Grilled tomatoes with mozzarella are a warm-weather take on classic Caprese—lightly charred, melty, and full of summer flavor. Perfect as a quick side or appetizer!
When tomatoes are in season and bursting with flavor, whether from the farmers market or your own garden, this easy grilled tomatoes with mozzarella dish is one of the best ways to enjoy them. Grilling brings out their sweetness and adds a hint of smokiness that pairs perfectly with creamy cheese and herbs.
Top each grilled tomato with a slice of mozzarella, a drizzle of olive oil, and plenty of fresh chopped basil. It’s simple, summery, and so satisfying—a warm-weather twist on classic Caprese salad, and just as tasty as my eggplant Caprese for an easy appetizer or side dish.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple, fresh, and fast: Just a few quality ingredients and 15 minutes is all you need. That’s the beauty of Italian cooking, just let the ingredients shine.
- A warm twist on Caprese: Grilled tomatoes and melty mozzarella bring out even more flavor in this summer classic.
Ingredients Overview
- Tomatoes: Use firm, ripe tomatoes that hold their shape when sliced. I like roma or beefsteak tomatoes, but anything flavorful and not too small or soft works.
- Fresh mozzarella: Look for the kind packed in water for the creamiest texture. Slice it about ¼-inch thick so it softens just right on the warm tomatoes.
- Extra virgin olive oil: A drizzle adds richness and helps tie everything together.
- Fresh basil: Don’t skip this! Chopped basil adds that signature Caprese flavor.
- Oregano: Just a pinch of dried oregano brings a savory touch that complements the tomatoes and cheese.
How to Make Grilled Tomatoes with Mozzarella
Start by cutting your tomatoes into thick slices, about ¼ – ½ inch. You want them sturdy enough to hold up on the grill without falling apart.
Heat a grill pan or barbecue until it’s nice and hot. While it heats, lightly brush both sides of the tomato slices with a bit of olive oil. Place slices straight on the grill and cook for a couple of minutes on each side, just until they soften and get those lovely grill marks.
As soon as they’re off the grill, place them on a clean plate and top each one with a slice of mozzarella. The heat from the tomatoes will start to soften the cheese.
Drizzle everything with a little olive oil, sprinkle over some chopped basil, a pinch of oregano, and a bit of salt—and that’s it! Serve them right away while they’re warm.
Recipe Tips
- Try cherry or grape tomatoes: For a fun twist, thread them onto skewers, grill until just blistered, and pair with mini mozzarella balls. It’s similar to my antipasto skewers and perfect for parties!
- Swap in burrata: If you’re serving these off the grill, creamy burrata is a delicious alternative to mozzarella, just spoon it over the warm tomatoes.
- Serve with bread: These are lovely on their own, but even better with crusty bread or toasted crostini to soak up the juices, almost like a warm bruschetta, but with melty mozzarella.
- Don’t walk away: Tomatoes grill quickly! Keep an eye on them so they soften just enough without turning mushy.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
This dish is best enjoyed fresh but you can prepare the components like slicing tomatoes and mozzarella ahead of time. Grill just before serving to maintain freshness.
How do I store leftovers of this grilled tomato mozzarella dish?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Consume within 2 days for best taste and texture.
Variations to Try
- Grilled tomato Caprese salad: Arrange the grilled tomatoes and mozzarella on a platter with basil, then drizzle with olive oil and a little balsamic for a simple summer salad.
- Add breadcrumbs: For extra texture, sprinkle seasoned breadcrumbs or panko on top before serving.
- Make it pizza-style: Add pepperoni slices or your favorite toppings, or even use the grilled tomatoes with mozzarella as a topping on my no yeast pizza dough.
More Caprese Recipes to Try
To tell the truth this simple Grilled Tomatoes with Mozzarella Appetizer could also become an awesome Breakfast (and why not?) Light Meal or even a yummy sandwich idea. With summer coming to a close you are going to want to eat all the Summer Veggies you can! Buon Appetito!
- 3-4 firm ripe (not overly ripe) Tomatoes
- 6-8 slices fresh mozzarella
- 2-3 tablespoons olive oil
- 3-4 leaves fresh chopped basil
- 1-2 teaspoons oregano
- 2-3 pinches salt
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On a hot pan grill or BBQ, place thick slices of Tomato, grill on both sides, remove to a clean plate and immediately top each slice with a slice of fresh mozzarella, drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with fresh chopped basil, oregano and salt. Serve immediately. Enjoy!
How to store the leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Consume within 2 days for best taste and texture.
Calories: 104kcal | Carbohydrates: 2g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 8g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 4g | Cholesterol: 17mg | Sodium: 233mg | Potassium: 129mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 542IU | Vitamin C: 6mg | Calcium: 116mg | Iron: 0.3mg | Phosphorus: 87mg
Updated from August 28, 2016
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