Ingredients
For the Sandwich:
1 large round loaf of rustic bread cut into 4 thick slices
1 ball of fresh mozzarella sliced 1/4 inch thick
extra virgin olive oil
For the Tomato Salad Topping:
2 large tomatoes chopped
2 tablespoons of fresh basil chopped
2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil
1 tablespoon of balsamic vinegar
salt and pepper to taste
Directions
1.For the Tomato Salad: mix all ingredients together in a bowl. Allow to marinate a few minutes while sandwich is cooking.
2. Heat a Circulon ScratchDefense 12" skillet over medium-low heat. Evenly coat pan with olive oil.
3. Drizzle olive oil on one side of all 4 slices of bread.
4. For Grilled Cheese:
- Layer mozzarella rounds in an even layer on each slice of bread. Cover pan with 12" Circulon lid.
- Let cook for ~3 min, until cheese is slightly melty.
- Scoop about 2 tablespoons of tomato mixture on top of mozzarella.
- Top with the other two slices of bread, sandwiching the tomato between the cheese.
- Replace lid and cook for another 2 min for more melt and to lightly warm the tomatoes.
- Remove from heat and place the sandwiches on a plate.
- Serve with additional tomato salad on the side. Buon Appetito!
5. For Open Face or Bruschetta Appetizer bites:
- Drizzle olive oil on one side of all 4 slices of bread. Layer mozzarella rounds in an even layer on all 4 slices.
- Place on the skillet oil side down and add the 12" lid.
- Cook until cheese is slightly melty - 3- 4 min on medium-low
- Remove from heat and place on cutting board and cut into bruschetta slices.
- Top each slice with tomato salad and serve!