Pin This A vibrant twist on the classic grilled cheese, featuring roasted seasonal vegetables, melty mozzarella, juicy tomatoes, and fresh basil—all sandwiched between golden, crisp sourdough slices.
This recipe quickly became a family favorite thanks to its colorful veggies and gooey cheese that everyone enjoys melting together.
Ingredients
- Roasted Vegetables: 1 medium zucchini sliced into rounds, 1 red bell pepper sliced, 1 small red onion sliced, 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Sandwich Assembly: 8 slices sourdough bread, 8 ounces fresh mozzarella sliced, 2 medium tomatoes sliced, 1/3 cup fresh basil leaves, 4 tablespoons unsalted butter softened, Balsamic glaze to drizzle (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven:
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a sheet pan with parchment paper.
- Prepare Vegetables:
- Arrange zucchini red bell pepper and red onion on the prepared pan Drizzle with olive oil salt and pepper Toss to coat and spread in a single layer
- Roast Vegetables:
- Roast for 18 20 minutes flipping halfway until vegetables are tender and starting to caramelize Remove from oven and set aside
- Butter Bread:
- Spread butter on one side of each bread slice
- Assemble Sandwiches:
- On the unbuttered side of 4 bread slices layer mozzarella roasted vegetables tomato slices and basil Drizzle with balsamic glaze if desired
- Top Sandwiches:
- Top each with the remaining bread slices buttered side out
- Cook Sandwiches:
- Heat a large nonstick skillet or griddle over medium heat Cook sandwiches in batches 3 4 minutes per side until bread is golden and cheese is melted
- Slice and Serve:
- Slice and serve warm
Pin This This sandwich often reminds us of cozy family dinners where everyone gathers around the table eager for the first warm bite.
Required Tools
Sheet pan parchment paper chefs knife skillet or griddle spatula
Allergen Information
Contains Wheat (bread) Milk (mozzarella butter) Double-check bread and cheese labels if allergies are a concern
Nutritional Information (per serving)
Calories 420 Total Fat 20 g Carbohydrates 44 g Protein 16 g
Pin This Enjoy this colorful sandwich warm for the best blend of crisp bread and melty cheese flavors.
Recipe Q&A
- → What vegetables work best for roasting in this dish?
Zucchini, red bell pepper, and red onion are excellent choices as they roast quickly and develop rich caramelized flavors. You can also swap in eggplant or mushrooms for variety.
- → How do I prevent the bread from getting soggy?
Spreading butter on the outside of the bread before grilling creates a crisp, golden crust that helps keep the sandwich sturdy and prevents sogginess.
- → Can I use a different cheese besides mozzarella?
Fresh mozzarella melts beautifully, but other mild melting cheeses like provolone or fontina can be used for a similar creamy texture.
- → What is the ideal oven temperature for roasting the vegetables?
Set the oven to 425°F (220°C) for roasting. This temperature ensures the vegetables caramelize nicely without becoming mushy.
- → Is balsamic glaze necessary for flavor?
Balsamic glaze adds a touch of sweetness and acidity that elevates the overall taste, but it's optional depending on your preference.
- → How long should I cook the sandwich on the skillet?
Cook each side for about 3–4 minutes over medium heat until the bread is golden and the cheese has melted thoroughly.