Pin this A vibrant twist on the classic grilled cheese, featuring melted mozzarella, ripe tomatoes, fresh basil pesto, and a crispy golden crust perfect for a gourmet lunch or light dinner.
This grilled cheese quickly became a family favorite for its fresh flavors and easy preparation.
Ingredients
- Bread & Dairy: 4 slices country-style or sourdough bread, 4 oz (115 g) fresh mozzarella cheese sliced, 2 tbsp unsalted butter softened
- Vegetables & Condiments: 1 large ripe tomato sliced, 2 tbsp basil pesto (store-bought or homemade), Fresh basil leaves handful
- Seasoning: Pinch of sea salt, Freshly ground black pepper
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Instructions
- Spread Pesto:
- Spread basil pesto evenly on one side of each bread slice.
- Layer Cheese:
- Layer half the mozzarella slices onto two of the bread slices (on the pesto side).
- Add Vegetables:
- Top with tomato slices, a few fresh basil leaves, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
- Assemble Sandwich:
- Add the remaining mozzarella slices over the tomatoes. Cover with the remaining bread slices pesto side down to form sandwiches.
- Butter Sandwich:
- Butter the outer sides of each sandwich.
- Preheat Pan:
- Preheat a grill pan or skillet over medium heat.
- Cook:
- Place the sandwiches in the panini press or skillet. Cook for 3 4 minutes per side (press down with a spatula if using a skillet) until the bread is golden and the cheese is melted.
- Rest & Serve:
- Remove let rest for 1 minute then slice and serve warm.
Pin this My family gathers around this panini for quick weekday lunches and always enjoys its fresh and savory flavors.
Serving Suggestions
Great with a side salad or tomato soup for a balanced meal.
Variations
For extra flavor drizzle with balsamic glaze before serving or add arugula for a peppery touch.
Allergen Information
Contains wheat in bread, milk in mozzarella and butter, and tree nuts if pesto contains pine nuts. Double check pesto ingredients for nut allergies.
Pin this Enjoy this simple fresh grilled cheese anytime you want a quick satisfying meal.
Recipe Questions
- → What type of bread works best for this panini?
Country-style or sourdough bread works well, as they hold up to grilling and provide a sturdy, flavorful base.
- → Can I use homemade basil pesto in this preparation?
Yes, homemade basil pesto adds freshness and allows you to control the texture and seasoning perfectly.
- → How can I achieve a crispy, golden crust on the bread?
Butter the outside of the bread slices before grilling and cook on medium heat to get a golden, crispy crust.
- → Is it necessary to rest the panini after cooking?
Resting for about a minute helps the melted cheese settle and prevents the filling from spilling when sliced.
- → What variations can be added for extra flavor?
Drizzling balsamic glaze before serving or adding peppery arugula leaves can enhance the flavor profile.
