A Parmesan crust gives this tomato grilled cheese a flavor boost

Parmesan adds a salty, savory crust to this grilled cheese with tomato in a mashup of grilled cheese and Southern tomato sandwiches. Justin Tsucalas for The Washington Post; food styling by Lisa Cherkasky

Even in its most basic form — white sandwich bread and a slice or two of American cheese — the grilled cheese is a thing of wonder. Similarly, the Southern tomato sandwich is a beloved summer staple with fans not only from the region but all over the country. So why not combine the two icons to create something even greater than the sum of its parts? That’s the thinking behind this Parmesan-crusted grilled cheese sandwich with tomato.

It’s got the best of both worlds: Gooey cheese and juicy tomatoes encased in buttery, toasty bread form a textural wonderland. Plus, cheese and tomatoes