Sourdough Pesto Grilled Cheese (Print)

Rich sourdough sandwich layered with basil pesto and three melted cheeses. Crispy on the outside, warm and gooey inside.

# Components:

→ Bread

01 - 4 slices thick-cut sourdough bread

→ Cheese

02 - 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
03 - 1/2 cup shredded fontina cheese
04 - 1/2 cup shredded sharp white cheddar cheese

→ Spreads & Condiments

05 - 3 tablespoons basil pesto
06 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened

# Directions:

01 - Lay out sourdough slices and spread 1/2 tablespoon of softened butter on one side of each slice.
02 - Flip bread over and spread approximately 1 tablespoon of basil pesto on the unbuttered side of two slices.
03 - Evenly distribute mozzarella, fontina, and cheddar cheese over the pesto-covered slices.
04 - Top with remaining bread slices, buttered side facing outward.
05 - Heat a large nonstick skillet or griddle over medium heat.
06 - Place sandwiches in skillet and cook for 3 to 4 minutes per side, pressing gently with a spatula until bread is golden and crisp with fully melted cheese.
07 - Remove from pan, allow to cool for 1 minute, slice diagonally, and serve warm.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It takes the comfort of melted cheese and adds a layer of bright, garlicky flavor that feels both familiar and exciting.
  • The sourdough crisps up beautifully in the pan, giving you that perfect crunch with a soft, chewy center.
  • You can make it in under twenty minutes with ingredients you probably already have on hand.
  • The combination of three cheeses creates a creamy, stretchy pull that makes every bite feel indulgent.
02 -
  • If your heat is too high, the bread will toast before the cheese melts, leaving you with a beautiful outside and cold, unmelted cheese inside.
  • Softening the butter before spreading makes all the difference, it coats the bread evenly and prevents tearing.
  • Pressing gently with the spatula while grilling helps the cheese melt faster and the sandwich hold together better.
03 -
  • Use a mix of cheeses instead of just one, it creates a more complex flavor and a better melt.
  • Let the sandwich rest for a minute after grilling so the cheese sets slightly and doesnt all slide out when you cut it.
  • If you want extra crispy bread, add a tiny bit more butter to the pan right before placing the sandwich in.
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