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Sourdough Pesto Grilled Cheese Recipe

4.7 from 105 reviews

This Sourdough Pesto Grilled Cheese is a rich and savory sandwich combining thick sourdough bread with creamy fresh mozzarella, flavorful sun-dried tomatoes, crispy bacon, and vibrant pesto. Pan-fried to golden perfection, it offers a gooey, melty center with a satisfying crunch on the outside – perfect for a comforting lunch or snack.

Ingredients

Scale

Bread

  • 8 thick slices of sourdough bread

Cheese

  • 3 balls fresh mozzarella (each 125g), sliced thin and dried

Fillings

  • 8 sun-dried tomatoes, dried and chopped
  • 4 strips bacon, cooked and chopped
  • 4 generous tablespoons pesto

Other

  • Butter, as required for spreading and frying

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Sandwich Base: Place two slices of bread in a frying pan with the pan off the heat. Spread butter generously on the top side of each bread slice, then flip so that the buttered side is down, ready for the toppings.
  2. Add the Fillings: On each bread slice in the pan, layer 3-4 thin slices of mozzarella. Spoon a heaped tablespoon of pesto on top, followed by chopped sun-dried tomatoes and cooked chopped bacon. Add another layer of mozzarella for extra cheesiness. Top each with another slice of bread to complete the sandwich.
  3. Final Preparation Before Cooking: Gently press down on each sandwich to contain the fillings. Spread butter on the top side of the top bread slices to prepare them for frying.
  4. Cook the Sandwiches: Turn the heat to medium and slowly warm the pan. Fry the sandwiches until both sides are golden brown and the cheese inside is melted, flipping as needed to ensure even cooking.
  5. Serve and Enjoy: Remove the golden grilled cheese sandwiches from the pan and serve warm for a delicious, gooey meal.

Notes

  • Using thick slices of sourdough bread helps achieve a crispy exterior with a soft, chewy interior.
  • Drying the mozzarella slices helps prevent sogginess and ensures good melting.
  • If your pan is large enough, you can cook two sandwiches at once by placing four slices in the pan simultaneously.
  • Adjust the amount of pesto and bacon to taste for more or less intensity.
  • For a vegetarian version, omit the bacon and add extra sun-dried tomatoes or roasted vegetables.

Keywords: sourdough grilled cheese, pesto sandwich, mozzarella sandwich, bacon grilled cheese, sun-dried tomato sandwich, easy lunch recipe