Grilled Cheese and Tomato Sandwich with Homemade Olive Tapenade

January 23, 2024
5 from 1 vote

This Grilled Cheese and Tomato Sandwich with Homemade Olive Tapenade is a delightful and versatile dish that every mom needs in her recipe arsenal. When you’re a busy parent, finding quick, delicious, and kid-friendly meals is a top priority. Whether you’re packing lunch boxes, craving a tasty after-school snack, or simply short on time but longing for something scrumptious, this sandwich is the perfect solution. It’s not only quick and easy to prepare but also offers a burst of flavours that will leave your kids asking for more.

Basic Ingredients for Grilled Cheese and Tomato Sandwich

Sandwich:

High-Quality Sourdough Bread: High-quality sourdough bread provides a robust and slightly tangy flavour profile that complements the other ingredients. It also offers a sturdy texture that holds up well to grilling.

Unsalted Butter: Butter is essential for creating that perfect golden-brown crust and adds a rich, buttery flavour to the sandwich. Using unsalted butter allows you to control the saltiness of the dish.

Ripe Tomato: Thinly sliced ripe tomatoes add freshness, juiciness, and a subtle sweetness to the sandwich. They contrast the rich cheese and tapenade, balancing the flavours.

Mozzarella Cheese: Mozzarella cheese is chosen for its mild, creamy taste and exceptional reliability. It creates that classic stringy, gooey texture that kids adore in grilled cheese sandwiches.

Tapenade:

Homemade Olive Tapenade: The homemade olive tapenade serves as a flavourful spread that elevates the sandwich. It contributes a briny, salty, and slightly tangy element, making each bite more exciting.

alternative ingredients

Bread: If sourdough bread isn’t available, you can use other bread varieties like whole wheat, ciabatta, or French baguette, depending on your preference.

Butter: While unsalted butter is recommended, you can use salted butter if that’s what you have on hand. You can also explore plant-based butter alternatives for a dairy-free option.

Cheese: If you prefer a different cheese blend, options like cheddar, Swiss, provolone, or Gouda can be used. Mix and match to suit your taste.

Tomato: Feel free to use heirloom tomatoes, cherry tomatoes, or even sun-dried tomatoes for a unique twist on the classic sandwich.

Preparation Tips for Grilled Cheese and Tomato Sandwich

Make sure your butter is at room temperature to ensure easy spreading and even cooking.
Use a serrated knife to slice the tomatoes thinly and evenly for better sandwich assembly.
Grate or shred the Mozzarella cheese for quicker and more even melting.

Serving Tips for Grilled Cheese and Tomato Sandwich

Serve the grilled cheese and tomato sandwich immediately to enjoy it at its best while the cheese is gooey and the bread is crispy.
Pair it with a side of mixed greens, a small salad, or some pickles for a well-rounded meal.

storage tips

Grilled cheese sandwiches are best enjoyed fresh and hot. If you have leftover sandwiches, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in a toaster or on a skillet to maintain their texture.
For prepping ahead, you can make the olive tapenade in advance and keep it refrigerated for up to a week.