Pesto Mozzarella Grilled Cheese Recipe

Grilled cheese is a universally beloved comfort food that’s easy to make and endlessly versatile. Adding pesto and mozzarella to the mix takes the classic grilled cheese to a whole new level of flavor and texture. The combination of rich, melted mozzarella with the fresh, herbaceous taste of basil pesto creates a perfectly balanced sandwich that’s crispy on the outside and gooey on the inside.

This Pesto Mozzarella Grilled Cheese offers a sophisticated twist on the traditional grilled cheese sandwich, perfect for a quick lunch, an indulgent snack, or even a light dinner. Whether you’re a grilled cheese aficionado or just looking for a delicious and easy meal, this recipe will impress.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Simple yet gourmet: With just a few ingredients, you can elevate your sandwich game into something that feels gourmet, without the complexity.
• Herby and cheesy goodness: Pesto brings in a burst of freshness that perfectly complements the creamy mozzarella.
• Perfect for busy days: You can prepare this sandwich in under 15 minutes, making it ideal for a quick and satisfying meal.
• Customizable: You can add extra ingredients like tomatoes, avocado, or even grilled chicken for a heartier sandwich.

Key Ingredients

1. Bread: Thick, rustic bread like sourdough, ciabatta, or a good-quality white bread is best. The bread’s density will support the fillings and get that perfect crispy crust.
2. Mozzarella: Fresh mozzarella cheese gives the sandwich that irresistible gooeyness. You can also use shredded mozzarella if fresh is unavailable.
3. Pesto: Basil pesto is the star ingredient, adding a punch of flavor to this grilled cheese. You can use store-bought pesto, but homemade pesto takes the sandwich to the next level.
4. Butter: Butter is essential for creating a golden-brown crust on the outside of the sandwich. You can use salted or unsalted butter, depending on your preference.
5. Optional Add-ins: Tomatoes, spinach, or even prosciutto can be added to make the sandwich more filling or introduce different textures.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

1. Butter the bread: Start by spreading a thin layer of softened butter on one side of each slice of bread. The buttered side will be grilled to golden perfection, giving the sandwich its signature crispy texture.
2. Spread the pesto: On the opposite side of two slices of bread (the unbuttered side), spread an even layer of basil pesto. This will be the inside of your sandwich, where the pesto infuses the cheese with its herby goodness.

Step 2: Add the Mozzarella

1. Layer the mozzarella: Place fresh mozzarella slices or shredded mozzarella on top of the pesto. Be generous with the cheese for that perfect gooey texture, but make sure not to overfill the sandwich, as the cheese may melt out.
2. Add optional toppings: If using, add slices of tomato, a handful of fresh spinach, or arugula on top of the mozzarella for added texture and flavor.
3. Top the sandwich: Place the other slice of bread on top, with the buttered side facing out.

Step 3: Grill the Sandwich

1. Preheat the skillet: Heat a skillet or griddle over medium heat. You don’t want the heat too high, as the sandwich needs to cook long enough for the cheese to melt while the bread turns golden brown.
2. Grill the sandwich: Once the skillet is hot, place the sandwich in the pan, butter-side down. Grill for 3-4 minutes on each side, pressing down gently with a spatula to ensure even toasting. The bread should become golden and crispy, and the mozzarella should be fully melted.
3. Flip carefully: When one side is golden and crispy, flip the sandwich and cook the other side for an additional 3-4 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted.
4. Monitor the heat: If the bread is browning too quickly before the cheese has melted, lower the heat slightly to ensure the sandwich doesn’t burn.

Step 4: Serve

1. Rest and cut: Once your sandwich is done, transfer it to a cutting board. Let it rest for a minute to allow the cheese to set slightly, then cut it in half or quarters for easy eating.
2. Serve immediately: Enjoy your pesto mozzarella grilled cheese while it’s hot and the cheese is still gooey. It pairs wonderfully with a side salad, tomato soup, or even just a handful of chips.

Instructions:

1. Blend the ingredients: In a food processor, combine the basil leaves, Parmesan cheese, pine nuts, and garlic. Pulse until the mixture is finely chopped.
2. Add the olive oil: While the food processor is running, slowly drizzle in the olive oil until the mixture becomes smooth and creamy.
3. Season to taste: Season the pesto with salt and pepper to taste. You can store any extra pesto in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Homemade pesto can elevate this sandwich to a new level of freshness, giving it a more vibrant basil flavor and a rich creaminess.

Variations of Pesto Mozzarella Grilled Cheese

One of the best parts of grilled cheese is how versatile it is. You can mix and match ingredients to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs. Here are some variations you can try:

1. Tomato and Pesto Grilled Cheese

• Add sliced tomatoes for a bright, juicy contrast to the rich pesto and mozzarella. The combination of fresh tomatoes with pesto and mozzarella mimics the flavors of a classic Caprese salad.

