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Bruschetta Grilled Cheese Sandwiches Recipe

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4 from 22 reviews

Elevate your classic bruschetta by turning it into delicious mini grilled cheese sandwiches bursting with fresh tomato, basil, and melted mozzarella. Perfect as a flavorful appetizer or snack, these sandwiches combine crispy ciabatta, savory cheeses, and vibrant bruschetta mix, finished with a touch of balsamic glaze for sweetness.

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 8 sandwiches

Ingredients

Bread and Cheese

  • 1 loaf Ciabatta (10.5oz/300g), divided into 16 slices
  • Fresh Mozzarella, thinly sliced and patted dry - 4.5oz/125g
  • Freshly grated Parmesan - 1/3 cup / 30g

Bruschetta Mix

  • Fresh Tomatoes, diced - 10.5oz / 300g
  • Red Onion, finely diced - 1/2 small
  • Fresh Basil, finely diced - approximately 2 heaped tbsp (1/2 small bunch)
  • Garlic Clove, peeled - 1

Other

  • Extra Virgin Olive Oil - 1/4 cup / 60ml
  • Salt and Pepper - to taste
  • Balsamic Glaze (optional) - to serve

Instructions

  1. Prepare Bruschetta Mix: Dice the fresh tomatoes and press them gently on a chopping board using paper towels to remove excess moisture. Combine the drained tomatoes with finely diced red onion, fresh basil, 1/2 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil, and season with a good pinch of salt and pepper in a medium mixing bowl. Mix well to create the bruschetta topping.
  2. Prepare Ciabatta Slices: Brush one side of all 16 ciabatta slices with extra virgin olive oil. Arrange half of the slices oil-side-down on your workspace or plate.
  3. Assemble Sandwiches: On the oil-side-down slices, layer thinly sliced mozzarella evenly. Spoon the bruschetta mix over the cheese, then sprinkle with freshly grated Parmesan. Top each with another slice of ciabatta, oil-side-up, and gently press down to secure the filling and form sandwiches.
  4. Cook on Griddle or Frying Pan: Heat a griddle or frying pan over medium heat (or medium-high for a more charred exterior, though cheese might not melt fully). Place sandwiches in the pan and cook until the bottom side is golden and lightly charred, then carefully flip.
  5. Garlic Rub and Finish Cooking: After flipping, gently rub the top side of the sandwich with the peeled garlic clove. Continue cooking the other side until golden and cheese is melted. Place garlic-rubbed side down on a serving board, then rub the remaining garlic on the sandwich tops for added flavor.
  6. Serve: Depending on pan size, cook in batches as needed. Serve sandwiches warm with a drizzle of balsamic glaze on top for a delicious finish.

Notes

  • Use a firm bread like ciabatta, French bread, or sourdough to hold the juicy bruschetta filling without becoming soggy.
  • Patting the tomato and mozzarella dry is essential to prevent sogginess during cooking.
  • Balsamic glaze is optional but highly recommended. To make your own, simmer 1 cup (240ml) balsamic vinegar with 1 tablespoon brown sugar for 15-20 minutes until thickened.
  • Calories listed are per sandwich without balsamic glaze.
  • Author: Amelia
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Appetizer
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: American, Italian