Caprese Pesto Grilled Cheese (Printable View)

Gourmet grilled cheese featuring fresh mozzarella, ripe tomatoes, and basil pesto on toasted sourdough bread.

# What You'll Need:

→ Bread & Cheese

01 - 4 slices sourdough bread
02 - 7 ounces fresh mozzarella, sliced

→ Vegetables

03 - 1 large ripe tomato, sliced

→ Condiments

04 - 4 tablespoons basil pesto
05 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened

# How to Make It:

01 - Spread 1 tablespoon of basil pesto on one side of each slice of sourdough bread.
02 - Layer half the mozzarella slices and half the tomato slices evenly on two bread slices, placing them directly over the pesto.
03 - Top with remaining bread slices, pesto side down, to form two complete 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 diagonally and serve warm.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • It transforms pantry staples into something that feels restaurant fancy without any fuss.
  • The pesto seeps into the bread as it toasts, creating crispy, herby edges that crunch perfectly.
  • Fresh mozzarella melts into creamy pockets that stretch with every bite, making it impossible to eat just one half.
02 -
  • Do not skip the resting step, I learned this the hard way when molten mozzarella poured out onto my plate and left the sandwich hollow and sad.
  • Medium heat is your friend, the first time I cranked the burner too high, I ended up with charred bread and cold cheese in the middle.
  • Pat the tomato slices dry with a paper towel before layering them in, excess moisture can make the bread soggy and ruin that perfect crunch.
03 -
  • Slice the mozzarella thick enough to create generous melty pockets, but thin enough that it melts through before the bread over toasts.
  • If your tomatoes are super juicy, roast the slices in the oven for 10 minutes first to concentrate their flavor and reduce moisture.
  • Press the sandwich gently but firmly with the spatula while it cooks, this helps the layers meld together and creates those irresistible crispy edges.
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