Caprese Pesto Grilled Cheese (Print Version)

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

# 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 Make It:

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

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It transforms simple ingredients into something that tastes like it came from a cafe, but costs a fraction of the price.
  • The combination of creamy mozzarella, sweet tomato, and herbaceous pesto creates layers of flavor in every bite.
  • It cooks fast enough for a weeknight dinner but impressive enough to serve to guests.
  • The crispy, buttery crust against the gooey melted cheese is pure comfort.
02 -
  • Pat the tomato slices dry with a paper towel before layering them, excess moisture can make the bread soggy and ruin the crisp.
  • Medium heat is your friend, I burned my first attempt by cranking the heat too high and ending up with charred bread and cold cheese.
  • Let the butter soften at room temperature for easier spreading, trying to spread cold butter tears the bread and makes everything harder than it needs to be.
03 -
  • Use a cast iron skillet if you have one, it distributes heat more evenly and gives you that perfect golden crust every time.
  • Press down gently with the spatula while cooking to help the cheese melt faster and create better contact with the pan.
  • If you're making multiple sandwiches, keep the finished ones warm in a low oven while you cook the rest.
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