Pesto Grilled Cheese Sandwich (Printer-friendly)
Savory grilled cheese with basil pesto and melted mozzarella on sourdough bread.
# What You’ll Need:
→ Bread
01 - 4 slices sourdough bread or favorite sandwich bread
→ Cheese
02 - 4 slices mozzarella cheese
03 - 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
→ Pesto
04 - 3 tablespoons basil pesto (store-bought or homemade)
→ Butter
05 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
→ Optional Add-ins
06 - 2 slices tomato (optional)
07 - Fresh baby spinach leaves (optional)
# How to Make It:
01 - Spread 1 tablespoon of softened butter evenly on one side of each bread slice. Flip the slices butter-side down.
02 - Spread about 1½ tablespoons of basil pesto on the unbuttered side of two bread slices.
03 - Layer 2 slices of mozzarella cheese and sprinkle 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan over the pesto. Add tomato slices or fresh spinach if using.
04 - Top each sandwich with remaining bread slices, buttered side facing outward.
05 - Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Place sandwiches in the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, pressing gently with a spatula until golden brown and cheese is melted.
06 - Remove from skillet and let rest for 1 minute. Slice diagonally and serve warm.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- The way melty mozzarella and tangy pesto create this incredibly rich, layered flavor that regular grilled cheese just cant match
- It comes together in under 20 minutes but tastes like something from a cozy cafe
02 -
- Medium heat is your friend here, high heat burns the bread before the cheese melts properly
- Buttering to the very edges of the bread prevents those disappointing soggy corners
03 -
- Letting the butter come to room temperature makes it so much easier to spread evenly
- A cast iron skillet creates the most beautiful, even golden crust