Ultimate Pesto Grilled Cheese

$- 4 slices of sourdough bread - 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese - 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1/4 cup fresh basil pesto To make the best Ultimate Pesto Grilled Cheese, start with sourdough bread. Its thick crust adds a nice crunch. Next, you need mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. These cheeses melt well and give a rich taste. Fresh basil pesto is a must for that burst of flavor. - Sun-dried tomatoes - Fresh tomatoes You can make your grilled cheese even better with some add-ins. Sun-dried tomatoes add a tangy twist. Fresh tomatoes can add a juicy bite. Use what you like to personalize your sandwich. - 2 tablespoons butter, softened - 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder - Salt and pepper to taste For that crispy outside, use butter. Mix it with garlic powder, salt, and pepper for extra flavor. This will make your grilled cheese not only tasty but also fragrant. Make sure to spread this mixture on the outside of the bread slices for the best results. {{ingredient_image_1}} To make the garlic butter, grab a small bowl. Mix together these ingredients: - 2 tablespoons butter, softened - 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder - Salt and pepper to taste Stir until the mix is smooth and creamy. Next, spread this garlic butter on one side of each slice of sourdough bread. Make sure to cover the bread fully for a rich flavor. Now it's time to build your sandwich. Take two slices of sourdough with the unbuttered side up. Spread about 2 tablespoons of fresh basil pesto on each slice. It adds a great herby flavor! On top of the pesto, layer the cheeses: - 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese - 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese If you want, add sun-dried tomatoes or fresh tomato slices for extra taste. Now place the other slices of bread on top, butter side up. You have two delicious sandwiches ready to cook. Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Once it’s warm, carefully lay the sandwiches in the skillet. Cook for about 3 to 4 minutes. You want the bread to turn golden brown and crispy. After that, flip the sandwiches using a spatula. Cook for another 3 to 4 minutes, pressing down gently. This helps the cheese melt evenly. When both sides are golden and the cheese is gooey, take them out of the skillet. Let them cool for a minute, then slice in half and serve warm. Enjoy your tasty creation! Best bread choices Sourdough bread gives your grilled cheese great flavor and texture. It stays crispy and holds the filling well. You can also try whole wheat or ciabatta for a new twist. Each bread adds a unique taste. Cheese melting techniques To get that melty goodness, use a mix of mozzarella and Parmesan. Mozzarella melts well, while Parmesan adds a sharp flavor. Keep the heat at medium. This way, the cheese melts without burning the bread. Flip the sandwich gently to avoid spilling the filling. Presentation ideas Serve your grilled cheese on a wooden board. Cut it in half diagonally for a nice look. Add fresh basil leaves on the side for color. Recommended dips Pair your grilled cheese with marinara sauce for dipping. It adds a nice tang. You can also serve it with a creamy ranch or a garlic aioli for extra flavor. Overheating the skillet If your skillet is too hot, the bread can burn before the cheese melts. Always start with medium heat. You can test it by dropping a bit of water on the skillet. If it sizzles, you’re ready. Uneven cheese distribution Make sure to spread cheese evenly on the bread. This will help it melt properly. If you pile it all on one side, the cheese may not melt well. Spread it out to ensure every bite is cheesy. Pro Tips Choose the Right Bread: Sourdough is perfect for this recipe due to its sturdy texture and tangy flavor, which complements the richness of the cheese and pesto. Layering Cheese: Using a combination of mozzarella and Parmesan not only enhances flavor but also creates a delightful stretchiness. Feel free to experiment with other cheeses like provolone or fontina! Cooking Temperature: Keep the heat at medium to avoid burning the bread while ensuring the cheese melts perfectly. If the bread browns too quickly, reduce the heat slightly. Rest Before Serving: Allow the sandwiches to cool for a minute after cooking. This helps the cheese set slightly, making for cleaner cuts and a better eating experience. {{image_2}} You can switch up the cheese in your pesto grilled cheese for fun flavors. A great blend is cheddar and mozzarella. This mix gives a rich taste and melts beautifully. If you're vegan, try vegan cheese options. Many brands offer tasty substitutes that melt well, ensuring everyone can enjoy this dish. Want to make your sandwich pop? Add herbs or spices to your mix. A sprinkle of Italian seasoning or red pepper flakes can boost the flavor. You can also try different pestos. Sun-dried tomato pesto or arugula pesto adds a unique twist that surprises your taste buds. Bread choice can change the whole vibe of your sandwich. Whole wheat or gluten-free options work well if you want something healthier. You might also try ciabatta or baguette. These breads add a crunchy texture and extra flavor, making each bite more enjoyable. To keep your Ultimate Pesto Grilled Cheese fresh, wrap each sandwich tightly in foil or plastic wrap. This protects it from air and moisture. Place the wrapped sandwiches in an airtight container in your fridge. This method helps maintain flavor and texture. Your leftovers can last up to three days in the fridge. For the best taste, reheat your grilled cheese in a skillet over medium heat. This method warms the sandwich evenly and keeps the bread crispy. Avoid using the microwave, as it can make the bread soggy. If you choose to use the microwave, place a paper towel under the sandwich to absorb moisture. Reheat for about 30 seconds, checking often. Yes, you can freeze grilled cheese! Wrap each sandwich in foil or plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag. This method helps keep them fresh for up to three months. When ready to eat, thaw the sandwiches in the fridge overnight. Then, reheat them in a skillet for the best results. This way, you can enjoy a delicious grilled cheese whenever you want! To make your grilled cheese crispy, use a few simple tricks: - Use enough butter: Spread a generous layer of garlic butter on the bread. This helps achieve a nice crust. - Choose the right heat: Cook on medium heat. Too high can burn the bread before the cheese melts. - Press down: Gently press the sandwich with a spatula while cooking. This helps the bread brown evenly and the cheese melt well. These techniques ensure each bite is a crunchy delight. Yes, you can switch up the bread! Here are some tasty options: - Whole wheat bread: Adds a nutty flavor and is healthier. - Ciabatta: This bread is airy and has a nice crust. - Baguette: Perfect for a French twist on grilled cheese. These breads can give your sandwich a new twist while keeping it delicious. Pesto can be a healthy choice! Here are some benefits of homemade pesto: - Fresh ingredients: Homemade pesto uses fresh basil, which is full of vitamins and antioxidants. - Healthy fats: Olive oil offers good fats, which can be heart-healthy. - Protein boost: Adding nuts like pine nuts or walnuts gives you extra protein. Making your own pesto lets you control the ingredients, keeping it tasty and nutritious. This post covered how to make a tasty grilled cheese sandwich with sourdough. You learned about essential ingredients, like mozzarella and fresh basil pesto. I shared tips on perfecting your sandwich and suggested variations to try. Remember, the right bread and cheese are key to success. Enjoy experimenting with flavors and textures. Your grilled cheese will be even better with practice. Now, go ahead, make it, and share your results!$

