Best Pesto Grilled Cheese (Printable)

Golden crispy sandwich with melty mozzarella and basil pesto, ready in under 20 minutes.

# Ingredient List:

01 - 4 slices sourdough bread or sturdy bread

02 - 4 oz fresh mozzarella, sliced

03 - 2 oz sharp provolone or fontina, sliced

04 - 3 tbsp basil pesto

05 - 2 tbsp unsalted butter, softened

06 - 2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese

07 - 1 small tomato, thinly sliced

08 - Freshly ground black pepper to taste

01 - Lay out bread slices on work surface. Spread about 1/2 tablespoon softened butter on one side of each slice.

02 - On unbuttered side of two slices, spread 1 1/2 tablespoons basil pesto evenly across surface.

03 - Layer mozzarella and provolone over pesto, add tomato slices and Parmesan if desired. Season with black pepper.

04 - Top with remaining bread slices, buttered side facing outward to create sealed sandwiches.

05 - Heat large nonstick skillet or griddle over medium-low heat until properly warmed.

06 - Place sandwiches in skillet, cook 3-4 minutes per side while pressing gently until golden brown and cheese melts completely.

07 - Remove from skillet, let rest 1-2 minutes, then slice diagonally and serve warm.

01 -

Takes plain grilled cheese and transforms it into something that feels fancy without the effort
The pesto creates this incredible aroma that fills your whole kitchen while cooking
Ready in under 20 minutes but tastes like you spent way more time on it

02 -

Medium low heat is your friend here, high heat will burn the bread before the cheese melts
Pressing too hard while cooking will squeeze all the cheesy goodness right out of your sandwich
Letting it rest for even 60 seconds makes slicing so much cleaner and keeps the filling inside

03 -

Sprinkle grated Parmesan on the buttered outside before cooking for an extra crispy cheesy crust
Add a few fresh basil leaves inside the sandwich for little bursts of brightness