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Best Pesto Grilled Cheese

Best Pesto Grilled Cheese

  • Author: Mary
  • Total Time: 13 minutes
  • Yield: 2 sandwiches 1x
  • Diet: Gluten Free (if gluten-free bread used)

Description

The Best Pesto Grilled Cheese is a quick and flavorful twist on the classic grilled cheese sandwich, featuring crispy, buttery bread, gooey melted mozzarella, and vibrant fresh basil pesto. This easy-to-make meal is perfect for lunch or dinner, combining pantry staples with fresh ingredients to deliver a crispy, melty, and herbaceous delight loved by kids and adults alike.

Ingredients

Scale

Base Ingredients

  • 4 slices sturdy bread (sourdough or ciabatta recommended)
  • 2–3 tablespoons fresh basil pesto (homemade or store-bought)
  • 4 ounces mozzarella cheese, sliced or shredded
  • 2 tablespoons butter, for cooking

Optional Add-ins

  • 2–3 slices tomatoes, thinly sliced
  • 2–3 tablespoons roasted red peppers, sliced

Variations (Optional)

  • Cheddar, provolone, or fontina cheese instead of mozzarella
  • Gluten-free bread substitute
  • Grilled chicken or crispy bacon for protein boost
  • Dairy-free cheese and vegan pesto for a vegan version
  • Red pepper flakes or spicy mayo for a spicy kick

Instructions

  1. Prepare Your Ingredients: Gather fresh pesto, your chosen cheese, and bread slices. If using optional add-ons like tomatoes or roasted red peppers, slice them thinly for easy layering.
  2. Assemble the Sandwich: Spread a generous layer of pesto on one side of each bread slice. Evenly layer mozzarella cheese on one slice, add any optional toppings, then close with the second bread slice, pesto side down.
  3. Butter the Bread: Lightly butter the outer sides of the assembled sandwich to ensure a golden, crispy texture when grilled.
  4. Cook the Sandwich: Heat a skillet over medium heat. Cook the sandwich for about 3-4 minutes per side, pressing gently to help the cheese melt and achieve a crispy crust without burning.
  5. Serve Warm: Remove the sandwich from the pan, let it rest for a minute, then slice and serve warm to enjoy the gooey cheese combined with fresh pesto flavors.

Notes

  • Cook on medium-low heat to melt cheese without burning bread.
  • Use freshly made pesto for the brightest and freshest flavor.
  • Layer cheese evenly to avoid clumps and ensure every bite is melty.
  • Press gently when cooking to help cheese melt faster without squishing the bread.
  • Don’t skip butter on the outside to achieve ultra-crispy, golden bread.
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 8 minutes
  • Category: Appetizers
  • Method: Pan-frying
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 sandwich
  • Calories: 400 kcal
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 600 mg
  • Fat: 25 g
  • Saturated Fat: 12 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 30 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 15 g
  • Cholesterol: 45 mg

Keywords: pesto grilled cheese, grilled cheese sandwich, pesto sandwich, easy lunch recipe, quick dinner, mozzarella, buttery bread, herb sandwich, kid friendly, adult friendly

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