Open-face Caprese Sandwiches

These Open-face Caprese Sandwiches are a refreshing snack you can enjoy cooking on the grill. Ripe, juicy tomatoes are the perfect foil to crunchy, grilled Italian bread and they are a breeze to make. Follow the simple recipe below and be prepared as your family requests it again and again.

Ingredients
2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
1 teaspoon minced garlic
8 slices (about 1/2 in. thick) crusty Italian bread
3 medium ripe tomatoes, sliced
1 pound fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced thinly
16 medium basil leaves
2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
Sea salt
freshly ground black pepper

Preparation
1. Prepare a grill for medium heat (350° to 450°). Combine 1 tbsp. oil and the garlic and brush onto 1 side of bread.

2. Lay bread oiled side down on grill and cook until slightly toasted, about 2 minutes. Turn bread over, lay tomato slices on bread to fit, overlapping if needed, then lay cheese slices over tomatoes. Cover grill and cook until cheese starts to melt, about 4 minutes.

3. Transfer sandwiches to a platter. Put 2 basil leaves over each sandwich and drizzle with remaining 1 tbsp. oil and the vinegar. Sprinkle with salt and pepper.

From Sunset July 2009

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