Caprese Pesto Grilled Cheese

# What You'll Need:

→ Dairy

01 - Fresh mozzarella, sliced - 4 oz

02 - Unsalted butter, softened - 2 tbsp

→ Vegetables & Herbs

03 - Large ripe tomato, sliced into rounds - 1

04 - Fresh basil leaves - 2 tbsp

→ Spreads & Condiments

05 - Basil pesto - 2 tbsp

→ Bread

06 - Rustic or sourdough bread slices - 4

→ Seasonings

07 - Salt - to taste

08 - Freshly ground black pepper - to taste

# Directions:

01 - Spread 0.5 tbsp of softened butter on one side of each bread slice.

02 - Place two slices of bread, buttered side down, on a clean work surface.

03 - Spread 1 tbsp of basil pesto on the unbuttered side of each bread slice.

04 - Arrange mozzarella slices evenly over the pesto, then layer tomato rounds on top. Season tomatoes lightly with salt and freshly ground black pepper.

05 - Cover each sandwich with the remaining bread slices, positioning the buttered side facing outward.

06 - Heat a nonstick skillet or griddle over medium heat until evenly warm.

07 - Place sandwiches in the skillet and cook until the bread is golden brown and crisp, approximately 3 to 4 minutes.

08 - Flip sandwiches carefully using a spatula and cook the other side until golden and the cheese is fully melted, approximately 3 to 4 minutes.

09 - Remove from heat, allow to cool for 1 to 2 minutes, slice diagonally in half, and garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired.

# Expert Advice:

01 -

The pesto adds an incredible depth of flavor that regular grilled cheese just cannot match
Takes only twenty minutes from start to finish for a dinner that feels fancy but is secretly effortless

02 -

Medium low heat is your friend here, high heat burns the bread before the cheese melts
Pressing down gently with your spatula helps the bread make contact with the pan for even crisping

03 -

Pat the tomato slices dry with paper towels before layering to prevent soggy bread
Let the sandwiches rest for a few minutes after cooking so the cheese sets slightly

Caprese Pesto Grilled Cheese (Print)