Caprese Pesto Grilled Cheese (Printable)

Gourmet mozzarella, tomato, and basil pesto layered on toasted sourdough. Crispy outside, melted and delicious inside.

# 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 Steps:

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 over the pesto
03 - Top with remaining bread slices, pesto side down, to complete two sandwiches
04 - Lightly butter the outside of each sandwich on both top and bottom surfaces
05 - Preheat a nonstick skillet or grill pan over medium heat
06 - Place sandwiches in skillet and cook for 3 to 4 minutes per side, pressing gently with a spatula, until bread is golden brown and cheese is melted
07 - Remove from pan, let rest for 1 minute, then slice and serve warm

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It feels fancy but uses ingredients you probably already have sitting around.
  • The pesto seeps into the bread as it grills, creating pockets of intense flavor in every bite.
  • You get that restaurant quality pull apart cheese moment without leaving your kitchen.
  • It takes less time than ordering takeout and tastes ten times better.
02 -
  • Pat the tomato slices dry with a paper towel before layering them in, or they'll release water and make everything soggy.
  • Medium heat is crucial, I've burned more sandwiches than I care to admit by cranking the heat too high in impatience.
  • If your mozzarella is too wet, let it drain on a towel for a few minutes or it will water down the whole sandwich.
03 -
  • Use a cast iron skillet if you have one, it holds heat evenly and gives the bread an unbeatable crisp crust.
  • If you're making multiple sandwiches, keep the finished ones warm in a low oven while you grill the rest.
  • Press down gently but firmly with the spatula while cooking, it helps the cheese melt faster and the bread brown more evenly.
  • Let your butter come to room temperature before spreading, cold butter tears the bread and spreads unevenly.
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