Pesto Mozzarella Grilled Cheese Recipe

August 8, 2025

Pesto Mozzarella Grilled Cheese is a tasty twist on the classic grilled cheese sandwich. It features melty mozzarella cheese combined with fresh, herby pesto between two slices of crispy, buttery bread. The flavors blend perfectly, with the creamy cheese and aromatic pesto making each bite super satisfying.

I love making this sandwich when I want something quick but special. The pesto adds just the right amount of zing and brightness, which makes it feel like a little treat instead of a simple grilled cheese. A helpful tip I’ve found is to spread the pesto evenly on both slices of bread so every bite tastes deliciously balanced.

This grilled cheese is great on its own for a cozy lunch, but I also enjoy serving it with a simple salad or some tomato soup on the side. It’s the kind of meal that always brings smiles around the table and is easy to whip up anytime you’re craving comfort food with a fresh twist.

Pesto Mozzarella Grilled Cheese Recipe

Key Ingredients & Substitutions

Bread: I like using sourdough because it crisps up nicely and adds subtle tanginess. You can swap it for whole wheat or a soft white bread depending on your preference.

Pesto: Basil pesto is classic here, but you can try sun-dried tomato pesto or arugula pesto for a twist. Store-bought works well, but homemade brings more freshness.

Mozzarella: Fresh mozzarella melts beautifully and has a mild flavor. If you want more stretchiness, part-skim mozzarella works too. Avoid pre-shredded cheese for the best melt.

Butter: Butter helps toast the bread to golden perfection. For a healthier or dairy-free option, use olive oil or vegan butter.

How Do You Get the Bread Perfectly Crispy Without Burning?

Getting golden, crispy bread without burning can be tricky. Here’s how I do it:

  • Use medium heat—not too high—to toast the bread evenly.
  • Butter the bread evenly so it browns consistently. If the butter is too cold, it won’t spread well.
  • Cook slowly for 3-4 minutes per side, flipping gently. Patience is key for crispy, not burnt.
  • Cover the pan briefly after flipping to help the cheese melt without rushing the bread.

Equipment You’ll Need

  • Nonstick skillet or griddle – makes flipping easy and helps the bread brown evenly.
  • Spatula – a wide, thin spatula helps you flip the sandwich without losing cheese.
  • Butter knife – for spreading butter and pesto smoothly on the bread.
  • Cutting board – useful for slicing the mozzarella and cutting the sandwich before serving.

Flavor Variations & Add-Ins

  • Swap mozzarella with provolone or fontina for a richer, nuttier cheese flavor.
  • Add sliced tomatoes or roasted red peppers for extra sweetness and moisture.
  • Include cooked chicken or turkey slices to turn it into a heartier sandwich.
  • Sprinkle red pepper flakes or drizzle balsamic glaze to add a bit of spice or tang.

Pesto Mozzarella Grilled Cheese Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need:

Main Ingredients:

  • 4 slices of bread (sourdough or your favorite sandwich bread)
  • 4 tablespoons pesto (store-bought or homemade)
  • 8 oz fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced
  • 2 tablespoons butter, softened

How Much Time Will You Need?

This recipe takes about 10 minutes in total—just a few minutes to prepare your sandwich and about 6 to 8 minutes to grill it to golden, gooey perfection. It’s quick and perfect for a tasty meal any time of day!

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Prepare Your Ingredients:

First, get your skillet or griddle heating over medium heat. While it warms up, spread softened butter evenly on one side of each bread slice. Then, place two slices of bread buttered side down on a clean surface and spread a tablespoon of pesto on each. Layer slices of fresh mozzarella evenly on top of the pesto.

2. Assemble the Sandwich:

Put the remaining two slices of bread on top of the mozzarella, with the buttered side facing up. You now have two sandwiches ready to grill.

3. Grill to Perfection:

Place the sandwiches carefully in the heated skillet. Cook for about 3 to 4 minutes until the bread is golden brown and crispy. Flip the sandwiches gently and cook the other side for another 3 to 4 minutes, or until the mozzarella is melted and the bread is perfectly toasted.

4. Serve and Enjoy:

Take the sandwiches from the skillet and let them rest for a minute to set. Then slice in half and serve warm. You can add a little extra pesto or some fresh herbs on top if you like.

Equipment You’ll Need

  • Nonstick skillet or griddle for even heating and easy flipping
  • Spatula to flip the sandwich gently without losing cheese
  • Butter knife for spreading butter and pesto smoothly
  • Cutting board for slicing mozzarella and sandwich

Flavor Variations & Add-Ins

  • Try provolone or fontina instead of mozzarella for a richer flavor
  • Add fresh tomato slices or roasted red peppers for a touch of sweetness
  • Include cooked chicken or turkey slices for a heartier meal
  • Sprinkle red pepper flakes or drizzle balsamic glaze for extra spice or tang

Pesto Mozzarella Grilled Cheese Recipe

Can I Use Frozen Mozzarella for This Recipe?

Yes, you can, but make sure to thaw it completely and drain any excess moisture before assembling the sandwich. This helps prevent soggy bread.

How Can I Store Leftover Grilled Cheese?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat to keep the bread crispy and cheese melty.

Can I Make This Sandwich Vegan or Dairy-Free?

Absolutely! Use dairy-free pesto and a plant-based mozzarella alternative, and swap butter with vegan butter or olive oil for toasting.

What Bread Works Best for Grilled Cheese?

Sourdough is a great choice for its sturdy texture and flavor, but feel free to use any bread you like. Just make sure it’s not too thin to hold all the fillings well.

About the author
Ava

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