutes
- Cooking Time: PT15M
15 minutes

Total Time

- PT25M
25 minutes

Type of Dish

Lunch

Keywords

grilled cheese, heirloom tomato sandwich, sourdough sandwich, pan-fry lunch, cheddar sandwich, crispy bacon optional, fresh basil, easy lunch recipe, gourmet sandwich, savory lunch dish

Recipe Yield

Feeds 4 adults

Calories

Total Calories: 2,120 calories

#grilledcheese #sandwichlovers #lunchtime #comfortfood #tomatobasil