If you are craving a grilled cheese sandwich that bursts with fresh, vibrant flavors and a luscious, melty texture, then you have to try this Pesto Butter Grilled Cheese Sandwiches Recipe. Combining the richness of butter infused with basil pesto alongside gooey, flavorful cheese and perfectly toasted bread, this sandwich transforms a simple comfort food classic into a gourmet delight. Whether you’re making a quick lunch or a savory snack, these sandwiches bring a delicious twist that’s sure to impress your taste buds and make you smile with every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the perfect Pesto Butter Grilled Cheese Sandwiches Recipe starts with a handful of simple, high-quality ingredients. Each element plays an essential role: the butter provides richness and helps create that crispy golden crust, the pesto injects layers of fresh herbal flavor, the cheese melts to creamy perfection, and the thick bread holds everything together while adding delightful texture.
- Unsalted butter: Using softened butter allows it to mix easily with pesto and ensures an even, flavorful spread that crisps beautifully when grilled.
- Basil pesto: Store-bought pesto offers a convenient hit of herbal brightness but feel free to use homemade for an extra burst of freshness.
- Slices of cheese (Gouda, Muenster, or Monterey Jack): These cheeses melt smoothly and have mild flavors that complement the pesto without overpowering it.
- Thick sliced bread (sourdough preferred): Thick slices hold up well to grilling and soak up buttery pesto flavors without becoming soggy.
How to Make Pesto Butter Grilled Cheese Sandwiches Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Pesto Butter
Start by combining softened unsalted butter with a tablespoon of basil pesto in a small bowl. Mix thoroughly until the pesto is evenly distributed in the butter—this mixture becomes the flavorful base that toasts beautifully on the bread and adds a subtle herbal richness unlike any ordinary grilled cheese.
Step 2: Spread the Pesto Butter on the Bread
Spread a generous layer of your pesto butter on one side of each bread slice. This side will go directly onto the skillet, so don’t be shy—the more flavorful the butter layer, the better the crunch and taste.
Step 3: Add Extra Pesto and Cheese
Flip the bread slices so the buttered side faces down, then spread a thin layer of plain pesto on the unbuttered sides. Next, pile on 4 to 6 slices of your chosen cheese on two of the bread slices—this will be the gooey center that holds the sandwich together.
Step 4: Assemble and Grill the Sandwiches
Sandwich the slices together with the butter sides facing outward. Heat a skillet over medium heat and carefully place the sandwiches in the pan. Grill each side until it turns a gorgeous golden brown and the cheese melts to creamy perfection, flipping the sandwiches carefully to avoid spilling the melted cheese.
Step 5: Rest and Serve
Once grilled, transfer the sandwiches to a cutting board and let them cool for about 3 minutes. This brief rest helps the cheese set just enough to avoid runaway drips and allows all the flavors to meld perfectly before you slice and enjoy.
How to Serve Pesto Butter Grilled Cheese Sandwiches Recipe
Garnishes
Enhance your presentation by sprinkling freshly cracked black pepper or a few torn basil leaves on top. These simple garnishes add a touch of freshness and an inviting aroma, making your sandwich even more irresistible at the table.
Side Dishes
Complement your sandwich with a crisp side salad tossed in a light vinaigrette or a bowl of tomato soup for that classic grilled cheese and soup combo. The acidity from the salad or soup balances the richness of the pesto butter and melted cheese perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
Try cutting the sandwiches into fun shapes with cookie cutters for a party or kid-friendly snack, or serve them open-faced with a drizzle of extra pesto and a sprinkle of parmesan for a gourmet twist. Adding roasted cherry tomatoes on the side can also brighten the plate and add bursts of sweet juiciness.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers from your Pesto Butter Grilled Cheese Sandwiches Recipe, store them wrapped tightly in foil or plastic wrap in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. This will keep the sandwich fresh while preventing the bread from drying out.
