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!
More Sandwich Recipes You’ll Love:
- Caprese Sandwich
- French Dip Sandwich
- Mexican Grilled Cheese Sandwich
- Chicken Salad Sandwich
- Triple Decker Club Sandwich
- Chicken Parmesan Sandwich
- Italian Pressed Sandwiches
Havarti Tomato Basil Grilled Cheese
Description
Ingredients
- 2 Slices Wheat Bread, good quality
- Honey
- 2 Slices Havarti Cheese
- 2-4 Slices Vine Ripe Tomato
- Fresh Basil
Instructions
- Spread a thin layer of honey on each slice of bread.2 Slices Wheat Bread, Honey
- Top with cheese, tomato, basil (2-3 leaves) and another slice of cheese.2 Slices Havarti Cheese, 2-4 Slices Vine Ripe Tomato, Fresh Basil
- You can butter the bread, or we just use a little olive oil or nothing at all.
- Grill in a pan over medium heat until golden on each side.
Nutrition
Recommended Products
Dominique Bailey
Sounds like an odd combo for a grilled cheese with honey but holy smokes is it amazing! I think this will be my go to grilled cheese from now on. Added a side of basil tomato soup with ground turkey (flavored like Italian sausage) for additional protein source and it’s a perfect dinner!
Sweet Basil
Sounds amazing! Thank you so much for taking time to leave a comment!
Richard
I love this sandwich,been eatting it for several weeks,I tried it per your directions,
then I used Genivies Basel and Thia Basil at the same time,it really gave the sandwich a kick..
Sweet Basil
Thank you! So glad you enjoy it!
jp
I don’t know if you are associated with this site, but they have definately used your picture for grilled cheese. https://www.gardenandtable.net/basil-havarti-tomato-w-honey-grilled-cheese-free-recipe-below/
Sweet Basil
Thank you so much for the heads up! I will get in touch with them. Grrrrr!
jenny
Yum! Simple and tasty! My kind of meal.
Vickie Wood
Just had one of these for dinner and it was delicious! It was so good, I had to put a picture on my Facebook page with this link for all my friends to see.
Sweet Basil
Thank you so much, Vickie!
HHless
I have been making these for the past 3 days for breakfast. I can’t believe how easy it is to make. The taste of honey(I reduced the amount) and basil just wow-ed me!
Sweet Basil
For breakfast?! Now that’s something I need to try!
Michael C
Ok that really works and then with a tomato basil soup.
total time maybe 15 – 20 minutes.
Sweet Basil
Isn’t it delicious?!
debi
This is soooo going on my menu for tonite! It’s summer and I think this would be perfect to go alongside a cold buffet type of dinner. I’m going to make a bunch of them and slice them in 4s so people can take as many as they’d like. Thanks!!
Sweet Basil
That’s a fantastic idea!
Sharon @ Red Poppy | Pink Peony
Just made a couple of these for dinner tonight~ yum!
Sweet Basil
aren’t they yummy? So simple but still wonderful
Amy
I am SALIVATING. I love Havarti cheese on grilled cheese, but I've never thought to add tomato or basil. Delicious!
jared and megan
You have to try brushing the outside of the bread w/parmesean garlic butter. Melt the butter then add the garlic powder and parm cheese…YUM Add some bacon and avocado and now your talkin'
Ruth
I saw this episode of Oprah and made the sandwich a couple days later…it is soooo good. I'm about to make it in a few minutes and ran across this site since I wanted to make sure I had all the right ingredients.
Mary Ann
This looks amazing! I can’t wait until the fresh basil in the backyard springs up again. I use it in everything.
And it is totally great if you want to post the pesto pizza. I am glad you liked it!
Leslie
If its good for Oprah, its good for me!
Aggie
Oh man, I am all over this sandwich!! So delish!!
Jennifer
You’re welcome.
Carrian
Oh ladies, I know the honey sounds weird, in fact Cade almost didn’t want one til he saw me making them. It seriously is delicious and you will find your self wanting to make up other sandwiches with honey now!
Maria
Honey, huh? Interesting. I will have to try it!
{lindy baker cakes}
sounds delish. i’m excited to try it.
Sharon
i have to make this one. yesterday i made your sweet potatoe hash. looooved it. thanks for always putting yummy simple recipes on your blog.
Jen Suman
Hey Carrian! This sounds delicious! I’m a huge fan of anything with tomato and basil. I LOVE fresh tomatoes. Cooked tomatoes are a little squishy for my tastes sometimes. The honey seems an odd thing to add to this sandwich, but I’ll have to give it a try!
Barbara Bakes
I use to feel that way about tomatoes too, but now I’m in love with bruschetta. The sandwich looks great!
Cafe Johnsonia
(Don’t tell–I feel the same way about fresh tomatoes! I’m still trying, too. They have to be really good or forget it.)
I just discovered Havarti for grilled cheese in December. My husband was like, “Oh, yeah. Havarti. It’s great melted.” Hah! It is good.
I’m putting this on the list of Things To Make From Sweet Basil.