Caprese Pesto Grilled Cheese (Printable)

Fresh mozzarella, ripe tomato, and basil pesto melted between golden, crispy bread. Ready in just 20 minutes.

# What You'll Need:

→ Dairy

01 - 4 oz 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

→ Spreads & Condiments

05 - 2 tablespoons basil pesto

→ Bread

06 - 4 slices rustic or sourdough bread

→ Seasonings

07 - Salt to taste
08 - Freshly ground black pepper to taste

# Directions:

01 - Spread 1/2 tablespoon of butter on one side of each bread slice.
02 - Place two slices of bread, buttered side down, on a clean surface.
03 - Spread 1 tablespoon of pesto on the unbuttered side of each bread slice.
04 - Layer mozzarella slices evenly over the pesto, then top with tomato rounds. Season tomatoes lightly with salt and pepper.
05 - Cover each with the remaining bread slices, buttered side facing out.
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 and cook the other side until golden and the cheese is 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 if desired.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Takes ordinary grilled cheese and transforms it into something that feels restaurant special but comes together in minutes
  • The combination of warm melted mozzarella with cool fresh tomato creates the most satisfying temperature contrast
  • Pesto does all the heavy lifting for flavor, so you dont need a dozen ingredients to make something incredible
02 -
  • I learned the hard way that thick tomato slices make the sandwich slide apart when you try to flip it—slice them thinner than you think you need to
  • Medium low heat is your friend here, high heat burns the bread before the cheese has time to melt properly
  • Pressing down lightly with your spatula while cooking helps everything meld together, but dont squish it flat or you lose that fluffy bread texture
03 -
  • Room temperature cheese melts faster and more evenly than cold from the fridge, so take it out while you prep everything else
  • Mayo instead of butter on the outside creates an even crispier, more golden crust that will change your grilled cheese life
  • Weight your sandwich down with a heavy pan or bacon press while cooking for restaurant style pressed sandwich results
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