Pesto Grilled Cheese

Introduction

Pesto Grilled Cheese is a flavorful twist on the classic grilled cheese sandwich. With the rich and aromatic taste of fresh pesto paired with melted cheese, this sandwich takes comfort food to the next level. The creamy, melty cheese combined with the bold pesto flavor creates a deliciously satisfying bite.

I made this sandwich when I was in the mood for something cozy but with a little extra flair, and it quickly became a favorite. The pesto gives the grilled cheese a burst of flavor, making it feel special while still being simple to prepare. You can use your go-to bread and cheese, but the pesto really elevates the whole experience. It’s perfect for lunch, a light dinner, or as a side to your favorite soup.

Whether you’re craving a familiar comfort food or something with a little more excitement, this Pesto Grilled Cheese delivers both! It’s easy to make yet feels indulgent with every bite.

Perfect for:

• Quick weeknight meals
• Lunch or dinner
• Pairing with soup (especially tomato soup)
• Pesto lovers
• Comfort food enthusiasts

Why You’ll Love This Pesto Grilled Cheese

Here’s why Pesto Grilled Cheese will become your new favorite:

• Bold, Flavorful Pesto: The pesto adds a vibrant, herbal flavor that complements the richness of the cheese, making this grilled cheese anything but ordinary.
• Melted Cheese: The gooey, melted cheese is the heart of the sandwich, offering a perfect balance with the pesto.
• Crunchy and Golden: The outside of the bread gets beautifully crisp and golden, creating the perfect texture to contrast with the soft, melted inside.
• Quick and Easy: With just a few ingredients and minimal preparation, this sandwich is ready in under 15 minutes, making it a perfect go-to for a fast meal.
• Customizable: Use your favorite bread, pesto, and cheese combinations to make this sandwich your own.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Preparation Time: 5 minutes
• Cooking Time: 10 minutes
• Servings: 2 sandwiches
• Calories per serving: Approximately 400-500 calories
• Key Nutrients: Protein: 20g, Carbs: 35g, Fat: 25g

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to make your Pesto Grilled Cheese:

• 4 slices of bread (your choice: white, whole wheat, sourdough, etc.)
• 4 tablespoons pesto (store-bought or homemade)
• 4 slices of cheese (such as mozzarella, cheddar, or provolone)
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened

Ingredient Highlights

• Pesto: Pesto is made from fresh basil, garlic, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil, creating a fresh, herbal, and nutty flavor that pairs beautifully with melted cheese.
• Bread: Choose a hearty, flavorful bread like sourdough or whole wheat for the best texture and flavor.
• Cheese: Mozzarella, cheddar, or provolone work great in this recipe, but feel free to experiment with your favorites for different flavors.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s how to make Pesto Grilled Cheese:

Prepare the Sandwiches:

1. Prepare the Bread: Lay the slices of bread flat on a clean surface. Spread 1 tablespoon of pesto on one side of each slice of bread.
2. Assemble the Sandwiches: Place 2 slices of cheese on top of the pesto on each slice of bread. Top with the remaining slices of bread, pesto side inwards, to form a sandwich.
3. Butter the Bread: Spread the softened butter evenly on the outside of each slice of bread.

Cook the Sandwiches:

4. Preheat the Pan: Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat.
5. Grill the Sandwiches: Place the sandwiches in the preheated pan. Cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until the bread is golden brown and crispy and the cheese is melted inside. You may want to press down slightly on the sandwiches with a spatula to ensure even browning and melting.
6. Serve: Once the sandwiches are golden and the cheese is gooey, remove them from the pan and slice them in half. Serve immediately while the cheese is still melted.

How to Serve Pesto Grilled Cheese

Pesto Grilled Cheese can be served in various ways:

• With Tomato Soup: The classic combination of grilled cheese and tomato soup is perfect here, with the pesto adding a unique twist.
• As a Snack: Serve as a quick snack or light meal on its own.
• With a Salad: Pair with a simple green salad for a more balanced meal.
• For a Picnic: Wrap the sandwiches in parchment paper for a portable, delicious lunch outdoors.

