Sourdough Pesto Grilled Cheese

Elevate your lunch routine with this Sourdough Pesto Grilled Cheese, a gourmet twist on a beloved comfort classic. Thick, crusty slices of sourdough are toasted to a buttery golden brown, providing the perfect vessel for a rich, aromatic basil pesto and a trio of melty, gooey cheeses. It is a simple yet sophisticated sandwich that delivers a burst of Italian-inspired flavor in every bite.

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The secret to this sandwich lies in the layering. By spreading the pesto directly onto the bread before adding the cheese, you ensure that the herbal notes infuse into the melted mozzarella, fontina, and cheddar. As the bread toasts in the skillet, the butter creates a beautiful crust while the cheeses merge into a decadent, gooey center.

Ingredients

• 4 slices thick-cut sourdough bread
• 1/2 cup (60 g) shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup (60 g) shredded fontina cheese
• 1/2 cup (60 g) shredded sharp white cheddar
• 3 tbsp basil pesto (store-bought or homemade)
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter, softened

Instructions

Step 1

Lay out the sourdough slices. Spread 1/2 tablespoon of butter on one side of each slice.

Step 2

Flip the bread over and spread about 1 tablespoon of basil pesto on the unbuttered side of two slices.

Step 3

Evenly divide and sprinkle the mozzarella, fontina, and cheddar over the pesto-covered slices.

Step 4

Top with the remaining bread slices, buttered side facing out.

Step 5

Heat a large nonstick skillet or griddle over medium heat.

Step 6

Place the sandwiches in the skillet and cook for 3–4 minutes per side, pressing gently with a spatula, until the bread is golden and crisp and the cheese is fully melted.

Step 7

Remove from the pan, let cool for 1 minute, then slice and serve warm.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

For the most even results, use a nonstick skillet and maintain a medium heat setting. This allows the thick sourdough slices to toast slowly to a golden brown while giving the three-cheese blend enough time to melt thoroughly. Gently pressing down with a spatula helps ensure the heat reaches the center of the sandwich.

Varianten und Anpassungen

You can easily customize this recipe by adding thin tomato slices or a handful of fresh baby spinach before grilling. If you want to experiment with different flavors, cheeses like Gruyère or provolone also work beautifully. To make this dish vegan, simply use your favorite plant-based butter, pesto, and cheese alternatives.

Serviervorschläge

This sandwich is a complete treat on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with a side salad or a hot bowl of tomato soup for a hearty, traditional lunch. The acidity of the tomato soup perfectly cuts through the richness of the melted cheese and pesto.

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Whether you are looking for a quick vegetarian dinner or a cozy weekend lunch, this Sourdough Pesto Grilled Cheese is guaranteed to satisfy. Enjoy the perfect harmony of aromatic basil, crunchy toasted bread, and the irresistible pull of melted cheese.

Your Questions Answered

→ What type of bread works best?

Thick-cut sourdough is ideal because its sturdy structure holds up well to grilling and its tangy flavor complements the rich cheese and pesto. Look for a loaf with a good crust and dense crumb.

→ Can I use store-bought pesto?

Absolutely. Store-bought basil pesto works perfectly fine, though homemade will give you the freshest flavor. Either way, aim for about 3 tablespoons to coat the bread evenly.

→ What cheese blend gives the best results?

The combination of mozzarella, fontina, and sharp white cheddar creates the perfect balance—mozzarella provides the classic stretch, fontina adds creaminess and nuttiness, while cheddar contributes sharpness and depth.

→ How do I get the crispiest exterior?

Butter the bread generously and cook over medium heat for 3–4 minutes per side. Pressing gently with a spatula helps ensure even contact with the pan for uniform golden browning.

→ Can I add extra ingredients?

Certainly. Thin tomato slices, fresh spinach, or even caramelized onions make excellent additions. Just keep portions moderate to avoid overwhelming the cheese and pesto flavors.

→ Is this suitable for meal prep?

These are best enjoyed fresh off the grill when the cheese is at its meltiest and the bread is crispest. However, you can assemble the sandwiches ahead of time and grill them just before serving.