Havarti Tomato Basil Grilled Cheese

a photo of several halved grilled cheese sandwiches stacked on top of each other so you can see the cheese melting out of it and the layers of tomato and fresh basil.

Oh sweet little piece of deliciousness. This grilled cheese sandwich has become one of our absolute favorites. The simplicity of it is what reeled me in years ago when I saw it featured on a popular talk show. There is a secret ingredient that totally makes this sandwich!

The sandwich has a caprese feel which is one of my favorite flavors in case you couldn’t tell by this caprese sandwich, caprese burgers, roasted tomato caprese soup with mini mozzarella grilled cheese bite croutons (seriously to die for), and grilled caprese chicken .

Everyone we’ve ever made these grilled sandwiches for has been so hesitant about the ingredients list, whole wheat bread, havarti cheese, fresh basil, garden tomatoes, and the secret ingredient…HONEY. Yes, honey. And trust me it’s exactly what the sandwich needs. It’s like a little twist on the classic caprese flavors.

Recommended Equipment

Nonstick Skillet
Turning Spatula
Electric Griddle – I use this if I’m going to make a whole bunch of these sandwiches at the same time

Before you Begin…

Get all your ingredients ready…slice the tomatoes, rinse the basil leaves, butter (or use olive oil) the bread. Then assembling the sandwiches is quick and easy!

Ingredients for Havarti Tomato Basil Grilled Cheese

Well, pretty much all the ingredients for this sandwich recipe are listed in the title, so no surprises here! Except for that secret ingredient! Don’t forget that one!

Havarti
Tomatoes
Basil
Wheat Bread
Honey

My best tip for choosing ingredients for a grilled cheese sandwich is that high quality ingredients make a high quality sandwich! The details for the ingredients can be found in the recipe card below.

How to Make Grilled Cheese

Preheat a skillet over medium heat. Prepare the sandwiches by spreading one side of each of the slices of bread with either butter or olive oil and then drizzling the other side of each slice with honey.

Layer the cheese, tomatoes and basil, and then top with the other slice of bread. Place the sandwich on the preheated skillet and cook until the cheese is melted and the bread is golden and toasty. Flip and let the other side toast as well.

What is the Best Bread to Use?

We love this recipe with a good quality whole wheat bread! The hearty grain flavor with the honey is the most delicious combination with the cheese and tomato basil! Trust me on this! If you are a whole wheat hater, then go with sourdough or a good white bread.

Is Wheat Bread Better Than White Bread?

White bread is made from flour that has had the bran and germ removed from the grain.

Bran and germ contain important fiber and vitamins.

What is the Best Cheese for Grilled Cheese?

You honestly cannot go wrong when making a grilled cheese sandwich! All cheese is heaven, but if you are looking for the ooiest and gooiest melty cheese, then I always go with either American, fontina or havarti (of course!).

Which Tomatoes Should I Use?

A tomato straight from the garden is ideal! Or from the farmer’s market would also work! If it’s not that time of year, or you just need to grab some tomatoes at the store, go with vine ripe tomatoes.

What to Serve with It

My answer for what to serve with grilled cheese sandwiches will always be soup. It’s just a match made in heaven! Our roasted tomato basil soup is a real winner for eating with grilled cheese. Other good options are: Italian wedding soup, gnocchi chicken soup or chicken noodle soup.

If you don’t want a hot soup, then a nice salad would be a great side dish. Our spinach strawberry salad is one of my favorites, or our shredded brussel sprouts salad!

How Do You Reheat a Grilled Cheese Sandwich?

The best way to reheat a grilled cheese sandwich is in a toaster oven.

Turn the toaster oven to 350 and place the sandwich in the oven without pre-heating.

You guys are going to devour this. The honey makes this sandwich. There is such wonderful flavor with the sweet honey, the creaminess of the cheese and then the basil cuts through and oh my gosh!!!!

Try this grilled cheese out and let me know how much you love it!

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