Open Face Mozzarella Sandwich Recipe

Sourdough bread: A tangy and chewy bread that provides a sturdy base for the sandwich.

Fresh mozzarella: A soft and creamy cheese that melts beautifully and adds a rich flavor.

Tomato: Adds juiciness and a fresh, slightly acidic taste to balance the richness of the cheese.

Fresh basil: Provides a burst of aromatic freshness and a hint of sweetness.

Olive oil: Used to drizzle over the sandwich, adding a fruity and slightly peppery flavor.

Salt: Enhances the flavors of all the ingredients.

Pepper: Adds a mild heat and depth of flavor.

To enhance the flavor of your sourdough bread, try toasting it lightly before adding the mozzarella and tomato slices. This will give the bread a nice crunch and prevent it from becoming too soggy once the olive oil and juices from the tomato are added. Additionally, using a high-quality extra virgin olive oil can elevate the overall taste of the sandwich.

• sourdough bread - Substitute with whole grain bread: Whole grain bread provides a similar texture and a nutty flavor that complements the other ingredients.

• sourdough bread - Substitute with ciabatta bread: Ciabatta has a light, airy texture and a slightly crisp crust, making it a good alternative.

• fresh mozzarella - Substitute with feta cheese: Feta cheese offers a tangy flavor that can add a different but delightful twist to the sandwich.

• fresh mozzarella - Substitute with goat cheese: Goat cheese has a creamy texture and a slightly tart flavor, which pairs well with tomatoes and basil.

• large sliced tomato - Substitute with cherry tomatoes: Cherry tomatoes are sweet and juicy, providing a burst of flavor in each bite.

• large sliced tomato - Substitute with roasted red peppers: Roasted red peppers add a smoky, sweet flavor that complements the other ingredients.

• chopped fresh basil - Substitute with arugula: Arugula has a peppery taste that can add a bit of spice to the sandwich.

• chopped fresh basil - Substitute with fresh oregano: Fresh oregano has a robust, slightly bitter flavor that can enhance the overall taste.

• olive oil - Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil has a mild flavor and a high smoke point, making it a good alternative for drizzling.

• olive oil - Substitute with balsamic glaze: Balsamic glaze adds a sweet and tangy flavor that can elevate the taste of the sandwich.

• salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce adds a savory umami flavor that can enhance the overall taste.

• pepper - Substitute with crushed red pepper flakes: Crushed red pepper flakes add a bit of heat and spice to the sandwich.

• Allow the open face mozzarella sandwich to cool completely before storing. This prevents condensation, which can make the bread soggy.
• Wrap each sandwich individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. This helps to maintain freshness and prevents the mozzarella from drying out.
• Place the wrapped sandwiches in an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag. This adds an extra layer of protection against moisture and air.
• Store the sandwiches in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The fresh mozzarella and tomatoes are best enjoyed within this timeframe to ensure optimal flavor and texture.
• For longer storage, consider freezing the sandwiches. Place the wrapped sandwiches on a baking sheet and freeze for about 1-2 hours. This initial freezing step prevents them from sticking together.
• Once frozen, transfer the sandwiches to a freezer-safe bag or container. Label with the date to keep track of freshness.
• When ready to enjoy, thaw the sandwiches in the refrigerator overnight. For a quick option, you can also reheat directly from frozen.
• To reheat, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the sandwiches on a baking sheet and bake for about 10-15 minutes, or until the mozzarella is melted and bubbly.
• Alternatively, you can use a toaster oven or microwave. For the toaster oven, follow the same instructions as the regular oven. For the microwave, heat on medium power in 30-second intervals until warmed through, though this may result in a softer texture.
• Always check the internal temperature to ensure the sandwich is heated thoroughly, especially if reheating from frozen.

• Oven Method:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Place the leftover open face mozzarella sandwich on a baking sheet.
  3. Cover the sandwich loosely with aluminum foil to prevent the bread from becoming too hard.
  4. Heat in the oven for about 10-15 minutes, or until the mozzarella is melted and the tomato is warmed through.
  5. Remove the foil for the last 2-3 minutes to crisp up the bread slightly.
  6. Sprinkle with fresh basil again if desired and serve warm.

• Toaster Oven Method:

  1. Preheat your toaster oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Place the sandwich directly on the toaster oven rack or on a small baking tray.
  3. Heat for about 8-10 minutes, checking frequently to ensure the mozzarella melts evenly and the bread does not burn.
  4. Once heated through, remove carefully and enjoy.

• Stovetop Method:

  1. Heat a non-stick skillet over medium-low heat.
  2. Place the sandwich in the skillet and cover with a lid to trap the heat.
  3. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until the mozzarella is melted and the tomato is warmed through.
  4. Check occasionally to ensure the bread does not burn.
  5. Remove from the skillet and serve immediately.

• Microwave Method (least recommended):

  1. Place the sandwich on a microwave-safe plate.
  2. Cover with a microwave-safe lid or a damp paper towel to retain moisture.
  3. Heat on medium power for 30-second intervals until the mozzarella is melted and the tomato is warmed through.
  4. Be cautious as the bread may become soggy with this method.
  5. Serve immediately.

• Oven: To preheat to 375°F (190°C) and bake the sandwich until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

• Baking sheet: To place the bread slices on for baking.

• Knife: To slice the tomato and chop the fresh basil.

• Cutting board: To provide a surface for slicing the tomato and chopping the basil.

• Measuring spoon: To measure out 1 tablespoon of olive oil.

• Pastry brush: To drizzle or spread the olive oil evenly over the tomato slices.

• Oven mitts: To safely remove the hot baking sheet from the oven.

• Serving plate: To serve the warm open-face mozzarella sandwiches.

Preheat the oven early: Start preheating your oven while you gather your ingredients to save time.

Use pre-sliced mozzarella: Opt for pre-sliced fresh mozzarella to cut down on preparation time.

Chop basil in advance: Chop the fresh basil ahead of time and store it in the fridge until needed.

Assemble on the baking sheet: Assemble the sandwiches directly on the baking sheet to minimize dishwashing.

Use a toaster oven: If you have a toaster oven, use it instead of a full-sized oven for quicker heating.