Caprese Pesto Grilled Cheese (Printable Version)

Fresh mozzarella, juicy tomato, and fragrant basil pesto between golden, crispy bread. A vibrant Italian-American twist on a classic favorite.

# What You Need:

→ Dairy

01 - 4 ounces 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 Make It:

01 - Spread 1/2 tablespoon of softened butter on one side of each bread slice
02 - Place two slices of bread, buttered side down, on a clean work 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 lightly with salt and freshly ground black 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 sandwiches and cook the other side until golden brown and the cheese is fully 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 leaves if desired

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • The combination of warm tomatoes and melted mozzarella creates the most incredible sauce inside the sandwich that you just cannot get from regular grilled cheese
  • This takes maybe five minutes longer than a basic grilled cheese but tastes like something from an Italian restaurant
02 -
  • Do not rush the cooking process by turning the heat too high or the bread will burn before the cheese has a chance to melt completely
  • The tomatoes release moisture as they cook so using slightly stale bread actually works better than super fresh bakery bread
03 -
  • If your pesto is really thick stir in a teaspoon of olive oil to make it easier to spread evenly across the bread
  • Place a heavy pan or pot on top of the sandwiches while they cook to press them slightly for better contact with the skillet
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