Description
This Pesto and Mozzarella Grilled Cheese Sandwich is a quick and delicious twist on the classic grilled cheese. Featuring fresh mozzarella and fragrant basil pesto sandwiched between slices of sourdough bread, it’s a gooey, flavorful treat perfect for a comforting lunch or easy dinner.
Ingredients
Sandwich
- 4 slices sourdough bread (Izzio brand recommended)
- 4 tablespoons basil pesto (or your favorite pesto)
- 4 slices fresh mozzarella cheese (or more to taste, thinly sliced)
For Cooking
- 3 tablespoons salted butter (or more if needed)
Instructions
- Spread Pesto on Bread: Spoon 1 tablespoon of basil pesto onto the inside of each slice of sourdough bread. Use the back of the spoon to spread it thinly and evenly across the surface.
- Prepare Cheese: Thinly slice fresh mozzarella cheese if not using pre-sliced. Depending on the bread size, top one side of the pesto-spread bread with 2 to 3 slices for a rich cheesy layer.
- Assemble Sandwich: Place the second slice of pesto-spread bread on top, pesto side facing the cheese, to form the sandwich.
- Melt Butter: Heat 1½ tablespoons of salted butter in a skillet or griddle over medium-low heat until melted and lightly foaming.
- Cook Sandwiches: Place the sandwiches in the skillet and cover with a lid. This traps steam inside, helping the cheese melt more quickly and evenly.
- Flip and Butter: When the underside of the sandwich is golden brown to your liking, add the remaining 1½ tablespoons of butter. Once melted, carefully flip the sandwiches to cook the other side until golden and cheese is melted.
- Serve: Remove from skillet, cut sandwiches in half, and serve immediately while warm and gooey.
Notes
- Use fresh mozzarella for a creamy, melty texture, but pre-sliced works well for more cheese.
- Covering the pan helps melt cheese faster by trapping steam.
- Adjust butter quantity as needed to achieve a golden, crispy crust without burning.
- Sourdough bread adds a nice tang and crunch; other rustic breads work too.
- Serve with tomato soup or salad for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Category: Sandwich
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
