Caprese Pesto Grilled Cheese (Print)

Vibrant twist on classic grilled cheese with fresh mozzarella, tomato slices, 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

→ 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

# Steps:

01 - Spread 1/2 tablespoon of butter on one side of each of the four bread slices.
02 - Place two slices of bread, buttered side down, on a clean surface.
03 - Spread 1 tablespoon of basil pesto on the unbuttered side of each bread slice.
04 - Layer mozzarella slices evenly over the pesto, then top with tomato rounds. Season tomatoes lightly with salt and pepper.
05 - Cover each sandwich with the remaining bread slices, buttered side facing outward.
06 - Heat a nonstick skillet or griddle over medium heat.
07 - Place sandwiches in the skillet and cook until the bread is golden brown and crisp, approximately 3 to 4 minutes.
08 - Flip and cook the other side until golden and the cheese is completely melted, approximately 3 to 4 minutes.
09 - Remove from heat, let cool for 1 to 2 minutes, slice diagonally in half, and garnish with fresh basil if desired.

# Top Tips:

01 -
  • The pesto infuses every bite with basil brightness while mozzarella creates that perfect cheese pull we all secretly live for
  • Takes a childhood classic and elevates it into something that feels like a fancy cafe lunch but comes together in twenty minutes flat
02 -
  • Resist the urge to turn up the heat, medium low is your friend here because the cheese needs time to melt before the bread burns
  • Dont skip the resting period, cutting too soon sends all that beautiful cheese running out onto your cutting board instead of staying where it belongs
03 -
  • Pat your tomato slices with paper towels before layering, extra water makes for soggy bread and nobody wants that disappointment
  • Use a pan thats large enough to cook both sandwiches at once so they can keep each other company
Go Back