Sun-dried Tomato Pesto Cheese (Printer View)

Melty mozzarella with sun-dried tomato pesto on toasted bread delivers rich, savory flavors in minutes.

# Components:

→ Bread and Spreads

01 - 2 slices bread, sourdough, whole wheat, or white
02 - 2 tablespoons sun-dried tomato pesto

→ Cheese

03 - 2 slices mozzarella cheese

→ For Cooking

04 - 1 tablespoon unsalted butter

# Method:

01 - Spread 1 tablespoon of sun-dried tomato pesto on one side of each bread slice.
02 - Lay both bread slices pesto-side up. Place mozzarella cheese on top of one slice, then position the second bread slice on top with pesto sides facing the cheese to form a sandwich.
03 - Heat a skillet over medium heat and add the butter. Allow the butter to melt and foam completely.
04 - Place the sandwich in the skillet and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until the bottom is golden brown.
05 - Carefully flip the sandwich using a spatula and cook the other side for 3 to 4 minutes, pressing gently, until golden brown and the cheese is fully melted.
06 - Remove from the skillet and let rest for 1 minute. Slice diagonally and serve immediately.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The sun-dried tomato pesto brings a sophisticated depth that transforms basic grilled cheese from nostalgic into genuinely crave-worthy.
  • It comes together in under fifteen minutes, making it perfect for those moments when you're hungry now, not in an hour.
  • One sandwich feels indulgent and filling without the guilt of heavier comfort foods.
02 -
  • Medium heat is non-negotiable—I learned this the hard way when I cranked things up because I was impatient, and the outside burned to a crisp while the cheese barely whispered toward melting.
  • Letting the sandwich rest for just one minute before slicing makes an actual difference in how the cheese behaves; it's not wasted time, it's strategy.
03 -
  • Make a double batch of the sandwich and cut into quarters if you're serving this to guests—it becomes elegant appetizer territory and people are surprised by how satisfying it is.
  • If your pesto is particularly thick or oil-heavy, spread it a bit thinner to prevent the sandwich from sliding apart during flipping, and remember that pesto continues to soften in the heat so you need less than you think.
Return