Ultimate Roasted Tomato Caprese Grilled Cheese: A Gourmet Recipe with Perfect Wine Pairings
Experience the sublime fusion of thick slices of creamy mozzarella, sweet roasted tomatoes, vibrant fresh baby spinach, and a zesty smear of pesto, all lovingly tucked between two pieces of golden, crusty bread. This culinary masterpiece is then grilled to perfection until the cheese is wonderfully gooey and oozing, creating an irresistible treat.
Celebrating National Grilled Cheese Month with a Caprese Twist
April is a month dedicated to pure culinary delight for cheese lovers everywhere. It’s National Grilled Cheese Month, a time when we celebrate the ultimate comfort food: melted, gooey cheese nestled between two slices of crusty bread, buttered and toasted to golden perfection. This isn’t just any sandwich; it’s an experience, a nostalgic journey back to simpler times, elevated with gourmet touches.
To truly honor this glorious cheese-filled occasion, the #SundaySupper team has once again partnered with our friends at Gallo Family Vineyards. Because what pairs better with the savory richness of grilled cheese than the nuanced flavors of a fine wine? It’s a match truly made in foodie heaven, and we are absolutely thrilled to share a recipe that encapsulates this delicious synergy: our Roasted Tomato Caprese Grilled Cheese sandwich. This recipe promises not only a fantastic meal but also an exciting adventure in wine pairing.
Selecting the Perfect Pour: Gallo Family Vineyards Wine Pairings
For this special month, Gallo Family Vineyards generously granted us free range of their extensive wine selection. With such a diverse and impressive array of wines to choose from, the decision-making process was delightfully challenging. The tempting thought of “Mmm, all of them?” certainly crossed our minds!
After careful consideration, we settled on two distinct yet equally compelling choices to complement our Caprese grilled cheese masterpiece. First, the crisp and subtly fruity Pinot Grigio, known for its bright acidity and refreshing finish. Second, the bold, berry-infused Pinot Noir, offering a richer, more complex profile. We understand that personal preferences vary—some may gravitate towards the vibrancy of a white wine, while others prefer the depth of a red. By selecting one from each major wine grouping, we aim to cater to diverse palates and demonstrate the versatility of wine pairing with grilled cheese.
The beauty of pairing wine with cheese lies in its timeless appeal and inherent flexibility. This committed relationship between cheese and wine is a classic that will never fade. There’s truly no “wrong” answer when it comes to finding the perfect match. Any thoughtful selection you make is bound to enhance the experience, creating a symphony of flavors that tastes absolutely delicious. That’s the glorious, liberating thing about wine and cheese: anything goes, allowing for endless exploration and enjoyment.
The Star of the Show: Roasted Tomato Caprese Grilled Cheese
This Roasted Tomato Caprese Grilled Cheese sandwich has quickly ascended to the top of our list of favorite quick meals. It strikes a perfect balance between being delightfully easy to prepare and impressively elegant to serve. Whether you’re hosting a casual dinner party and want to offer a sophisticated yet approachable dish, or simply looking for a satisfying and flavorful meal on a bustling weeknight, this sandwich fits the bill perfectly. Its versatility makes it a go-to option for any occasion.
The Magic of Roasting Tomatoes
If you’ve never had the pleasure of roasting tomatoes, we enthusiastically recommend giving it a try for this recipe. The transformation tomatoes undergo in the oven is nothing short of magical. As they roast, their natural sugars caramelize, and their flavors become intensely concentrated, resulting in tomatoes that are incredibly sweet, wonderfully juicy, and roasted to absolute perfection. This process elevates a simple tomato into a gourmet ingredient that truly shines in this Caprese grilled cheese.
