why make this recipe

Pesto Grilled Cheese is a twist on the classic grilled cheese sandwich. This delicious meal combines the creamy texture of melted cheese with the vibrant flavors of pesto. It’s simple to make and offers a delightful mix of tastes that will make your taste buds dance. Grilled cheese is a comfort food we all know and love, but adding pesto makes it fresh and exciting. Whether you’re preparing a quick lunch or a cozy dinner, this recipe is sure to impress. Plus, it’s a great way to use up some leftover pesto or a homemade batch.

how to make Pesto Grilled Cheese

Making a Pesto Grilled Cheese is straightforward and doesn’t take much time. With just a few ingredients, you can create a tasty sandwich that is perfect on its own or paired with a side soup or salad.

Ingredients:

2 slices of bread
2 slices of cheese (mozzarella, cheddar, or your choice)
2 tablespoons of pesto
Butter (for grilling)

Directions:

Start by spreading pesto on one side of each slice of bread. Make sure to cover it evenly.
Next, take one slice of bread and place a slice of cheese on the unspread side.
Then, place the second slice of bread on top of the cheese, with the pesto side facing up. This way, the flavor of the pesto will envelop the sandwich.
Heat a skillet over medium heat and add a generous amount of butter. Let the butter melt completely.
Once the butter is melted, place the sandwich in the skillet. Grill it until golden brown, which should take about 3-4 minutes on each side. Keep an eye on it to avoid burning.
When both sides are golden and the cheese is melted, remove the sandwich from the heat. Slice it in half and enjoy your delicious Pesto Grilled Cheese!

how to serve Pesto Grilled Cheese

The best way to enjoy Pesto Grilled Cheese is hot and fresh off the skillet. You can serve it as a standalone dish or with sides. A bowl of tomato soup or a simple salad pairs perfectly with this sandwich. If you want to add extra flavor, consider adding some sliced tomatoes or fresh basil on the side. You can also serve it with some extra pesto for dipping.

how to store Pesto Grilled Cheese

If you have leftover Pesto Grilled Cheese, you can store it in the refrigerator. Allow the sandwich to cool down to room temperature before wrapping it in plastic wrap or placing it in an airtight container. It’s best to eat it within one day to enjoy its freshness. When you’re ready to eat, you can reheat it in a skillet over low heat until warmed through, or you can pop it in a toaster oven until crispy again.

tips to make Pesto Grilled Cheese

Choose Your Bread Wisely: Use bread that holds up well, like sourdough or whole grain, for a more flavorful sandwich.
Use Fresh Pesto: Fresh pesto can make a huge difference in taste. If you can, make your own from basil, garlic, pine nuts, olive oil, and parmesan for the best flavor.
Watch the Heat: Keep the skillet on medium heat. Too high of a heat can burn the bread before the cheese melts.
Experiment with Cheese: Mozzarella is a classic choice, but don’t hesitate to mix in cheddar, gouda, or swiss for a trendy flavor twist.
Add Extras: Feel free to add extras like sliced tomatoes, spinach, or even a fried egg inside the sandwich for more nutrition and flavor.

variation

There are many variations of Pesto Grilled Cheese. Here are a few ideas:

Caprese Grilled Cheese: Add slices of fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze inside the sandwich.
Spicy Pesto Grilled Cheese: Mix some red pepper flakes into the pesto for a spicy kick.
Meat Lovers: Add slices of cooked chicken or turkey for a heartier meal.
Veggie Delight: Add layers of sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or artichokes for a veggie-packed version.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought pesto?
Yes, store-bought pesto works great! Just make sure to choose a good quality brand for the best flavor.
What type of cheese is best for grilled cheese?
Mozzarella and cheddar are great choices. However, feel free to experiment with other cheeses like gouda, havarti, or pepper jack for different flavor profiles.
How do I make it healthier?
Use whole grain or gluten-free bread and load it up with veggies. You can also use reduced-fat cheese if you prefer.
Can I freeze Pesto Grilled Cheese?
It’s best to avoid freezing grilled cheese sandwiches because the texture may change. However, you can freeze the bread and pesto separately to use later.
What can I serve on the side?
Tomato soup, salad, or even some crispy chips complement the Pesto Grilled Cheese well. You can also serve it with a simple dips like marinara sauce or extra pesto.

Enjoy making and eating your flavorful Pesto Grilled Cheese! With its cheesy goodness and fresh taste, it’s bound to become your new favorite sandwich.

Pesto Grilled Cheese

Author: ethanmiller
Total Time: 13 minutes
Yield: 1 serving 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

A delicious twist on the classic grilled cheese sandwich combining melted cheese with vibrant pesto flavors.

Ingredients

Scale

2 slices of bread
2 slices of cheese (mozzarella, cheddar, or your choice)
2 tablespoons of pesto
Butter (for grilling)

Instructions

Spread pesto on one side of each slice of bread, covering it evenly.
On the unspread side of one slice, place a slice of cheese.
Top with the second slice of bread, pesto side facing up.
Heat a skillet over medium heat and add a generous amount of butter until melted.
Place the sandwich in the skillet and grill until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes on each side.
Remove from heat, slice in half, and enjoy your Pesto Grilled Cheese!

Notes

Best served hot with tomato soup or a salad. Add sliced tomatoes or fresh basil for extra flavor.

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 8 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Grilling
Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 sandwich
Calories: 350
Sugar: 2g
Sodium: 400mg
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Unsaturated Fat: 5g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 35g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 15g
Cholesterol: 30mg

Keywords: grilled cheese, pesto, comfort food, sandwich, quick meal