Ultimate Pesto Grilled Cheese

A delicious grilled cheese sandwich with a twist of fresh basil pesto and two types of cheese.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 10

Total Time 20

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 2

Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients

4 slices sourdough bread
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup fresh basil pesto
2 tablespoons butter, softened
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
to taste salt
to taste pepper
optional sun-dried tomatoes or sliced ripe tomatoes

Instructions

In a small bowl, mix the softened butter with garlic powder, salt, and pepper until well combined.
Spread the garlic butter mixture generously on one side of each slice of sourdough bread.
On the unbuttered side of two slices, spread a layer of fresh basil pesto, about 2 tablespoons each.
On top of the pesto, layer the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheeses evenly. If desired, add sun-dried tomatoes or fresh tomato slices for extra flavor.
Place the remaining slices of bread on top, butter side up, creating two sandwiches.
Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Once warmed, carefully place the sandwiches in the skillet.
Cook for about 3-4 minutes until the bread is golden brown and crispy.
Carefully flip the sandwiches using a spatula and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes, pressing down gently to ensure even melting of the cheese.
Once both sides are golden and cheese is melted, remove from the skillet and let them cool for a minute.
Slice in half diagonally, and serve warm.

Notes

Serve on a wooden board with marinara sauce for dipping and garnish with basil leaves.

Keyword grilled cheese, pesto, sandwich