2. Spinach Pesto Grilled Cheese

• For an added nutritional boost, toss in a handful of fresh spinach leaves. This gives the sandwich a slightly earthy flavor while also adding a dose of vitamins and minerals.

3. Prosciutto Pesto Grilled Cheese

• To make the sandwich even heartier, add thin slices of prosciutto. The salty, savory flavor of prosciutto pairs beautifully with the mozzarella and pesto, making the sandwich taste indulgent.

4. Avocado Pesto Grilled Cheese

• Spread sliced avocado on top of the mozzarella before grilling. The creamy avocado adds a buttery texture that complements the cheese and pesto.

5. Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto Grilled Cheese

• For a deeper, richer flavor, substitute fresh tomatoes with sun-dried tomatoes. Their concentrated sweetness and chewiness offer an excellent contrast to the smooth mozzarella and crisp bread.

Cooking Tips and Tricks

1. Use room temperature butter: Softened butter spreads more easily on bread, ensuring an even layer. Cold butter can tear the bread, which affects how it crisps up in the skillet.
2. Fresh mozzarella is best: Fresh mozzarella gives you that signature cheese pull, but you can use shredded mozzarella or even a mozzarella-cheddar blend if preferred.
3. Don’t overcrowd the skillet: When making multiple sandwiches, cook them one at a time or in small batches to avoid overcrowding the skillet. Overcrowding can trap steam, preventing the bread from becoming crispy.
4. Use medium heat: Cooking grilled cheese over too high a heat can cause the bread to burn before the cheese has a chance to melt. Medium heat ensures that the cheese melts slowly while the bread turns golden and crispy.

Pairings

This Pesto Mozzarella Grilled Cheese pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides and drinks. Here are a few suggestions:

• Tomato Soup: The tangy, rich flavor of tomato soup complements the richness of the grilled cheese, making it a classic pairing.
• Simple Salad: A light green salad with a vinaigrette dressing offers a refreshing contrast to the creamy sandwich.
• Chips or Fries: For a more indulgent meal, serve the sandwich with a side of crispy chips or fries.
• Lemonade or Iced Tea: A cold, refreshing drink like lemonade or iced tea balances out the richness of the cheese and pesto.

Conclusion

This Pesto Mozzarella Grilled Cheese recipe is a perfect example of how simple ingredients can come together to create something extraordinary. Whether you’re making it for a quick lunch or a cozy dinner, this sandwich is sure to satisfy. With its crispy, golden bread, gooey mozzarella, and flavorful pesto, it’s a step above the traditional grilled cheese. Plus, the versatility of the recipe allows you to experiment with different variations, making it a go-to dish for any occasion.

Yield: 2

Pesto Mozzarella Grilled Cheese Recipe

Print

Grilled cheese is a universally beloved comfort food that’s easy to make and endlessly versatile. Adding pesto and mozzarella to the mix takes the classic grilled cheese to a whole new level of flavor and texture. The combination of rich, melted mozzarella with the fresh, herbaceous taste of basil pesto creates a perfectly balanced sandwich that’s crispy on the outside and gooey on the inside.

Prep Time 5 minutes

Cook Time 5 minutes

Total Time 5 minutes

Ingredients

• 4 slices of bread (sourdough or any crusty bread)
• 4 tablespoons basil pesto (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (or 4 slices of fresh mozzarella)
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
• Optional: 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese for extra flavor

Instructions

1. Prepare the Bread:
   Spread 1 tablespoon of pesto on one side of each slice of bread. Make sure the pesto is evenly distributed.
   
2. Assemble the Sandwiches:
   On two of the bread slices (pesto side up), add a generous amount of shredded mozzarella or 2 slices of fresh mozzarella. If you want extra flavor, sprinkle some grated Parmesan on top of the mozzarella.
   Place the remaining two slices of bread (pesto side down) on top of the cheese to form a sandwich.
   
3. Butter the Outside of the Bread:
   Spread a thin layer of softened butter on the outside of each sandwich. This will help create that crispy, golden-brown crust when you grill it.
   
4. Grill the Sandwiches:
   Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat. Place the sandwiches in the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, pressing down gently with a spatula, until the bread is golden brown and crispy and the cheese is melted.
   
5. Serve:
   Remove from the skillet, slice in half, and serve warm.

Notes

You can add extras like sliced tomatoes, spinach, or a drizzle of balsamic glaze for even more flavor.

Use fresh mozzarella for a creamier, more melty texture.

To elevate the dish, grill the sandwich with a little garlic butter instead of regular butter.