Pesto Grilled Cheese Recipe: An Easy, Cheesy Comfort Sandwich
I fell in love with Pesto Grilled Cheese on a rainy afternoon when I needed something fast, warm, and unbelievably satisfying. I remember pulling basil pesto from the fridge that my neighbor — a proud Ligurian — had gifted me, and the bright, herby aroma turned a simple grilled cheese into a small celebration. That first bite was crunchy, buttery, and full of sunny basil flavor, and ever since it’s become my go-to comfort lunch. Pesto itself has roots in Genoa, Liguria — traditional pesto alla genovese pairs basil, pine nuts, garlic, Parmigiano-Reggiano, and olive oil — and using it in a grilled cheese is a lovely nod to that Italian flavor tradition while keeping things simple and modern. If you like finishing a savory bite with something sweet, pair it with a creamy dessert like this cookie dough cheesecake extravaganza for an indulgent combo.
Who is this recipe for?
- This Pesto Grilled Cheese is perfect for busy parents, quick lunch makers, college students, and anyone who loves warm, cheesy comfort food.
Core ingredients overview:
- This dish uses 2 slices of bread, 2 slices of cheese (mozzarella or cheddar work great), 2 tablespoons of pesto, and butter for grilling to create a fast, flavorful, and melty sandwich.
Tools & Ingredients
Tools (you’ll need):
- Skillet or frying pan – for even grilling and browning.
- Spatula – to flip the sandwich safely.
- Butter knife – to spread pesto and butter evenly.
- Plate – to rest and cut the sandwich.
- Stove or hot plate – heat source for grilling.
Ingredients (and a short benefit for each):
- 2 slices of bread – provides structure and a toasty, crunchy exterior.
- 2 slices of cheese (e.g., mozzarella, cheddar) – melts to create creamy, satisfying texture and rich flavor.
- 2 tablespoons of pesto – adds bright basil, garlic, and nutty depth that elevates the sandwich.
- Butter (for grilling) – browns the bread beautifully and adds savory richness.
For a sweet finish after this savory sandwich, consider pairing with a richer dessert like this decadent Baileys chocolate cheesecake trifle.
Instructions
- Spread pesto on one side of each slice of bread. Be generous but even to ensure flavor in every bite.
- Place a slice of cheese on top of the pesto side of one slice. Use a melting cheese like mozzarella or cheddar for best results.
- Top with the other slice of bread, pesto side down, creating a pesto-cheese-pesto sandwich.
- Heat a skillet over medium heat and add butter. Let the butter melt and just start to foam — do not burn it.
- Once the butter is melted, place the sandwich in the skillet. Press gently with the spatula for even contact.
- Grill until golden brown on one side (about 2–4 minutes), then flip and grill the other side until the cheese is melted and the bread is golden (another 2–4 minutes). Reduce heat slightly if the bread is browning too fast before the cheese melts.
- Remove from skillet, let rest for a minute, slice, and enjoy!
FAQ
Q: Can I freeze this recipe?
A: You can assemble sandwiches and freeze them raw (wrapped tightly) for up to a month. Thaw in the fridge before grilling, or grill from frozen with a slightly lower heat so the cheese melts through.
Q: What can I use instead of pesto?
A: Swap pesto for sun-dried tomato spread, garlic butter, or a simple smear of mayo mixed with chopped herbs for a different flavor profile.
Q: What cheeses melt best for this sandwich?
A: Mozzarella, cheddar, provolone, and fontina are excellent choices. Combining two cheeses (e.g., mozzarella for stretch + sharp cheddar for flavor) gives great results.
Tips & Tricks
- Use room-temperature cheese slices so they melt faster and more evenly once in the skillet.
- Keep heat at medium: too high and the bread will burn before the cheese melts; too low and the bread won’t get crispy.
- Add a light press with the spatula (or a panini press if you have one) to encourage even melting and golden crust.
- For extra crunch and flavor, toast the bread lightly in the pan with butter for 30–60 seconds before assembling, then assemble and finish grilling.
For a bright, citrusy dessert pairing after your sandwich, try something like a luscious lemon-lime cherry pistachio cheesecake.
Always add
tag after Directions.
Conclusion
If you want more inspiration or alternate techniques for making the perfect pesto grilled cheese, check out this take on The Ultimate Pesto Grilled Cheese | Something About Sandwiches for creative variations. For another well-tested version with tips and photos, see Pesto Grilled Cheese Sandwich Recipe on Allrecipes. And if you’d like a slightly different twist and serving suggestions, here’s The Best Pesto Grilled Cheese | Gimme Delicious.
Enjoy your warm, melty sandwich — and share it with someone you love!
Pesto Grilled Cheese
Ingredients
- 2 slices slices of bread Provides structure and a toasty, crunchy exterior.
- 2 slices slices of cheese (mozzarella or cheddar) Melts to create creamy, satisfying texture and rich flavor.
- 2 tablespoons pesto Adds bright basil, garlic, and nutty depth.
- 1 tablespoon butter For grilling; browns the bread beautifully and adds savory richness.
Method
- Spread pesto on one side of each slice of bread, being generous but even.
- Place a slice of cheese on the pesto side of one slice of bread.
- Top with the other slice of bread, pesto side down, creating a pesto-cheese-pesto sandwich.
- Heat a skillet over medium heat and add butter. Let the butter melt and foam without burning.
- Once the butter is melted, place the sandwich in the skillet and press gently with a spatula.
- Grill until golden brown on one side (about 2–4 minutes), then flip and grill the other side until cheese is melted and bread is golden.
- Remove from skillet, let rest for a minute, slice, and enjoy!