Pesto Grilled Cheese
The Pesto Grilled Cheese is a deliciously satisfying sandwich that combines crispy, buttery sourdough bread with melty mozzarella or provolone cheese and a fresh, aromatic basil pesto. Quick and easy to prepare, this snack balances crunchy and creamy textures with bold herbal flavors, making it a perfect comforting yet sophisticated treat.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Total Time: 13 minutes
- Yield: 1 sandwich 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Pan-frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
Bread
- 2 slices good quality sourdough or rustic bread
Cheese
- 3–4 slices mozzarella or provolone cheese (about 2–3 oz)
Basil Pesto
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil pesto (basil, pine nuts, garlic, olive oil)
Butter
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (for toasting)
Optional Add-ins
- 1 tablespoon sun-dried tomatoes (chopped)
- 1 tablespoon grated parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Prepare Your Ingredients: Gather all your ingredients. Spread a generous layer of basil pesto onto one side of each bread slice. Slice the cheese if it isn’t pre-sliced.
- Assemble the Sandwich: Place cheese evenly over the pesto-coated side of one slice of bread. Add optional sun-dried tomatoes or parmesan if desired. Top with the second bread slice, pesto side facing inwards to seal in the flavor.
- Heat the Pan: Preheat a skillet or griddle over medium-low heat. Melt a thin layer of butter to prepare for toasting, ensuring a golden crust.
- Cook the Sandwich: Place the sandwich in the pan and press gently with a spatula. Cook slowly for about 3-4 minutes per side, flipping carefully to achieve evenly golden bread and fully melted cheese.
- Serve Warm: Remove from heat, let the sandwich rest for a minute to avoid burns, then slice and enjoy your perfectly melty, pesto-infused grilled cheese.
Notes
- Cook over medium-low heat to allow the cheese to melt fully without burning the bread.
- Butter both sides of the bread for an even golden crisp.
- Use freshly made or high-quality store-bought pesto for optimal flavor.
- Press gently with a spatula while cooking to aid even browning and flavor melding.
- Choose cheeses known for meltability, like mozzarella, provolone, fontina, or gouda, for a creamy texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 400 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 650 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 15 g
- Cholesterol: 40 mg
Keywords: grilled cheese, pesto, sandwich, quick snack, basil pesto, melty cheese, toasted bread
Find it online: https://lillysplate.com/pesto-grilled-cheese/
