Every summer, I have great intentions of growing bushels of basil like my grandpap used to. “THIS is going to be the summer”, I say, “I’m going to grow basil for pesto.” And every year, I just don’t. So —instead, I do what one does: I buy basil plants and keep them on the counter or greedily accept offerings from friends and family who seem to be much more motivated than me. But… I still make pesto!
In addition to really loving pesto, I also love a good grilled cheese sandwich. (If you haven’t tried my ultimate cheesy grilled cheese, make it. TODAY.) So pairing pesto with grilled cheese to me was a natural.
And the results are nothing less than stellar.
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Start with the pesto
I have several pesto recipes on the blog. My classic pesto recipe is a good starting point as is my pistachio pesto. Another good choice? This roasted tomato pesto! Do a quick “pesto sauce” search as proof of the depths of my obsession.
Or maybe you’re feeling a little less motivated to make your own pesto. And, my friend, I honor that. Instead, pick up a big jar of my favorite pesto from Costco and use it instead. You’re still going to absolutely adore this sandwich.
Gather your sandwich ingredients
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1. Cheese
The next noteworthy ingredient after the pesto is cheese. And because pesto is so flavor-forward and a tad on the bitter side, I look for cheeses with the following characteristics:
2. Only the right bread
No one craves a soft or soggy grilled cheese. (Do they? Maybe I’m missing something). So a hearty bread is needed to support the pesto but also not so hearty that the fresh mozzarella and cheddar don’t melt. Worse than a soft and soggy grilled cheese is one with partially melted cheese.
For all those reasons and for this particular grilled cheese sandwich recipe, I recommend sourdough bread. Do yourself a favor and make it a good one from the bakery section of the grocery store.
Other bread options:
- Tuscan sliced bread. But not too thick!
- Country white bread. Typically heartier and firmer than traditional white bread.
Skip: brioche, soft white bread, French bread.
3. Butter or mayonnaise for grilled cheese?
My favorite is mayonnaise. It adds tremendous flavor and gets golden brown in the best way. My favorite mayonnaise is Hellman’s Real Mayonnaise (Best if you live on the West coast), or Dukes’. Please skip the mayonnaise alternatives!
How to make pesto grilled cheese
- Spread mayonnaise on the outside of both slices of bread, making sure to match them up. Turn the bread over onto a cutting board.
- On the inside of one slice of bread, spread a healthy tablespoon or two of pesto.
- To the other side of bread, start layering slices of fresh mozzarella with cheddar ending with the opposite with which you started first. So if you start with fresh mozz end with cheddar. Lay the pesto coated bread on top of the cheese stacked piece.
- Heat a cast iron skillet over medium high heat and add the sandwich to the pan. Lower the heat and check after a couple of minutes. You’re looking for a golden brown. Flip and cover the pan until the cheese is melted and the sandwich is evenly cooked on both sides.
Insider grilled cheese tips
Good idea add ins
Like I said at the beginning, slices of juicy summer tomatoes or oven roasted tomatoes would be SOOO good in this simple grilled cheese sandwich! And thin slices of my foolproof, pan roasted chicken would take this sandwich to main course level in minutes.
For some greenery, I love the idea of sprinkling in some fresh spinach leaves or top the whole sandwich with a heap of lemony arugula salad
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Golden Pesto Grilled Cheese Sandwich
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Ingredients
- 2 slices sourdough bread
- 2 teaspoons mayonnaise
- 1 Tablespoon pesto
- 3-4 slices fresh mozzarella cheese
- 3-4 slices sharp cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Spread mayonnaise on outside of each slice of bread. Spread pesto on the inside of one slice of bread. To the other slice, add alternating slices of fresh mozzarella and cheddar.2 slices sourdough bread, 2 teaspoons mayonnaise, 1 Tablespoon pesto, 3-4 slices fresh mozzarella cheese, 3-4 slices sharp cheddar cheese
- Heat a skillet over medium high heat and when heated, add the sandwich. Lower the heat and cook until brown, checking periodically. Flip the sandwich, lower the heat some more and cover the skillet until the cheese is melted and the bread is golden brown.
What a delicious idea for a sandwich. Pesto is a fave of mine and I think you invented the best grilled cheese! This could be a great go-to for me since I always have pesto on hand.
It’s one of our favorites, Marysa. And I love adding tomatoes or prosciutto to it but something a little different. Thanks you, Marysa!