Description
A cozy twist on a timeless comfort, featuring bright basil pesto and molten cheese between crispy golden bread.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 slices good-quality sandwich bread (sourdough or Italian)
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened (or olive oil)
- 1/2 cup basil pesto, homemade or store-bought
- 8 ounces shredded mozzarella or provolone
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan or Pecorino Romano
- 1 ripe tomato, thinly sliced (optional)
- Thinly sliced cooked chicken or prosciutto (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat a large nonstick skillet or griddle over medium-low heat.
- Butter one side of each slice of bread evenly.
- Spread about 1 tablespoon of pesto on the unbuttered side of four slices.
- Layer shredded cheese over the pesto.
- Top with the remaining bread slices, buttered side facing out.
- Place sandwiches in the preheated skillet.
- Cook for about 3–5 minutes per side.
- Transfer to a cutting board, let rest for 1 minute, then slice and serve hot.
Notes
For a healthier option, use whole-grain bread and reduced-fat cheese. Consider a sun-dried tomato pesto for a seasonal twist.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Pan-Frying
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: grilled cheese, pesto, comfort food, quick meal, savory