Roasting tomatoes is surprisingly simple and requires minimal effort for maximum flavor payoff. Here’s how to do it: Start by placing your chosen tomatoes (we used flavorful Campari tomatoes for their ideal size and sweetness) on a sheet pan. Drizzle them generously with high-quality extra virgin olive oil. Finish with a light sprinkle of kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to enhance their natural taste. Then, simply place the sheet pan into a preheated 400°F (200°C) oven and bake for approximately 40 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when they are beautifully wilted and their skins are nicely wrinkled, indicating that their juices have concentrated. If you opt for smaller varieties like grape or cherry tomatoes, reduce the cooking time slightly to about 30 minutes to prevent over-roasting. The resulting roasted tomatoes provide a depth of flavor that a fresh tomato simply cannot match in a grilled cheese.
Choosing the Perfect Bread for a Juicy Filling
Given the delightful juiciness of our sweet roasted tomatoes, selecting the right loaf of crusty bread is not just an option, it’s an absolute necessity for this recipe. We highly recommend using thick, chewy ciabatta bread. Its robust texture and airy pockets are ideal for soaking up the delicious tomato juices and melting mozzarella without becoming soggy. This ensures that every bite is full of flavor and texture, from the crispy exterior to the soft, flavorful interior.
Conversely, we strongly advise against using thinner, flimsier sandwich breads, such as standard white bread. While these work for classic grilled cheese, their delicate structure simply cannot withstand the moisture from the roasted tomatoes and melted cheese. Such breads would quickly lose their integrity, resulting in a disappointing, falling-apart sandwich. The goal is a grilled cheese that holds its form beautifully, delivering a satisfying crunch and a rich, gooey center with every delicious mouthful.
Layering the Flavors: A Symphony of Caprese Goodness
This gourmet grilled cheese is generously piled high with a medley of fresh and flavorful ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role in creating a harmonious and utterly delicious experience. We start with lavish, thick slices of fresh mozzarella, which melts into an irresistibly creamy, stretchy texture. Then come the stars: the sweet and savory roasted tomatoes, bursting with concentrated flavor. A handful of fresh baby spinach adds a vibrant color, a slight peppery note, and a healthy touch, wilting beautifully into the warm sandwich. Finally, a generous smear of fragrant pesto ties all the elements together with its aromatic blend of basil, pine nuts, garlic, and Parmesan. The result is nothing short of a deliciously gooey, utterly satisfying mess that celebrates the vibrant flavors of a classic Caprese salad, transformed into the ultimate grilled cheese sandwich.
Explore More with Gallo Family Vineyards and Sunday Supper
Ready to discover more delicious recipes and perfect wine pairings? You can easily find a Gallo Family Vineyards retailer near you by using their convenient store locator. To stay updated on their latest wines, events, and pairing suggestions, make sure to follow Gallo Family Vineyards on their social media channels: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube. For even more fantastic grilled cheese recipes and wine pairing inspiration, be sure to visit Gallo’s dedicated Grilled Cheese blog post and explore the vibrant Cooking with Wine Pinterest board curated by the #SundaySupper team. These resources are packed with creative ideas to elevate your culinary adventures.
Roasted Tomato Caprese Grilled Cheese
This gourmet grilled cheese features thick slices of fresh mozzarella, sweet roasted tomatoes, vibrant baby spinach, and a savory pesto spread, all nestled between two pieces of crusty bread and cooked until perfectly golden and deliciously gooey.
Yield: 2 sandwiches
Total Time: 55 minutes
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Ingredients:
- 1 pound Campari tomatoes (or similar ripe, medium-sized tomatoes)
- 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 pieces ciabatta bread, sliced in half horizontally
- 8 ounces fresh mozzarella, cut into 1/2-inch thick slices
- A generous handful of fresh baby spinach
- 2 tablespoons store-bought or homemade pesto
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- Place the tomatoes evenly on the prepared baking sheet and drizzle them generously with the olive oil. Sprinkle with a pinch of kosher salt and pepper. Bake for 40 minutes, or until the tomatoes are visibly wilted and their skins appear wrinkled. Remove from oven and allow the tomatoes to cool slightly.
- While the tomatoes are cooling, heat a large skillet or griddle over medium-low heat.
