Pesto Grilled Cheese Classic (Printable Version)

A flavorful melt of mozzarella, pesto, and sun-dried tomatoes on golden sourdough bread.

# List of Ingredients:

→ Bread

01 - 4 slices sourdough or country bread

→ Cheese

02 - 4 oz fresh mozzarella, sliced

→ Pesto

03 - 2 tablespoons basil pesto (store-bought or homemade)

→ Vegetables

04 - 4 to 6 sun-dried tomatoes in oil, drained and sliced

→ For Grilling

05 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened

# How to Make It:

01 - Lay out bread slices and spread 1 tablespoon of pesto evenly over two slices.
02 - Layer sliced mozzarella and sun-dried tomatoes over the pesto-covered bread.
03 - Top with remaining bread slices to form sandwiches.
04 - Spread a thin layer of softened butter on the outside of each sandwich.
05 - Preheat a nonstick skillet or griddle over medium-low heat.
06 - Place sandwiches buttered side down in the skillet and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until golden brown.
07 - Butter the top sides, flip sandwiches, and cook another 3 to 4 minutes while pressing gently until cheese melts and both sides are golden.
08 - Remove from heat, let rest for 1 minute, then slice and serve warm.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The pesto-to-cheese ratio creates this perfect savory-creamy balance that tastes way more impressive than the minimal effort involved.
  • Sun-dried tomatoes add a concentrated sweetness and chew that elevates it beyond your standard grilled cheese nostalgia.
  • Ready in less than 20 minutes, so it's genuinely weeknight dinner material, not just a someday project.
02 -
  • Don't skip the medium-low heat—high heat will burn the bread before the cheese has time to melt, and you'll end up frustrated.
  • Fresh mozzarella releases moisture as it heats, which is beautiful and intentional; sun-dried tomatoes need to be drained or you'll end up with a soggy sandwich.
03 -
  • Let your butter soften to room temperature for 15 minutes before spreading—it'll coat the bread evenly without tearing it.
  • If you're making this for guests, prep everything in advance and butter the sandwiches right before cooking so the bread stays fresh and crisp.
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