Caprese Pesto Grilled Cheese (Printable Copy)

Fresh mozzarella, juicy tomato, and aromatic pesto melted between golden, crispy bread for an elevated comfort classic.

# What You Need:

→ Dairy

01 - 4 oz fresh mozzarella, sliced
02 - 2 tbsp unsalted butter, softened

→ Vegetables & Herbs

03 - 1 large ripe tomato, sliced into rounds
04 - 2 tbsp fresh basil leaves, optional for garnish

→ Spreads & Condiments

05 - 2 tbsp basil pesto

→ Bread

06 - 4 slices rustic or sourdough bread

→ Seasonings

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

# How to Make:

01 - Spread 0.5 tbsp 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 tbsp 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 more.
09 - Remove from heat, let cool for 1 to 2 minutes, slice in half, and garnish with fresh basil if desired.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The combination of melted mozzarella and bright pesto creates the most incredible creamy, herbaceous experience
  • It comes together in under 20 minutes but tastes like something from a fancy Italian café
02 -
  • Medium low heat is your friend here, because high heat will burn the bread before the cheese has a chance to melt properly
  • Patting your tomato slices dry with a paper towel prevents your bread from getting soggy
03 -
  • Use a spatula to press down gently while cooking for better contact between bread and filling
  • If your pesto is thick, thin it with a teaspoon of olive oil for easier spreading
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