Caprese Pesto Grilled Cheese (Print View)

Creamy fresh mozzarella, ripe tomatoes, and basil pesto melted between crusty sourdough and toasted to golden perfection.

# Components:

→ 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

# Directions:

01 - Spread 1 tablespoon of basil pesto on one side of each slice of sourdough bread
02 - Arrange half the mozzarella slices and half the tomato slices evenly on two bread slices on top of the pesto
03 - Top with remaining bread slices, pesto side down, to form two complete sandwiches
04 - Lightly butter the outside of each sandwich on both top and bottom surfaces
05 - Preheat a nonstick skillet or grill pan over medium heat
06 - Place sandwiches in the skillet and cook for 3 to 4 minutes per side, pressing gently with a spatula, until bread achieves golden brown color and cheese melts completely
07 - Remove from pan, let rest for 1 minute, then slice diagonally and serve warm

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It takes the comfort of grilled cheese and makes it feel like something you'd order at a cafe with outdoor seating.
  • The pesto seeps into the bread as it toasts, creating crispy, herby edges that crunch perfectly against the soft mozzarella.
  • You can make it on a Tuesday night or serve it at a casual lunch party and either way it feels exactly right.
02 -
  • Pat the tomato slices dry with a paper towel before layering them in, or the extra moisture will make the sandwich soggy and harder to flip.
  • If your mozzarella is too wet, squeeze it gently in your hands over the sink to get rid of excess water before slicing.
  • Use medium heat and be patient, rushing it on high heat will burn the bread and leave the cheese cold in the middle.
03 -
  • Grate a little Parmesan on the buttered outside of the bread before grilling for an extra crispy, cheesy crust that tastes incredible.
  • If your pesto seems too thick, stir in a teaspoon of olive oil to make it easier to spread and help it soak into the bread.
  • Press the sandwich gently but firmly with the spatula while it cooks, this helps the cheese melt faster and creates better contact with the pan for even browning.
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