Ingredients
Garlic Butter
- ¼ lb salted butter
- 2 sprigs fresh oregano
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ cup olive oil, plus more as needed
Sandwich
- 12 slices Italian bread, sliced ½ inch thick
- ¾ lb mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1 ½ lb heirloom tomatoes, sliced ¼ inch thick
- ¾ lb fresh mozzarella, sliced ¼ inch thick
- fresh basil leaves (3-4 leaves per sandwich)
- flaky sea salt, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the garlic butter: Heat a small saucepan over medium heat. Add the butter and oregano sprigs and allow the butter to melt. Reduce the heat to low and stir in the minced garlic. Cook gently for 2-3 minutes until the garlic is toasted but not burned. Turn off the heat and stir in the olive oil to combine.
- Assemble the sandwiches: Using a brush, coat each slice of bread with the prepared garlic butter. On the bottom slices of bread, evenly distribute a layer of shredded mozzarella cheese. Next, add a layer of sliced heirloom tomatoes and season lightly with flaky sea salt. Follow with a layer of fresh mozzarella slices and season again with salt. Finally, layer on the fresh basil leaves and cover with the top slice of bread.
- Cook the sandwiches: Heat a 12-inch skillet over medium heat and add enough olive oil to generously coat the bottom. Once hot, carefully place three sandwiches in the skillet. Cook until the underside is crisp and golden brown, about 2 minutes.
- Finish cooking with lid on: Drizzle a little more olive oil over the sandwiches for extra crispness. Use a spatula to gently flip the sandwiches, cover the skillet with a lid, and cook for another 2-3 minutes until the second side is crisp and golden and the cheese is fully melted. Remove sandwiches and keep warm loosely covered with foil. Repeat with the remaining sandwiches.
- Serve: Slice each sandwich in half. Top with a pinch of flaky sea salt and garnish with additional fresh basil leaves for a burst of fresh flavor. Serve warm.
Notes
- Use a combination of shredded and fresh mozzarella for better melting and texture contrast.
- Heirloom tomatoes are recommended for their vibrant flavor and color, but any ripe, juicy tomato will work.
- Keep an eye on the garlic when cooking to avoid burning for best flavor.
- Covering the skillet during the second side cooking helps melt the cheese thoroughly without burning the bread.
- Serve immediately for the best texture, as sandwiches can become soggy if left too long.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Sandwich
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Italian-American
