Description
This recipe transforms a classic comfort food into an elevated dish, offering a quick yet incredibly satisfying meal perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 slices sturdy bread (sourdough, challah, or country loaf recommended)
- 2 tablespoons butter (softened)
- 3–4 tablespoons basil pesto (store-bought or homemade)
- 6 ounces melty cheese (a combination of shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan is highly recommended)
- thinly sliced tomato
- fresh basil leaves
- red pepper flakes (for a touch of heat)
Instructions
- Lay out your four slices of bread on a clean surface. Generously spread one side of each slice with softened butter.
- Flip two of the bread slices over so the unbuttered side is facing up. Spread an even layer of pesto over these two slices.
- On top of the pesto, evenly distribute your shredded mozzarella cheese on both pesto-covered bread slices. If using Parmesan, sprinkle it on top of the mozzarella.
- Add thinly sliced tomato or a few fresh basil leaves. A tiny pinch of red pepper flakes can also be added here.
- Take the remaining two buttered bread slices and place them, butter-side up, on top of the cheese and fillings.
- Place a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat. Allow it to preheat for a minute or two.
- Carefully place the assembled sandwiches into the preheated skillet. Cook for 3-5 minutes, or until the bottom slice of bread is a deep golden brown.
- Using a spatula, carefully flip each sandwich. Cook for another 3-5 minutes, pressing down gently with your spatula, until the second side is also golden brown.
- Once perfectly grilled and oozing with cheesy goodness, remove the Best Pesto Grilled Cheese from the skillet. Let them rest for just a minute before slicing in half.
Notes
- This dish pairs well with a side salad or soup.
- Feel free to customize with your favorite cheese or additional toppings.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Lunch
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 43g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 19g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: Pesto Grilled Cheese, Grilled Cheese, Comfort Food