This Pesto Mozzarella Grilled Cheese is a gourmet take on the classic comfort food! With buttery sourdough, rich basil pesto, and a melty blend of fresh and low-moisture mozzarella, this sandwich delivers bold flavors and a crispy, golden crust. Perfect for a quick lunch, easy dinner, or indulgent snack!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Crispy, golden exterior – thanks to brushed olive oil and sourdough
- Perfectly melty cheese – a mix of fresh and low-moisture mozzarella for the best texture
- Rich, herby flavor – basil pesto adds a fresh, aromatic kick
- Quick and easy – ready in under 10 minutes
- Versatile – pairs well with soups, salads, or a side of marinara for dipping
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 4 slices sourdough bread (or any good sandwich bread)
- 2 heaping tablespoons prepared basil pesto
- 2 ounces fresh mozzarella, grated or crumbled
- 2 ounces low-moisture whole milk mozzarella, grated
- Olive oil, for brushing
- Pinch of Kosher or sea salt
Directions
1. Assemble the Sandwiches
- Lay all slices of bread on a surface.
- Spread ½ tablespoon (1½ teaspoons) of pesto over each slice.
- Sprinkle the grated cheeses evenly over two slices of bread.
- Place the remaining two slices (pesto-side down) on top to close the sandwiches.
2. Prep for Cooking
- Brush the top side of each sandwich with olive oil and sprinkle lightly with salt.
3. Cook the Grilled Cheese
- Heat a heavy-bottomed skillet over medium-low heat.
- Place sandwiches oiled-side-down into the pan.
- Brush the exposed (top) side with olive oil and sprinkle with salt.
- Cook without pressing for 3-4 minutes, until golden brown.
- Flip and cook the other side for another 3 minutes, until crispy and melty.
4. Serve & Enjoy
- Remove from heat and serve immediately.
- Optionally, serve with tomato soup, marinara, or balsamic glaze for dipping.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 2 sandwiches
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-8 minutes
- Total Time: 10-12 minutes
Variations
- Caprese Style: Add sliced tomatoes for a fresh bite.
- Garlic Butter Crust: Brush bread with garlic-infused butter instead of olive oil.
- Spicy Kick: Add crushed red pepper flakes to the pesto.
- Extra Cheesy: Mix in Parmesan or provolone for more depth.
- Vegan Option: Use vegan mozzarella and dairy-free pesto.
Storage & Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Reheating: Warm in a skillet over low heat for 3-4 minutes per side.
- Freezing: Not recommended, as the cheese may become watery.
FAQs
1. Can I use pre-sliced mozzarella instead of grated?
Yes! Just tear it into small pieces for even melting.
2. What’s the best bread for grilled cheese?
Sourdough, ciabatta, or a hearty country bread work best.
3. Can I use homemade pesto?
Absolutely! Fresh homemade pesto adds even more flavor.
4. Can I make this in a panini press?
Yes! Cook for about 4-5 minutes until golden and crispy.
5. Can I add meat?
Yes! Crispy prosciutto or grilled chicken pairs beautifully.
6. How do I prevent the cheese from leaking?
Use thicker bread and avoid overfilling with cheese.
7. Can I make this in the air fryer?
Yes! Cook at 375°F (190°C) for 5-6 minutes, flipping halfway.
8. Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes! Use gluten-free bread and ensure your pesto is GF.
9. How do I get extra crispy bread?
Cook on medium-low heat for longer, allowing the crust to crisp slowly.
10. Can I add extra seasonings?
Yes! A sprinkle of Italian seasoning or garlic powder enhances the flavors.
Conclusion
This Pesto Mozzarella Grilled Cheese is crispy, cheesy, and bursting with basil pesto flavor! Whether served with a side of tomato soup or enjoyed on its own, it’s a quick and delicious meal that’s perfect for any time of day. Try it today and enjoy a gourmet twist on classic grilled cheese!
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Pesto Mozzarella Grilled Cheese Recipe
- Total Time: 12 minutes
- Yield: 2 sandwiches
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Pesto Mozzarella Grilled Cheese is the ultimate gooey, crispy, and flavorful sandwich, made with sourdough bread, melty fresh & low-moisture mozzarella, and basil pesto. Perfectly golden and buttery, this quick and easy lunch or dinner is a must-try for grilled cheese lovers!
Ingredients
This Pesto Mozzarella Grilled Cheese is the ultimate gooey, crispy, and flavorful sandwich, made with sourdough bread, melty fresh & low-moisture mozzarella, and basil pesto. Perfectly golden and buttery, this quick and easy lunch or dinner is a must-try for grilled cheese lovers!
Instructions
Step 1: Assemble the Sandwiches
- Lay out all 4 slices of bread on a clean surface.
- Spread ½ tablespoon (1½ teaspoons) of pesto over each slice.
- Divide the grated cheeses evenly over two slices of the bread.
- Top with the remaining pesto-covered slices to form two sandwiches.
Step 2: Prep for Grilling
- Brush the outside of each sandwich (top slices only) with olive oil and sprinkle lightly with salt.
Step 3: Cook the Sandwiches
- Heat a medium-large heavy-bottomed skillet over medium-low heat.
- Place the sandwiches in the pan, oiled side down.
- Brush the top sides with olive oil and sprinkle with salt.
Step 4: Flip & Finish
- Cook for 3-4 minutes, without moving or pressing, until golden brown.
- Flip and cook for another 3 minutes until the cheese is melted and the bread is crispy.
Serving Suggestions:
- Pair with tomato soup for a cozy meal.
- Serve with a side salad for a fresh contrast.
- Add sliced tomatoes or prosciutto inside for extra flavor.
Notes
- Fresh mozzarella is soft and doesn’t grate cleanly, but it will crumble enough to use.
- Low-moisture mozzarella melts better and creates the perfect stretchy cheese pull.
- Storage Tip: Best enjoyed fresh, but you can reheat on a skillet for 2 minutes to crisp it up again.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 7 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American, Italian-Inspired
