Caprese Pesto Grilled Cheese (Printable Version)

Vibrant twist on classic grilled cheese with fresh mozzarella, ripe tomato, and aromatic pesto between golden, crispy bread.

# What You Need:

→ Dairy

01 - 4 oz fresh mozzarella, sliced
02 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened

→ Vegetables & Herbs

03 - 1 large ripe tomato, sliced into rounds
04 - 2 tablespoons fresh basil leaves, optional for garnish

→ Spreads & Condiments

05 - 2 tablespoons basil pesto

→ Bread

06 - 4 slices rustic or sourdough bread

→ Seasonings

07 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

# How-to Steps:

01 - Spread 1/2 tablespoon of softened butter on one side of each bread slice.
02 - Place two bread slices, buttered side down, on a clean work surface.
03 - Spread 1 tablespoon of basil pesto on the unbuttered side of each bread slice.
04 - Distribute mozzarella slices evenly over the pesto, then arrange tomato rounds on top. Season tomatoes lightly with salt and black pepper.
05 - Top each sandwich with the remaining bread slices, positioned with buttered side facing outward.
06 - Heat a nonstick skillet or griddle over medium heat until ready for cooking.
07 - Place sandwiches in the preheated skillet and cook until bread is golden brown and crispy, approximately 3 to 4 minutes.
08 - Flip sandwiches carefully and cook the opposite side until golden and cheese is fully melted, approximately 3 to 4 minutes.
09 - Remove from heat and allow to cool for 1 to 2 minutes. Slice sandwiches in half diagonally and garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The pesto infuses every bite with basil and garlic goodness you cant get from regular grilled cheese
  • It comes together in under 20 minutes but tastes like something from a fancy Italian cafe
02 -
  • Never skip the resting period. Cutting too soon means losing all that glorious melted cheese onto your cutting board
  • Medium heat is your friend. High heat burns bread before cheese melts, while low heat makes everything sad and greasy
03 -
  • Weigh your sandwiches down with a heavy pan while cooking for restaurant style pressing
  • Leftover pesto freezes beautifully in ice cube trays for future sandwich cravings
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