Basil Tomato Grilled Cheese Sandwich

By Addie

I have made this sandwich a few times now and it just gets better and better! I am loving the basil-tomato- balsamic vinegar combo right now. I have a yummy brushetta chicken recipe to share next! Anyway, this sandwich is completely gourmet, but comes together quickly and tastes divine. We have made this sandwich on both regular wheat bread and good quality Italian bread; both work, but the sandwich becomes exceptional on the better quality bread (of course!) So use up those end of the year tomatoes and abundant basil..my basil plant unfortunately burned up this year, but the 10 leaves for like $3 basil at the store is totally worth the investment in this sandwich! And I don't even really like tomatoes. Enjoy!

Ingredients

• 8 slices Italian bread (1/4 inch thick)
• 8 slices part skim mozzarella cheese
• 2 tomatoes, sliced
• 2 Tablespoons minced fresh basil
• 2 teaspoons balsamic vinegar, plus more for marinating
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 3 Tablespoons grated fresh Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

Preparation

Step 1

Cut up tomatoes and marinate in balsamic vinegar. You only need enough to cover the bottom of the tomatoes...then you can flip the tomatoes to coat the other side. While tomatoes are marinating, get out all your other ingredients. Begin to assemble.

On 4 slices of bread, layer cheese and tomatoes; sprinkle with basil, balsamic vinegar, salt and pepper. Top with remaining bread.

In a small bowl, combine the oil, Parmesan cheese, and garlic powder; brush over the outsides of each sandwich. On a griddle, cook sandwiches over medium heat until golden brown on both sides.