Craving something warm and cheesy? This Pesto and Sun-Dried Tomato Grilled Cheese is a delightful twist on the classic sandwich. Packed with vibrant flavors from fresh basil pesto and tangy sun-dried tomatoes, this grilled cheese promises to be a crowd-pleaser. Perfect for a quick lunch or an indulgent snack, it’s sure to satisfy your taste buds.
Steps
- Spread 1/2 tablespoon of butter on one side of each slice of bread. Turn the slices over and apply 1 tablespoon of pesto on the opposite sides.
- Chop the sun-dried tomatoes into small bits and sprinkle them over the pesto-coated side of one bread slice.
- Place 2 ounces of mozzarella on top of the sun-dried tomatoes. Tear or shred the mozzarella to help it melt quickly.
- Top with the second slice of bread, ensuring the pesto-coated side faces inward. Heat the sandwich in a skillet over medium-low heat until one side is golden brown.
- Flip the sandwich and continue cooking until the other side is golden brown and the cheese is melted. Serve the sandwich hot.
Ingredients
- 2 slices of hearty, robust bread
- 1 tablespoon of butter
- 2 tablespoons of pesto
- 2 pieces of sun dried tomatoes
- 2 ounces of mozzarella cheese
Nutritional Values
Calories: 424kcal | Carbohydrates: 34.4g | Protein: 21.6g | Fat: 40g | Saturated Fat: N/A | Cholesterol: N/A | Sodium: 1141.9mg | Fiber: 2.7g | Sugar: N/A
FAQ
- What type of pesto is best for this sandwich?
- You can use any pesto you prefer! The recipe suggests homemade Kale Pesto, but store-bought options work just as well.
- Which cheese varieties are suitable for Pesto Grilled Cheese?
- Fresh mozzarella is recommended for its excellent melting properties. However, block or grated mozzarella, smoked mozzarella, gruyere, swiss, brie, or white cheddar also pair well with pesto.
- What kind of bread should I use for the sandwich?
- A sturdy, crusty bread is ideal to prevent the oily pesto from soaking through. Consider using a thick and robust bread, or try making your own No Knead Bread.
- What can I add to enhance my Pesto Grilled Cheese?
- Sun dried tomatoes are a great addition for a sweet-tart contrast. Other options include fresh spinach, tomatoes, avocado, roasted red peppers, olives, or ham.
- How do I ensure my cheese melts properly without burning the bread?
- Cook the sandwich over medium-low heat, allowing the inside to heat and melt the cheese thoroughly before the outside burns.
Tips
- Choose a Sturdy Bread: Opt for a thick and robust bread to prevent it from becoming soggy due to the oily nature of pesto. If you prefer homemade, consider a no-knead bread recipe for best results.
- Select the Right Cheese: Fresh mozzarella melts beautifully, but for a more budget-friendly option, block or grated mozzarella works well. Feel free to experiment with other cheeses like gruyere, brie, or white cheddar for different flavor profiles.
- Enhance with Add-Ins: While sun-dried tomatoes add a sweet-tart flavor, you can also try adding fresh spinach, roasted red peppers, or avocado to elevate your sandwich further.
- Cook at Lower Heat: To ensure the cheese melts perfectly without burning the bread, cook your sandwich over medium-low heat. This gives the inside enough time to heat thoroughly while achieving a golden brown exterior.
Equipment
- Small Skillet – If you don’t already have a suitable skillet, you might want to purchase one for cooking the sandwich evenly.
- Spatula – A spatula is useful for flipping the sandwich without it falling apart.
- Bread Knife – For slicing the hearty bread if it isn’t pre-sliced.