Pesto Grilled Cheese (Printable)
Crispy sourdough layered with basil pesto and melted mozzarella for a gourmet twist on the classic grilled cheese.
# What You’ll Need:
→ Bread
01 - 4 slices sourdough bread
→ Cheese
02 - 4 slices mozzarella cheese
03 - 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
→ Pesto
04 - 3 tablespoons basil pesto
→ Butter
05 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
→ Optional Add-ins
06 - 2 slices tomato
07 - Fresh baby spinach leaves
# How to Prepare:
01 - Spread 1 tablespoon of softened butter evenly on one side of each bread slice, ensuring complete coverage to promote even browning.
02 - Flip the bread slices and spread approximately 1½ tablespoons of basil pesto on the unbuttered side of two slices, reaching the edges for maximum flavor distribution.
03 - Layer 2 slices of mozzarella cheese over the pesto-covered bread, then sprinkle 1 tablespoon of grated Parmesan cheese evenly across the surface. Add tomato slices or fresh spinach if using.
04 - Top each assembled sandwich with the remaining bread slices, buttered side facing outward to ensure crispy golden exterior during cooking.
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 to ensure even contact, until bread achieves golden brown color and cheese is completely melted.
06 - Remove sandwiches from skillet and let rest for 1 minute to allow cheese to set slightly. Slice diagonally and serve immediately while warm.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- The way melted mozzarella stretches when you pull apart a fresh sandwich is pure kitchen magic
- Basil pesto transforms an ordinary grilled cheese into something that feels restaurant special but comes together in minutes
02 -
- Medium heat is your friend here because high heat burns the butter before the cheese has time to melt properly
- Pressing gently with your spatula helps the bread make full contact with the pan creating that evenly crispy restaurant style crust
03 -
- Letting the butter come to room temperature before you start prevents tearing the bread while spreading
- Grating your own Parmesan makes a huge difference compared to pre grated stuff in terms of flavor and meltiness