- To assemble each sandwich, smear 1/2 tablespoon of pesto evenly on the cut side of each ciabatta bread half. Arrange a few slices of mozzarella cheese on one half of the ciabatta roll. Top with a generous layer of the roasted tomatoes and a handful of fresh spinach. Place the other pesto-smeared bread half on top, completing the sandwich.
- Carefully place the assembled sandwiches in the preheated skillet. Cook on each side for 3-5 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and crispy, and the mozzarella cheese is thoroughly melted and oozing.
- Slice each grilled cheese in half and serve immediately for the best experience.
- Make Ahead Tip: The roasted tomatoes can be prepared up to 3 days in advance. Once cooled, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator until you are ready to assemble your sandwiches.
- Tomato Variation: If you choose to use smaller tomato varieties, such as grape or cherry tomatoes, reduce their roasting time to approximately 30 minutes to prevent them from becoming too soft.
All images and text ©One Sweet Mess.
Discover More Grilled Cheese Innovations from Sunday Supper
National Grilled Cheese Month wouldn’t be complete without an array of inspiring recipes from our talented #SundaySupper community! Dive into these other incredible grilled cheese creations that push the boundaries of this beloved sandwich:
- Bacon Inverted Grilled Cheese by Brunch with Joy
- BBQ Pulled Pork and Smoked Gouda Grilled Cheese by Bobbi’s Kozy Kitchen
- Brie, Raspberry and Honey Grilled Cheese by The Girl In The Little Red Kitchen
- Chicken Pesto Grilled Cheese by That Skinny Chick Can Bake
- Egg Prosciutto Grilled Cheese by Magnolia Days
- French Onion Grilled Cheese by The Redhead Baker
- Garlicky Anaheim Pepper Grilled Cheese by Peanut Butter and Peppers
- Gluten Free Kale Grilled Cheese by Gluten Free Crumbley
- Grilled Cheese with Spinach and Roasted Red Peppers by Ruffles & Truffles
- Grilled Havarti with Onion Jam by Nosh My Way
- Grilled Gruyère on Rye with Crisped Sage and Pink Lady Slices by Culinary Adventures with Camilla
- Loaded Sharp Cheddar and Black Forest Ham Grilled Cheese Sandwich by Serena Bakes Simply From Scratch
- Longaniza Grilled Cheese Sandwich by Peaceful Cooking
- Philly Cheesesteak Grilled Cheese Sandwich by Family Foodie
- Pizza Grilled Cheese by Alida’s Kitchen
- Roasted Cauliflower, Ham and Brie Grilled Cheese by Cupcakes & Kale Chips
- Roasted Tomato Caprese Grilled Cheese by One Sweet Mess
- Spinach Artichoke Grilled Cheese by Life Tastes Good
- Tomato Bacon Jam Grilled Cheese by Feed Me, Seymour
- Tomato, Prosciutto and Gruyère Grilled Cheese by Casa de Crews
- Twenty Ways to Make Grilled Cheese plus Wine Pairings on the Sunday Supper Movement website
Join the #SundaySupper Conversation!
Don’t miss out on the vibrant #SundaySupper conversation on Twitter every Sunday! We tweet throughout the day, sharing an incredible array of recipes from talented cooks all over the world. Our weekly chat kicks off at 7:00 pm ET. To join in on the fun and discover more culinary inspiration, simply follow the #SundaySupper hashtag and remember to include it in all your tweets. For even more fantastic Sunday Supper Recipes, be sure to visit our official website or explore our extensive Pinterest board, packed with ideas for every meal.
Are you inspired to become a part of the growing Sunday Supper Movement? It’s incredibly easy to join our passionate community of home cooks and food enthusiasts. You can sign up and find out more by simply clicking here: Sunday Supper Movement. We welcome everyone who loves to share good food and great company!
Disclosure: Compensation for this post was provided by Gallo Family Vineyards via Sunday Supper, LLC. The opinions and recipe shared herein are entirely those of the author, and are not necessarily indicative of the opinions or positions of Gallo Family Vineyards.