Easy Pesto Grilled Cheese

Pesto grilled cheese sandwich stacked on a slate surface, showing gooey mozzarella, basil pesto, sun-dried tomatoes, and golden sourdough.

This Pesto Grilled Cheese is crispy on the outside, gooey in the middle, and packed with herby basil flavor. It is a quick, comforting sandwich my daughter and I love making together when we want something simple that still feels special.

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Course: Breakfast, lunch

Cuisine: American

Keyword: easy grilled cheese sandwich, Pesto Grilled Cheese, pesto sandwich recipe, quick lunch recipe

Prep Time: 5

Cook Time: 10

Total Time: 15

Servings: servings

Calories: 520kcal

Cost: $6

Equipment

1 Nonstick skillet or griddle Medium heat works best for melting cheese evenly
1 Spatula
1 Butter knife
1 Cutting board

Ingredients

4 slices sourdough bread
4 tablespoons fresh basil pesto
6 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese sliced or shredded
2 tablespoons unsalted butter softened

Optional Add Ins

4 slices sun-dried tomatoes
4 slices provolone cheese

Instructions

I lay out the sourdough bread on the cutting board and let my daughter help spread the butter on one side of each slice. She loves making sure every edge is covered so it gets perfectly golden.
On the unbuttered side of each slice, I gently spread the fresh basil pesto all the way to the corners.
I layer the mozzarella cheese onto two slices of bread, then add any extras like sun-dried tomatoes if we have them. My daughter carefully places the top slices on, pesto side down.
I heat the skillet over medium heat and place the sandwiches butter side down. Cook until golden and the cheese melts, about 3 to 4 minutes per side.
Once both sides are crispy and the cheese is beautifully gooey, I transfer the sandwiches to the cutting board and slice them diagonally.

Notes

If you do not have sourdough, regular white bread or ciabatta works just fine.
For extra protein, add cooked chicken or turkey slices inside the sandwich.
Store leftovers wrapped in foil in the fridge for up to 2 days and reheat gently in a skillet.
This pesto grilled cheese pairs perfectly with tomato soup and a cozy afternoon at the kitchen table.

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