Best Pesto Grilled Cheese

This recipe transforms a classic comfort food into an elevated dish, offering a quick yet incredibly satisfying meal perfect for any occasion. It’s the ideal way to elevate your lunch or a light dinner with minimal effort.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 5

Cook Time 10

Total Time 15

Servings: 2 sandwiches

Course: Dinner, Lunch

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

Bread

4 slices sturdy bread sourdough, challah, or country loaf recommended
2 tablespoons butter softened
3-4 tablespoons basil pesto store-bought or homemade

Cheese

6 ounces melty cheese a combination of shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan is highly recommended

Optional Add-ins

thinly sliced tomato
fresh basil leaves
red pepper flakes for a touch of heat

Equipment

Non-stick skillet or griddle
Spatula

Method

Lay out your four slices of bread on a clean surface. Generously spread one side of each slice with softened butter. This buttered side will be the outside of your grilled cheese, ensuring a beautiful golden-brown crust.
4 slices sturdy bread, 2 tablespoons butter
Flip two of the bread slices over so the unbuttered side is facing up. Spread an even layer of pesto over these two slices, ensuring good coverage from edge to edge.
3-4 tablespoons basil pesto
On top of the pesto, evenly distribute your shredded mozzarella cheese on both pesto-covered bread slices. If using Parmesan, sprinkle it on top of the mozzarella. This cheese layer is the heart of your gooey grilled cheese!
6 ounces melty cheese
If you’re using them, now is the time to add your thinly sliced tomato or a few fresh basil leaves. A tiny pinch of red pepper flakes can also be added here for a little kick.
thinly sliced tomato, fresh basil leaves, red pepper flakes
Take the remaining two buttered bread slices and place them, butter-side up, on top of the cheese and fillings, completing your sandwiches.
Place a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat. Allow it to preheat for a minute or two.
Carefully place the assembled sandwiches into the preheated skillet. Cook for 3-5 minutes, or until the bottom slice of bread is a deep golden brown and the cheese is beginning to melt.
Using a spatula, carefully flip each sandwich. Cook for another 3-5 minutes, pressing down gently with your spatula, until the second side is also golden brown and the cheese is completely melted and oozy. You want that perfect, satisfying pull when you break it open!
Once perfectly grilled and oozing with cheesy goodness, remove the Best Pesto Grilled Cheese from the skillet. Let them rest for just a minute before slicing in half, if desired, and enjoy your delicious creation.

Notes

Once cooled, wrap leftover grilled cheese tightly in plastic wrap or an airtight container. It will stay fresh in the refrigerator for 1-2 days. Reheat on the stove or in an oven/toaster oven.