Additional Tips for Pesto Grilled Cheese

Here are some tips to ensure your Pesto Grilled Cheese is perfect every time:

• Use Fresh Pesto – Freshly made pesto will provide a burst of flavor. If you don’t have time to make it, look for a high-quality store-bought version.
• Try Different Cheeses – Mozzarella, sharp cheddar, Gruyère, and fontina are great alternatives or additions to the classic American cheese.
• Toast Both Sides of Bread with Butter – Buttering both sides of the bread before grilling ensures a crisp, golden crust.
• Add Fresh Veggies – Consider adding sliced tomatoes, spinach, or arugula to the sandwich for extra freshness and texture.
• Balance the Salt – Pesto can be salty, so taste it before spreading it on the bread and adjust seasoning as needed.
• Use Sourdough or Ciabatta Bread – These breads have a sturdy texture that can hold up to the pesto and cheese while adding extra flavor.
• Low and Slow – Grill the sandwich over medium-low heat to ensure the cheese melts perfectly without burning the bread.
• Garlic Bread Twist – Rub the bread with a fresh garlic clove before buttering to infuse an extra layer of flavor.
• Add a Protein – Adding a protein like grilled chicken or crispy bacon can turn the sandwich into a heartier meal.
• Serve with Soup – Pair the sandwich with a warm bowl of tomato soup or creamy potato soup to elevate the meal even further.

Recipe Variations for Pesto Grilled Cheese

Here are 5 variations you can try for Pesto Grilled Cheese:

• Tomato Pesto Grilled Cheese: Add slices of fresh tomato to the sandwich along with the pesto for a classic combination of basil and tomato.
• Bacon Pesto Grilled Cheese: Add crispy bacon to the sandwich for a smoky, salty contrast to the creamy cheese and vibrant pesto.
• Vegan Pesto Grilled Cheese: Use a dairy-free pesto (without Parmesan) and vegan cheese to make a plant-based version of this sandwich.
• Spinach Pesto Grilled Cheese: Add a handful of fresh spinach to the sandwich for extra greens and flavor.
• Garlic Pesto Grilled Cheese: For an extra kick, mix roasted garlic into the pesto before spreading it on the bread.

Freezing and Storage for Pesto Grilled Cheese

• Freezing: You can freeze the assembled sandwiches before grilling. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or foil and store them in a zip-top bag for up to 2 months. To cook, grill from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to ensure the cheese melts completely.
• Storage: Leftover grilled cheese sandwiches are best enjoyed fresh, but you can store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in a skillet or toaster oven to maintain the crispy texture.

Special Equipment for Pesto Grilled Cheese

Here are some special equipment items to make preparing your Pesto Grilled Cheese easier:

• Cast Iron Skillet – Ideal for achieving a crispy, golden-brown crust.
• Griddle – Offers a larger surface for making multiple sandwiches at once.
• Panini Press – Provides even heat and a perfectly pressed sandwich.
• Butter Spreader – Helps to evenly coat the bread with butter or pesto.
• Grater – For grating fresh cheese like mozzarella or parmesan.
• Garlic Press – If you want to add fresh garlic to your pesto.
• Sharp Knife – For slicing the sandwich evenly and neatly.
• Basting Brush – Useful for applying butter or pesto to the bread.
• Measuring Spoons – For accurate amounts of pesto or seasoning.
• Sandwich Tongs – Helps flip and handle the sandwich without squishing it.

Frequently Asked Questions for Pesto Grilled Cheese

1. Can I use store-bought pesto?
   Yes, store-bought pesto works perfectly fine for this recipe, but homemade pesto will add a fresher, more vibrant flavor.
2. Can I use a different type of cheese?
   Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different cheeses like cheddar, gouda, or fontina for a unique twist.
3. Can I make this sandwich ahead of time?
   You can assemble the sandwiches in advance and store them in the fridge for up to 4 hours before grilling them.
4. Can I make this sandwich gluten-free?
   Yes, simply use gluten-free bread to make the sandwich gluten-free.

Print

Conclusion

Pesto Grilled Cheese is a simple yet satisfying upgrade to the classic grilled cheese sandwich. With the aromatic flavors of pesto and the creamy, melty cheese, this sandwich is perfect for a quick meal or a more indulgent snack. Whether you’re enjoying it on its own or pairing it with a warm bowl of soup, this pesto twist on a classic favorite will quickly become a go-to in your recipe collection.

This recipe is as easy to make as it is delicious, making it perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy lunch. Whether you’re enjoying it solo or sharing it with friends and family, this pesto grilled cheese will become your new favorite way to enjoy a timeless classic.

I’d love to see how your Pesto Grilled Cheese turns out! Snap a photo, share it on social media, and don’t forget to tag me—I can’t wait to see your delicious creations. Happy cooking!