Pesto Grilled Cheese

A cozy, homemade pesto grilled cheese layered with creamy mozzarella, garlicky pesto, and toasted sourdough. A quick and satisfying lunch or light dinner with Italian flair.

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Course: dinner, Lunch, Snack

Cuisine: Italian, American

Prep Time: 10

Cook Time: 8

Rest: 2

Total Time: 20

Servings: servings

Calories: 540kcal

Cost: $6

Equipment

1 Cast iron skillet or non-stick pan
1 Wide spatula
1 Serrated knife
1 Pastry brush (optional)

Ingredients

4 slices Sourdough bread Sturdy bread that toasts beautifully
⅓ cup Basil pesto sauce Homemade or store-bought
6 oz Fresh mozzarella cheese Sliced evenly
2 tablespoon Butter, softened For that golden crust
1 large Tomato, thinly sliced Optional, for a Caprese-style twist
1 handful Fresh basil leaves Optional, for extra aroma
Provolone or fontina cheese Optional blend for extra flavor
Red pepper flakes Optional, adds heat
Garlic powder Optional, boosts flavor

Instructions

Butter one side of each bread slice.
Spread pesto on the opposite (non-buttered) sides of the bread.
Layer fresh mozzarella and optional tomato and basil between two slices, pesto sides in.
Place sandwich in a heated skillet over medium heat.
Cook 3–4 minutes per side, flipping once, until bread is golden and cheese is melted.
Let rest 2 minutes, slice and serve warm.

Notes

Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should only be used as an approximation.

Nutrition