Description
Gourmet pesto grilled cheese sandwich delivers Italian-inspired comfort with crispy golden bread and melted mozzarella. Herbal basil pesto and creamy cheese create a luxurious twist on classic comfort food you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Sandwich Base:
- 4 slices sourdough bread
- 4 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced
- 2 vine-ripe tomatoes, thinly sliced
Optional Protein:
- 4 slices bacon
Flavor and Spread Enhancers:
- 2 tablespoons basil pesto
- 2 tablespoons butter, softened
Instructions
- If using bacon, place strips in a cold skillet over medium heat. Cook until crisp and golden, then transfer to a paper towel-lined plate. Reserve the rendered bacon fat in the pan.
- Spread pesto generously on one side of each bread slice. Arrange mozzarella, sliced tomatoes, and crispy bacon (if desired) on two bread slices.
- Cover with remaining bread slices, positioning the pesto-coated side facing inward. Press gently to ensure a compact sandwich.
- Return skillet to medium heat with residual bacon fat or use a clean pan. Butter the exterior of each sandwich thoroughly.
- Place sandwiches in the heated skillet, butter side down. Grill for 3-4 minutes until achieving a deep golden-brown crust and cheese begins to melt.
- Carefully flip sandwiches, applying additional butter to the top surface. Continue cooking 2-3 minutes until bread turns crispy and cheese becomes completely melted.
- Remove from heat, let sandwiches rest for 1-2 minutes to allow cheese to set. Slice diagonally and serve immediately while warm and crispy.
Notes
- Use room temperature cheese for smoother melting and even distribution throughout the sandwich.
- Swap bacon with prosciutto or turkey for a lighter protein option that adds crispy texture.
- Select sturdy bread like sourdough or ciabatta to prevent sogginess and maintain structural integrity during grilling.
- If avoiding dairy, replace mozzarella with vegan cheese alternatives made from nuts or soy for similar creamy consistency.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Snacks
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2
- Calories: 600
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 1000mg
- Fat: 36g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 46g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 70mg