Pesto Grilled Cheese Recipe | Crispy, Cheesy & Easy Lunch

A pesto grilled cheese sandwich sliced in half and stacked on a cutting board to show the filling inside.

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Pesto Grilled Cheese Recipe | Crispy, Cheesy & Easy Lunch

This pesto grilled cheese is loaded with fresh mozzarella, savory bacon, and homemade pesto between crispy slices of sourdough bread. Ready in just 15 minutes, it's the perfect quick lunch or easy dinner paired with a bowl of homemade soup. Save this simple pesto grilled cheese recipe for a family-friendly meal everyone will love!

Prep Time10

Cook Time5

Total Time15

Course: Lunch, Main Course

Cuisine: American

Keyword: pesto and bacon grilled cheese, pesto grilled cheese, pesto grilled cheese sandwich

Servings: servings

Calories: 675kcal

Author: Melissa Norris

Cost: Varies

Equipment

Skillet
Spatula
Knife

Ingredients

4 Tablespoons Butter softened
4 Slices Bread I recommend this sourdough boule recipe or no-knead artisan bread.
4 Tablespoons Pesto
8 Ounces Mozzarella Learn how to make mozzarella cheese at home.
6 Slices Bacon cooked and chopped

Instructions

Heat a large skillet over medium heat.
Butter one side of each slice of bread.
Place two slices in the skillet, buttered side down.
Spread 1-2 tablespoon pesto over each slice.
Layer with mozzarella, bacon, and remaining mozzarella.
Top with the remaining bread slices, buttered side up.
Cook for 3-4 minutes until golden brown and crisp.
Carefully flip and cook another 3-4 minutes until the second side is golden and the cheese is melted.
Slice and serve immediately.

Notes

Recipe Tips and Troubleshooting:

A few simple tips will help you make the best pesto grilled cheese every time.

Cook Over Medium Heat - Cooking too quickly can burn the bread before the cheese has a chance to melt.
Use Freshly Grated or Fresh Cheese - Fresh mozzarella provides the best texture and melt.
Don't Overfill - Too much pesto or cheese can cause the sandwich to become difficult to flip.
Press Gently - A light press helps create a cohesive sandwich without squeezing out all the fillings.

Serving Suggestions for Grilled Cheese With Pesto:

This pesto grilled cheese pairs wonderfully with a variety of homemade meals.

Serve it alongside a bowl of this homemade tomato soup recipe for a classic combination. It's also delicious with delicata squash soup, potato soup, this creamy asparagus soup recipe, or a hearty chicken vegetable soup.

For a lighter meal, pair it with a fresh garden salad served with homemade buttermilk ranch dressing, a simple cucumber salad, or this roasted beet salad with goat cheese.

Storage Instructions:

Pesto grilled cheese is best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers can be stored if needed.

Store cooled sandwiches in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

To reheat, place the sandwich in a skillet over medium-low heat until warmed through and crisp again. Avoid microwaving if possible, as the bread can become soft and chewy.

Nutrition