Pesto Grilled Cheese Sandwich Recipe
A quick and delicious Pesto Grilled Cheese sandwich featuring fresh basil pesto, melted mozzarella, and optional additions like sun-dried tomatoes, arugula, and cooked chicken or turkey. Perfectly buttery and golden on the outside with a melty, flavorful inside, ideal for a satisfying lunch or light dinner.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 9 minutes
- Total Time: 14 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Category: Sandwich
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Low Fat
Ingredients
Sandwich Base
- 4 slices Bread (sourdough, ciabatta, or preferred bread)
- 4 tbsp Fresh basil pesto (store-bought or homemade)
- 4 oz Mozzarella cheese (sliced, room temperature)
- 2 tbsp Butter (softened for spreading)
Fillings and Add-ons
- 4 slices Tomato (patted dry)
- Handful Arugula or spinach (adds freshness)
- 1/4 cup Cooked chicken or turkey (optional for protein)
- 2 tbsp Sun-dried tomatoes (chopped)
- Few leaves Fresh basil (optional, for Caprese variation)
Instructions
- Prep Ingredients: Gather all ingredients. Bring mozzarella cheese to room temperature and soften butter for easy spreading. Ensure pesto is ready to use, and slice cheese if necessary. Prepare bread slices.
- Assemble Sandwich: Spread 1 to 2 tablespoons of fresh basil pesto on the inside of each bread slice, avoiding the edges to prevent seepage. Layer mozzarella cheese evenly on one slice, then add optional ingredients such as sun-dried tomatoes, cooked chicken or turkey, tomato slices, arugula or spinach, and fresh basil leaves if desired. Close the sandwich with the other pesto-coated bread slice.
- Butter Bread: Evenly spread softened butter on the outside surfaces of both bread slices. This will help create a golden, crispy crust during cooking.
- Cook Sandwich: Heat a skillet over medium-low heat. Place the sandwich in the skillet and cook for 3 to 4 minutes on one side until it turns golden brown. Carefully flip the sandwich and cook the other side for another 3 to 4 minutes, pressing gently with a spatula to help cheese melt evenly and bread crisp up.
- Serve Hot: Remove the sandwich from heat and let it rest for 1 minute. Slice diagonally and serve immediately while the cheese is hot and melty. Enjoy your flavorful pesto grilled cheese sandwich!
Notes
- Using room temperature cheese helps it melt more evenly.
- Patting tomato slices dry prevents soggy bread.
- Cooked chicken or turkey adds protein but can be omitted for a vegetarian version.
- If you prefer a spicier twist, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes inside the sandwich.
- Use a buttered skillet on medium-low heat to avoid burning the bread before the cheese melts completely.
- To make it gluten-free, substitute bread with gluten-free varieties.
