Pesto Grilled Cheese (Printable)

Crispy sourdough with melted mozzarella and basil pesto, ready in under 20 minutes.

# What You'll Need:

→ Bread

01 - 4 slices sourdough bread

→ Cheese

02 - 4 oz fresh mozzarella, sliced
03 - 2 oz sharp provolone or fontina, sliced (optional)

→ Pesto

04 - 3 tbsp basil pesto

→ Butter

05 - 2 tbsp unsalted butter, softened

→ Optional Additions

06 - 2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese
07 - 1 small tomato, thinly sliced
08 - Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

# How to Make It:

01 - Place bread slices on a cutting board. Spread 1/2 tablespoon softened butter evenly on one side of each slice.
02 - On the unbuttered side of two slices, spread 1 1/2 tablespoons basil pesto evenly across the surface.
03 - Layer mozzarella slices over the pesto-coated bread. Add provolone if using, then top with tomato slices and grated Parmesan. Season with freshly ground black pepper.
04 - Place remaining bread slices on top with buttered side facing outward to ensure golden crisping during cooking.
05 - Heat a large nonstick skillet or griddle over medium-low heat for 2-3 minutes until properly warmed.
06 - Transfer sandwiches to the preheated skillet. Cook for 3-4 minutes, pressing gently with a spatula, until bottom bread develops deep golden-brown color.
07 - Carefully flip sandwiches and cook another 3-4 minutes until bread is golden and cheese is completely melted.
08 - Remove from heat and let sandwiches rest for 1-2 minutes. Slice diagonally and serve immediately while hot.

# Expert Hacks:

01 -
  • The buttery crunch against the creamy, melted cheese creates a texture that's impossible to stop eating
  • It comes together in under 20 minutes but tastes like something from a gourmet cafe
  • The pesto adds a bright, herbaceous punch that transforms ordinary grilled cheese into something special
02 -
  • Medium-low heat is your friend here, high heat burns the bread before the cheese has a chance to melt
  • Letting the sandwich rest for even one minute makes a huge difference in how neatly it slices
  • Sprinkling Parmesan on the outside buttered bread before grilling creates an incredible crispy cheese crust
03 -
  • Mayonnaise mixed with a little grated Parmesan works beautifully instead of butter on the outside
  • If your bread is getting too dark but the cheese isn't melted, tent the pan with foil for a minute

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