Caprese Grilled Cheese Pesto (Print Version)
Golden bread, mozzarella, tomato, and basil blend with vibrant pesto for a quick Italian-American sandwich.
# What You'll Need:
→ Bread and Spreads
01 - 4 slices rustic sourdough or Italian bread
02 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
03 - 2 tablespoons basil pesto
→ Cheese and Vegetables
04 - 4 ounces fresh mozzarella, sliced
05 - 1 medium ripe tomato, sliced
06 - 8 to 10 fresh basil leaves
→ Seasoning
07 - Pinch of sea salt
08 - Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
# Steps to Follow:
01 - Spread the softened butter on one side of each bread slice. Arrange the slices, buttered side down, on a clean surface.
02 - On the unbuttered side of two bread slices, spread 1 tablespoon of basil pesto evenly.
03 - Place fresh mozzarella slices, followed by tomato slices and basil leaves on top of the pesto-coated bread. Season lightly with sea salt and black pepper.
04 - Cover with the remaining bread slices, ensuring the buttered surface is facing outward.
05 - Preheat a large nonstick skillet or grill pan over medium heat.
06 - Place assembled sandwiches onto the skillet. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes per side, gently pressing with a spatula, until bread is golden and cheese fully melts.
07 - Remove sandwiches from the pan and let them rest for 1 minute. Slice in half and serve immediately.
# Additional Tips::
01 -
- Uses everyday pantry and fridge items
- Ready in just twenty minutes from start to finish
- Delivers a crispy golden crust with gooey cheese and bright pesto
- Vegetarian and easy to adapt to what is on hand
02 -
- High in protein and calcium perfect for a satisfying vegetarian meal
- Super customizable with ingredient swaps and extras
- Pairs well with soups or crisp salads for a full meal
03 -
- Bring your mozzarella and butter to room temperature before assembling so everything spreads easily and melts better
- If you have it grill the sandwich in a cast-iron pan for a thicker crunch
- Rubbing a garlic clove over the hot grilled bread boosts the Italian flavor