Description
A deliciously crispy and melty Pesto and Mozzarella Grilled Cheese Sandwich made with fresh basil pesto, creamy mozzarella, and sourdough bread, perfect for a quick and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Bread and Spread
- 4 slices sourdough bread (I like Izzio brand)
- 4 tablespoons basil pesto (or your favorite brand)
Cheese
- 4 slices fresh mozzarella cheese (or more to taste)
Butter
- 3 tablespoons salted butter (or more if needed)
Instructions
- Spread Pesto: Spoon 1 tablespoon of basil pesto onto the inside of each slice of sourdough bread. Using the back of your spoon, thinly spread the pesto in an even layer to cover the surface fully.
- Add Cheese: Thinly slice fresh mozzarella or use pre-sliced mozzarella for extra cheesiness. Depending on the size of your bread, place 2 to 3 slices of mozzarella on one slice of the pesto-covered bread.
- Assemble Sandwich: Place the second pesto-spread slice of bread on top, pesto side down, to complete the sandwich.
- Melt Butter: Heat 1½ tablespoons of salted butter in a skillet or griddle over medium-low heat until fully melted and starts to shimmer.
- Cook Sandwich: Place the sandwiches in the pan and cover with a lid. The lid traps steam and helps melt the mozzarella evenly and quickly while the bread crisps up.
- Flip and Butter: Once the underside is golden brown to your liking, add the remaining 1½ tablespoons of butter to the pan. After it melts, carefully flip the sandwiches to toast the other side.
- Serve: Remove from heat once the second side is golden and cheese is melted. Cut the sandwiches in half and serve immediately while warm and melty.
Notes
- Use fresh mozzarella for the best melting and flavor.
- Adjust butter quantity based on your skillet and desired richness.
- Covering while cooking helps cheese melt faster and evenly.
- Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.
- To make it vegetarian, ensure pesto does not contain any animal-derived ingredients like Parmesan made with animal rennet.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Category: Sandwich
- Method: Grilling/Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
