If you’re looking for a grilled cheese that goes far beyond the ordinary, this recipe is exactly what you need. The image shows a spectacular stack of toasted rustic bread loaded with stretchy mozzarella, rich marinara, melted cheese bubbling on top, and hints of herbs and basil peeking out. This is basically a hybrid between a grilled cheese, a pizza, and a mozzarella toast — the perfect comfort-food combination. Below is a detailed, step-by-step, long-form recipe you can follow to recreate the exact look, texture, and flavors at home.
Ingredients
For the Sandwich
- 4 slices rustic bread (sourdough, country loaf, or artisan boule work best)
- 2–3 cups shredded or sliced fresh mozzarella
- ½ cup marinara sauce (thick, not watery)
- A handful of fresh basil leaves, whole or torn
- 2–4 tablespoons softened butter
- 1–2 tablespoons olive oil (optional, for extra crispiness)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Optional Add-Ons
- Grated parmesan for extra flavor
- A pinch of chili flakes
- Thin slices of tomato
- A drizzle of pesto
- A little dried oregano for topping
Step-By-Step Instructions
1. Prepare Your Bread
Choose thick, rustic slices — ideally around 1.5 to 2 cm thick. Bread that is too thin can collapse under the weight of the cheese and sauce, and it won’t crisp properly. Spread softened butter generously on the outer sides of every slice. The butter helps create that deep golden crunch, but you can also mix butter with a little olive oil for a richer and more even browning.
2. Prepare the Mozzarella
For the stretchiest, gooey-est interior, use a combination of:
- Fresh mozzarella slices for meltiness
- Low-moisture mozzarella (shredded) for browning and structure
If using fresh mozzarella, pat the slices dry with a paper towel so they don’t release too much moisture into the sandwich.
3. Assemble the Layers
Build the sandwich like this:
Bottom Bread Slice (buttered side facing the pan)
→ Layer mozzarella generously
→ Spread or spoon a thin layer of marinara sauce
→ Add fresh basil leaves
→ Add more mozzarella
The trick to getting a tall, dramatic, extra-cheesy sandwich like the one in the picture is to double up on mozzarella. The sandwich should feel full before you press it.
Place the final slice of bread on top, buttered side facing upward.
4. Grill the Sandwich Slowly
Heat a non-stick pan or cast-iron skillet over medium-low heat. Low heat is crucial because mozzarella melts slowly, and you want the bread to crisp without burning before the cheese becomes fully molten.
Add the sandwich and cook for:
- 4–6 minutes per side
Press it lightly with a spatula but do not flatten it — you want volume.
If the bread browns too quickly, reduce the heat. The goal is a deep, even caramelized crust with a soft interior.
5. Add the “Cheese Cap” on Top (Signature Look)
The image shows a signature melted-cheese top, like a pizza-style topping. Here’s how to achieve that:
- Once the sandwich is cooked on both sides, remove it from the skillet.
- Sprinkle a thin layer of shredded mozzarella directly into the empty skillet.
- Place the sandwich ON TOP of the melting cheese.
- Let the cheese bubble, crisp, and adhere to the bread.
- After 1–2 minutes, gently lift it off — the entire top will now be covered with golden, bubbly cheese.
This gives the sandwich its photo-perfect look.
Optionally sprinkle:
- Italian seasoning
- A touch of dried oregano
- Black pepper
This enhances both aroma and presentation.
6. Let It Rest Before Cutting
Cheese sandwiches need a short rest, about 2 minutes.
During this time:
- The cheese stabilizes
- The layers settle
- Cutting becomes cleaner
- Stretchy cheese pull is more dramatic
Use a sharp knife or a serrated knife for precise slicing.
Serving Suggestions
This grilled cheese pairs beautifully with:
- A small bowl of warm marinara for dipping
- Tomato soup
- A simple balsamic-glazed salad
- Crispy seasoned fries
- Garlic-butter roasted vegetables
For extra indulgence, drizzle a tiny amount of pesto on the cut surface or sprinkle fresh basil over the top.
Tips for a Perfect Re-Creation
1. Don’t Rush the Heat
Mozzarella is slower to melt than cheddar. Low and slow cooking guarantees gooeyness without burning.
2. Use Thick Marinara
If your sauce is watery, the bread will become soggy. Either:
- Reduce your sauce on the stove first,
or - Use a high-quality pizza-style marinara.
3. Fresh Basil Is Key
Those bright green leaves you see in the image add freshness that balances the richness of all the cheese.
4. Use Two Kinds of Mozzarella
Fresh mozzarella melts luxuriously.
Low-moisture mozzarella browns and stretches.
Together, they create a multi-layer cheese experience identical to the photo.
Full Recipe Summary (For Quick Use)
- Butter rustic bread slices
- Layer mozzarella + marinara + basil
- Grill low and slow until golden
- Add a cheese “cap” by melting cheese in the pan and pressing the sandwich on top
- Season with Italian herbs
- Rest 2 minutes, slice, and serve