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Make This Crispy Pesto Grilled Cheese Recipe

Pesto Grilled Cheese Recipe

A gourmet twist on the classic grilled cheese, featuring savory basil pesto, gooey mozzarella, and sharp cheddar melted between two perfectly golden slices of sourdough bread.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 2 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 685

Ingredients
  

  • 4 thick slices of sourdough bread about 1.5 cm thick
  • 50 g unsalted butter softened to room temperature
  • 4 tbsp good-quality basil pesto
  • 100 g block mozzarella coarsely grated
  • 80 g mature cheddar cheese coarsely grated
  • Freshly ground black pepper

Method
 

  1. Prep Your Bread: Lay the four slices of sourdough bread out on a clean work surface. Using a butter knife, spread the softened butter evenly across one side of each slice, going right to the edges.
  2. Assemble the Base: Turn two of the slices over so the buttered side is facing down. On the unbuttered side, spread 2 tablespoons of pesto evenly over each slice.
  3. Layer the Cheeses: Divide the cheese between the two pesto-covered slices. I find it works best to start with a layer of cheddar, followed by all the mozzarella, and then finish with the remaining cheddar. This seems to help everything melt together nicely.
  4. Season and Top: Add a little crack of freshly ground black pepper over the cheese. Place the remaining two slices of bread on top, with the buttered side facing up.
  5. Heat the Pan: Place a large, heavy-based non-stick frying pan or griddle over a medium-low heat. Let it warm up for a minute or two. Don't add any extra oil or butter to the pan.
  6. Grill the First Side: Carefully place the assembled sandwiches into the warm pan. Cook for 4-5 minutes. What works best for me is to press down gently with a spatula a few times during cooking to encourage an even, golden crust.
  7. Flip and Grill the Second Side: Once the bottom is a deep golden brown, carefully flip the sandwiches over using a wide spatula. Cook the second side for another 4-5 minutes, until it's equally golden and the cheese is completely melted and beginning to ooze from the sides.
  8. Rest and Serve: Remove the sandwiches from the pan and let them rest on a chopping board for a minute. This allows the cheese to set slightly, making it easier to slice. Cut them in half diagonally and serve immediately.

Notes

Serve immediately with a side of tomato soup for the ultimate comfort meal. Letting it rest for a minute before slicing is key.