Caprese Pesto Grilled Cheese (Print view)

Elevated grilled cheese with fresh mozzarella, ripe tomatoes, and basil pesto on sourdough, ready in 18 minutes.

# Ingredient List:

→ Bread & Cheese

01 - 4 slices sourdough bread
02 - 7 oz fresh mozzarella, sliced

→ Vegetables

03 - 1 large ripe tomato, sliced

→ Condiments

04 - 4 tablespoons basil pesto
05 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened

# How-To Steps:

01 - Spread 1 tablespoon of basil pesto on one side of each slice of sourdough bread.
02 - Layer half the mozzarella slices and half the tomato slices evenly on two bread slices, placing them on top of the pesto side.
03 - Top with the remaining bread slices, pesto side down, to form two complete sandwiches.
04 - Lightly butter the outside of each sandwich on both the top and bottom surfaces.
05 - Preheat a nonstick skillet or grill pan over medium heat.
06 - Place the sandwiches in the skillet and cook for 3 to 4 minutes per side, pressing gently with a spatula, until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted.
07 - Remove from the pan, let rest for 1 minute, then slice and serve warm.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • It takes the humble grilled cheese and transforms it into something you'd actually serve to guests without apologizing.
  • The fresh mozzarella melts into creamy pools that stretch when you pull the sandwich apart, and that moment never gets old.
  • You can have this on the table in under 20 minutes, which means fancy lunch without the fuss.
  • The pesto adds an herby brightness that cuts through the richness and makes every bite feel intentional.
02 -
  • Don't crank the heat too high, medium is your friend here, high heat will char the bread before the cheese has a chance to melt.
  • If your mozzarella is very wet, pat it dry with a paper towel first or your sandwich will turn into a soggy mess.
  • Let the sandwich rest for a full minute after cooking, cutting it immediately makes all the cheese slide out and you lose half the magic.
03 -
  • Use a cast iron skillet if you have one, it holds heat beautifully and gives the bread an even, golden crust.
  • Press down gently with your spatula while cooking, it helps the cheese melt faster and keeps everything compact.
  • If you're doubling the recipe, work in batches so the pan doesn't get crowded and the sandwiches cook evenly.
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