Grilled Cheese Italiano

 

3

tablespoons butter, softened

8

slices whole-grain bread

8

oz fontina or Swiss cheese, shredded (2 cups)

8

thin slices prosciutto or ham

24

fresh basil leaves

8

slices (1/4 inch) ripe tomatoes (about 2 medium)

1/4

teaspoon salt

1/4

teaspoon freshly ground pepper

• 1 Heat griddle or 12-inch nonstick skillet over medium heat.
• 2 Spread butter on one side of each bread slice. Layer unbuttered side of 4 of the bread slices with 1/4 cup of the cheese, 2 slices of the prosciutto, 6 of the basil leaves and 2 of the tomato slices. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Top each with 1/4 cup of the remaining cheese and remaining bread slice, buttered side up.
• 3 In hot skillet, heat sandwiches 3 to 5 minutes or until cheese is slightly melted and bread is browned. Turn sandwiches over; heat 3 to 5 minutes longer or until cheese is melted and sandwich is golden brown.