Caprese Pesto Grilled Cheese (Printable)

Gourmet sandwich featuring fresh mozzarella, ripe tomatoes, and basil pesto toasted on crusty sourdough bread.

# What You'll Need:

→ 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 of the bread slices on top of the pesto side.
03 - Top with the remaining bread slices, pesto side down, to form two sandwiches.
04 - Lightly butter the outside of each sandwich on both top and bottom.
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 Advice:

01 -
  • It takes the nostalgic comfort of grilled cheese and elevates it with bright, fresh flavors that feel both indulgent and light.
  • Everything comes together in under 20 minutes, making it perfect for quick lunches or easy dinners when you want something special without the fuss.
  • The creamy mozzarella melts beautifully and the pesto seeps into every bite, creating layers of flavor in each crispy, golden piece.
02 -
  • Pat the mozzarella and tomato slices dry with a paper towel before layering them in the sandwich, or you will end up with a soggy mess instead of a crispy crust.
  • Medium heat is your friend here. I learned the hard way that high heat burns the bread before the cheese melts, leaving you with a disappointing crunch and cold center.
  • Let the sandwich rest for a full minute after cooking. cutting it immediately makes all the cheese run out onto the plate instead of staying inside where it belongs.
03 -
  • Use a heavy skillet or cast iron pan if you have one. the even heat distribution helps the bread toast uniformly and the cheese melt all the way through.
  • Press down gently but firmly with your spatula while cooking. this encourages contact with the hot pan and helps everything meld together into one cohesive, melty bite.
  • If you want extra crispiness, add a tiny sprinkle of grated Parmesan to the buttered side of the bread before it hits the pan. it creates a lacy, golden crust that is absolutely irresistible.
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