Pesto Grilled Cheese (Printable Version)

Crispy sourdough with melted mozzarella and aromatic basil pesto, grilled to golden perfection.

# What You'll Need:

→ Bread

01 - 4 slices sourdough bread or other sturdy bread

→ Cheese

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

→ Pesto

04 - 3 tbsp basil pesto (store-bought or homemade)

→ Butter

05 - 2 tbsp unsalted butter, softened

→ Optional Toppings

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

# Directions:

01 - Lay out bread slices on a work surface. Spread about 1/2 tablespoon softened butter on one side of each slice.
02 - On the unbuttered side of two slices, spread 1 1/2 tablespoons basil pesto evenly.
03 - Layer mozzarella (and provolone if using) over the pesto, then add tomato slices and Parmesan if desired. Season with black pepper.
04 - Top with remaining bread slices, buttered side facing out.
05 - Heat a large nonstick skillet or griddle over medium-low heat.
06 - Place sandwiches in the skillet. Cook for 3-4 minutes per side, pressing gently, until bread is golden brown and cheese is fully melted.
07 - Remove from skillet and let rest for 1-2 minutes, then slice and serve warm.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • The way the mozzarella stretches when you pull apart the sandwich is genuinely satisfying every single time
  • It takes less than 20 minutes from start to finish but tastes like something from a fancy café
  • The combination of bright basil pesto and melted cheese hits that perfect salty, creamy, fresh balance
02 -
  • Medium-low heat is your friend here because high heat burns the bread before the cheese has a chance to melt properly
  • Sprinkling Parmesan on the buttered outside before grilling creates this incredible crispy crust that everyone will ask about
  • Letting the sandwiches rest for even one minute after cooking makes a huge difference in how neatly they slice
03 -
  • Use a cast iron skillet if you have one because it creates the most gorgeous, even golden crust
  • Homemade pesto with fresh basil makes this recipe absolutely shine, but quality store-bought pesto is perfectly acceptable

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