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Pesto Mozzarella Grilled Cheese

Featured in Hearty Main Courses.

Transform your comfort food game with this pesto mozzarella grilled sandwich. In just 10 minutes, you’ll create a golden, crispy exterior and a gooey interior bursting with Italian flavors. This sandwich pairs creamy melted mozzarella with fragrant basil pesto, offering a rich balance of textures and tastes. Perfect for a quick lunch or a cozy dinner, you can even personalize it with additions like tomatoes or spinach for extra flair.

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Ranah
Updated on Sat, 03 May 2025 17:57:40 GMT
Two pieces of cheese and spinach sandwiches. Pin it
Two pieces of cheese and spinach sandwiches. | yummyflavorsrecipes.com

This pesto mozzarella grilled cheese elevates the classic comfort food into something extraordinary, combining the gooey perfection of melted cheese with the bright, herbaceous flavors of basil pesto. The contrast between the crispy, buttery exterior and the molten, stretchy cheese interior creates a sandwich experience that's both familiar and exciting.

I first made this sandwich during a rainy afternoon when I needed comfort food but wanted something more interesting than plain grilled cheese. Now it's become my go-to lunch when I want to impress someone without spending hours in the kitchen.

Ingredients

  • Sourdough bread: Provides the perfect sturdy base with a slight tang that complements the pesto beautifully
  • Basil pesto: Delivers intense herb flavor and richness in one spread. Look for one with visible olive oil separation for the freshest flavor
  • Mozzarella cheese: Creates that iconic stretch and mild creaminess. Fresh mozzarella works best for meltability
  • Unsalted butter: Allows you to control the saltiness while creating that golden exterior crust
  • Optional Parmesan cheese: Adds a salty umami punch that enhances the overall flavor profile

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Bread:
Spread a generous tablespoon of pesto on one side of each bread slice, making sure to reach all the way to the edges. The oil in the pesto will slightly soak into the bread, infusing it with flavor before you even start cooking.
Cheese Distribution:
Layer your mozzarella evenly across the pesto on two bread slices. If using fresh mozzarella, pat it slightly dry with paper towels first to prevent excess moisture from making your sandwich soggy. If using the optional Parmesan, sprinkle it evenly over the mozzarella.
Sandwich Assembly:
Place the remaining bread slices on top, pesto side facing down toward the cheese. Press gently to compact the sandwich slightly, which helps with even melting.
Butter Application:
Spread a thin layer of softened butter across the entire exterior of both sides of the sandwich. Make sure the butter reaches all the way to the edges for consistent browning.
Cooking Process:
Heat your pan over medium heat until a drop of water sizzles when it hits the surface. Place the sandwich in the pan and listen for the gentle sizzle that indicates proper temperature. Cook for 2-3 minutes, pressing occasionally with a spatula, then flip carefully and cook the second side until equally golden and crisp.
A sandwich with cheese and spinach on it. Pin it
A sandwich with cheese and spinach on it. | yummyflavorsrecipes.com

My favorite part of this sandwich is the way the basil pesto infuses the entire experience with its aromatic qualities. I remember making these for my friend who claimed to hate pesto, and watching her face light up with surprise at the first bite.

Perfect Pairings

This elevated grilled cheese deserves thoughtful accompaniments. A simple tomato soup creates the classic pairing, but with a twist. The acidity of the tomato cuts through the richness of the cheese while complementing the herbaceous pesto. For something lighter, try a small arugula salad dressed with lemon and olive oil, which echoes the flavors in the pesto while providing textural contrast.

Two pieces of cheese and spinach sandwiches. Pin it
Two pieces of cheese and spinach sandwiches. | yummyflavorsrecipes.com

Storage Solutions

While grilled cheese is always best eaten fresh from the pan, you can prepare these ahead of time for quick cooking. Assemble the sandwiches without the exterior butter, wrap tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to cook, simply butter the exterior and proceed as normal. Already cooked sandwiches can be reheated in a 300°F oven for about 10 minutes, though the texture will not be quite as good as fresh.

Pesto Variations

The beauty of this sandwich lies in its adaptability. Try sun-dried tomato pesto for a sweeter, more intense flavor profile. Arugula pesto adds a peppery kick that works beautifully with the mild mozzarella. For a winter version, swap in a kale pesto with walnuts for earthier notes. Each variation creates an entirely different sandwich experience while maintaining the same cooking technique.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use a different type of bread?

Yes, you can use any crusty bread like ciabatta or a baguette for this sandwich. Try sourdough for extra flavor!

→ What kind of pesto works best?

Basil pesto is recommended, but feel free to use other types such as sun-dried tomato or spinach pesto for a twist.

→ Can I make this without butter?

Yes, you can omit butter and use olive oil or a cooking spray for a healthier option, though butter gives the best crust.

→ How do I ensure the cheese melts thoroughly?

Cook the sandwich on medium heat to allow the cheese to melt completely without over-toasting the bread.

→ What add-ins pair well with this sandwich?

Try adding sliced tomatoes, fresh spinach, or even a drizzle of balsamic glaze for extra flavor.

Pesto Mozzarella Grilled Cheese

Crispy grilled bread with molten mozzarella and vibrant basil pesto for a quick, satisfying delight.

Prep Time
5 Minutes
Cook Time
5 Minutes
Total Time
10 Minutes
By: Ranah

Category: Hearty Main Dishes

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: American

Yield: 2 Servings (2 sandwiches)

Dietary: Vegetarian

Ingredients

→ Main Ingredients

01 4 slices of sourdough or crusty bread
02 4 tablespoons basil pesto (store-bought or homemade)
03 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese or 4 slices fresh mozzarella
04 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened

→ Optional Ingredients

05 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

Step 01

Spread 1 tablespoon of pesto on one side of each slice of bread, ensuring an even distribution.

Step 02

On two of the bread slices (pesto side up), add a generous amount of shredded mozzarella or 2 slices of fresh mozzarella. Optionally sprinkle Parmesan cheese on top of the mozzarella. Place the remaining two slices of bread (pesto side down) on top of the cheese to complete the sandwich.

Step 03

Spread a thin layer of softened butter on the outside of each sandwich to ensure a crispy, golden-brown crust when grilling.

Step 04

Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat. Place the sandwiches in the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, pressing gently with a spatula, until the bread is golden brown and crispy and the cheese is fully melted.

Step 05

Remove the sandwiches from the skillet, slice them in half, and serve warm.

Notes

  1. You can add extras like sliced tomatoes, spinach, or a drizzle of balsamic glaze for additional flavor.
  2. Using fresh mozzarella will deliver a creamier, more melted texture.
  3. For a rich garlic flavor, grill the sandwich with garlic butter instead of regular butter.

Tools You'll Need

  • Non-stick skillet or griddle
  • Spatula

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains dairy (mozzarella, Parmesan, butter)
  • Contains gluten (sourdough or crusty bread)

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 410
  • Total Fat: 24.3 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 28.5 g
  • Protein: 18.7 g