Freezing
For longer storage, you can freeze the sandwiches before grilling. Wrap each sandwich individually in plastic wrap and then place in a freezer-safe bag. They will keep well for up to one month. When ready to eat, skip the thawing and grill them straight from frozen, just cook a bit longer on each side.
Reheating
To reheat without losing that crisp crust, toast leftover sandwiches in a skillet over medium-low heat with a lid on for 3–4 minutes each side until warmed through and the cheese is melty again. Avoid the microwave to prevent soggy bread.
FAQs
Can I use homemade pesto for the Pesto Butter Grilled Cheese Sandwiches Recipe?
Absolutely! Homemade pesto is fantastic and adds a fresh personalized touch. Just be sure it’s not too oily, which can make the bread soggy during grilling.
What types of cheese work best for this recipe?
Cheeses like Gouda, Muenster, and Monterey Jack melt beautifully and complement pesto’s herbal flavor without overpowering it. Feel free to experiment with mozzarella or fontina for different melts and flavors.
Is it okay to use regular butter instead of unsalted?
Using unsalted butter is recommended so you can better control the salt level. However, if you only have salted butter, just reduce or skip any added salt elsewhere in the sandwich.
Can I make this sandwich vegan or dairy-free?
Yes! Swap the butter with a vegan butter substitute and use dairy-free pesto alongside vegan cheese to make this delicious sandwich plant-based.
How do I prevent the sandwich from burning while getting the cheese melted?
Cooking over medium heat allows the bread to toast perfectly without burning, giving the cheese time to melt slowly. Patience is key, and flipping carefully helps achieve the golden crust on both sides.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking to elevate your grilled cheese game, give this Pesto Butter Grilled Cheese Sandwiches Recipe a go. It’s quick, easy, and packed with flavor that will make you eager for the next bite. Trust me, once you taste the buttery crispiness combined with pesto’s vibrancy and the luscious melted cheese, this will become one of your favorite sandwiches to whip up any day of the week.
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Pesto Butter Grilled Cheese Sandwiches Recipe
- Total Time: 12 minutes
- Yield: 2 sandwiches
Description
A delicious and easy-to-make Pesto Butter Grilled Cheese Sandwich that combines the rich flavors of basil pesto with creamy melted cheese on perfectly toasted sourdough bread. Perfect for a quick lunch or comfort food craving.
Ingredients
Butter and Pesto
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 1 tablespoon store-bought basil pesto, plus more for spreading
Cheese
- 4–6 slices gouda, muenster, or Monterey Jack cheese
Bread
- 4 slices thick sliced bread, preferably sourdough
Instructions
- Prepare Pesto Butter: In a small bowl, mix together 1 tablespoon of store-bought basil pesto with the softened unsalted butter until thoroughly combined.
- Spread on Bread: Spread the pesto butter on one side of each of the four slices of bread evenly. Then flip the bread slices so the buttered side is down, and spread each slice on the top side with extra plain pesto to enhance the flavor.
- Add Cheese & Assemble: Place 4 to 6 slices of your choice of cheese (gouda, muenster, or Monterey Jack) on two slices of the bread. Sandwich each with another slice of bread, making sure the pesto butter is facing outwards for grilling.
- Grill Sandwiches: Heat a skillet over medium heat. Place the sandwiches on the skillet and fry until the bottom is golden brown and crispy, about 3-4 minutes. Flip the sandwiches carefully and cook the other side until equally golden and the cheese is melted, about another 3-4 minutes.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the grilled cheese sandwiches from the skillet and transfer to a cutting board. Allow them to cool for about 3 minutes for the cheese to settle, then slice in half and serve warm.
Notes
- Feel free to use your favorite type of thick sliced bread, but sourdough provides the best texture and flavor.
- Adjust the cheese quantity and type depending on your preference for meltiness and taste.
- To prevent burning, keep the heat at medium and monitor the bread color while grilling.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute butter and cheese with vegan alternatives and use a pesto without cheese.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 7 minutes
- Category: Lunch
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
