Pesto Grilled Cheese

This Pesto Grilled Cheese is made with buttery sourdough, basil pesto, provolone cheese, and juicy tomatoes. An easy gourmet sandwich ready in just 10 minutes.

Prep Time5

Cook Time5

Total Time10

Servings:

Calories: 437kcal

Author: Karin and Ken

Ingredients

2 slices sourdough bread
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons basil pesto
4 slices provolone cheese sliced, or mozzarella
2 tbs tomato diced

Instructions

Heat a dry small nonstick skillet over medium heat.
Place 1 slice of bread, butter side down, in the pan and spread 1 tablespoon of basil pesto evenly over it. Then, top with provolone cheese and then the diced tomato.
Spread 1 tablespoon of butter evenly over one side of each slice of sourdough bread.
Place one slice of bread, butter-side down, into the preheated skillet. Spread 1 tablespoon of basil pesto evenly over the bread, then layer with the provolone cheese and diced tomato.
Spread the remaining tablespoon of pesto on the unbuttered side of the second slice of bread, then place it pesto-side down over the tomatoes with the buttered side facing up.
Cook for about 2 to 3 minutes, or until the bottom is golden brown and crispy.
Carefully flip the sandwich with a wide spatula, gently pressing down to help the cheese melt evenly.
Cook for another 2 to 3 minutes, or until the second side is golden brown and the cheese is completely melted.
Remove from the skillet, let the sandwich rest for 1 to 2 minutes, then slice and serve warm.

Notes

Start with quality ingredients: Use sturdy sourdough or another hearty bakery-style bread, good-quality basil pesto, and arrange the cheese evenly to the edges for the best flavor and perfectly melty bites.
Build the perfect sandwich: Spread the butter evenly from edge to edge, pat the tomatoes dry to prevent sogginess, and layer the ingredients evenly for the best texture.
Cook low and slow: Grill over medium heat, flip only after the first side is deeply golden, and gently press the sandwich after flipping to encourage even browning and fully melted cheese.
Serve fresh: Pesto Grilled Cheese is best enjoyed hot from the skillet while it's crispy and gooey. Pair it with tomato soup, a crisp green salad, or fresh fruit for a complete meal.

Nutrition