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Best Pesto Grilled Cheese Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.1 from 29 reviews
  • Author: Kimberly
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Total Time: 15 minutes
  • Yield: 1 sandwich
  • Category: Sandwich
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

This Best Pesto Grilled Cheese recipe combines the rich flavors of fresh mozzarella, provolone or white cheddar, and vibrant basil pesto, all sandwiched between buttery slices of sourdough or Italian bread. Optional tomato slices add a fresh touch, while a pinch of black pepper enhances the flavor. Perfectly cooked on the stovetop until golden and melty, this gourmet grilled cheese is a delightful comfort food with a sophisticated twist.

Ingredients

For the Sandwich

  • 2 slices sourdough or Italian bread
  • 2 teaspoons softened butter
  • 2-3 slices fresh mozzarella
  • 2-3 slices provolone or white cheddar cheese
  • 1 tablespoon prepared basil pesto
  • 2-3 thin slices of tomato (optional)
  • Pinch of black pepper

Instructions

  1. Butter the Bread: Spread a thin layer of softened butter evenly on one side of each bread slice. This helps achieve a golden, crispy exterior when grilled.
  2. Assemble the Sandwich Base: Place one slice of bread butter-side down in a preheated skillet over medium heat, ensuring it’s hot enough to toast but not so hot that it burns quickly.
  3. Add Cheese Layers: Layer fresh mozzarella slices first, followed by provolone or white cheddar slices evenly over the bread in the skillet to ensure even melting.
  4. Spread Pesto and Add Tomatoes: Spoon and spread the basil pesto evenly over the cheese. If using, add tomato slices on top of the pesto and sprinkle lightly with black pepper for added flavor.
  5. Top and Grill: Place the second slice of bread on top, butter-side up. Cook until the bottom bread slice is golden brown and the cheese starts melting, about 3-5 minutes.
  6. Flip and Finish Cooking: Carefully flip the sandwich using a spatula and cook the other side until crisply golden and the cheese is fully melted, another 3-5 minutes.
  7. Rest and Serve: Remove the sandwich from the pan and let it rest for a minute to allow the cheese to set slightly. Slice and enjoy warm.

Notes

  • If the bread browns too quickly, reduce the heat to low to ensure the cheese melts completely without burning the bread.
  • Experiment with sun-dried tomato pesto as a flavorful alternative to basil pesto.
  • Add fresh spinach leaves inside the sandwich before grilling for an extra layer of nutrition and flavor.

Find it online: https://slsrecipes.com/best-pesto-grilled-cheese-recipe/