Pesto Mozzarella Grilled Cheese is not just a sandwich; it’s a gooey, melty adventure that dances on your taste buds. Imagine biting into crispy bread that yields to the warm embrace of melted mozzarella, mingling with the vibrant, herbal flavors of fresh pesto. Each bite is a celebration of comfort and joy, perfect for rainy afternoons or cozy gatherings with friends.
The beauty of this Pesto Mozzarella Grilled Cheese lies in its simplicity and versatility. Whether it’s a lazy Sunday brunch or a quick weeknight dinner, this dish transforms ordinary moments into extraordinary culinary experiences. The aroma wafting from the skillet promises an explosion of flavor that will have everyone clamoring for seconds—and thirds!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This Pesto Mozzarella Grilled Cheese is incredibly easy to make and requires minimal ingredients
- The rich, buttery flavor pairs perfectly with fresh basil pesto, creating a delightful taste sensation
- Its golden-brown exterior makes it visually appealing and Instagram-worthy
- Plus, you can easily customize it with your favorite add-ins like tomatoes or avocados!
Sharing this delightful recipe with my friends led to an impromptu grilled cheese party, filled with laughter and messy fingers.

Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Bread: Choose your favorite type; sourdough or ciabatta works wonderfully for texture and flavor.
- Mozzarella Cheese: Fresh mozzarella provides a creamy melt; opt for the good stuff for ultimate indulgence.
- Pesto: Homemade or store-bought, choose one that bursts with fresh basil flavor for best results.
- Butter: Use unsalted butter for cooking; it helps achieve that golden crust without overwhelming flavors.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it together
Gather Your Ingredients: Start by pulling together all your ingredients—bread, mozzarella, pesto, and butter—so you’re ready to create this masterpiece without any interruptions.
Prepare the Bread: Take two slices of your chosen bread and spread a generous layer of pesto on one side of each slice. This step adds an aromatic burst of flavor right from the start.
Add the Cheese: Place a thick slice of mozzarella cheese on top of the pesto-covered side of one slice. Don’t skimp here; you want that glorious gooeyness when melted!
Assemble the Sandwich: Close your sandwich with the second slice of bread, pesto side down. Press gently so everything holds together nicely during cooking.
Heat Up Your Pan: Preheat a skillet over medium heat and add a tablespoon of butter. Let it melt until bubbly but not browned—this ensures that perfect golden crust we all crave.
Cook to Perfection: Carefully place your sandwich in the skillet. Cook until golden brown on one side (about 3-4 minutes), then flip gently and add another tablespoon of butter, cooking until both sides are beautifully toasted.
Enjoy every bite as you revel in the cheesy goodness combined with that fragrant pesto—it’s pure bliss!
You Must Know
- This Pesto Mozzarella Grilled Cheese recipe is not just a comfort food; it’s a gourmet experience
- The fresh basil aroma will fill your kitchen, igniting cravings before the first bite
- Perfectly melted mozzarella paired with vibrant pesto creates an explosion of flavors you won’t forget
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by heating your skillet over medium heat. Butter one side of each bread slice, then grill the unbuttered side in the skillet until golden brown before adding cheese and pesto.

Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out mozzarella for cheddar or provolone. Toss in some sun-dried tomatoes or spinach for added flavor and nutrition.
Storing & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat on a skillet over low heat to maintain crispiness without burning.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For perfect grilled cheese, use thick slices of bread that can hold all that gooey goodness without falling apart
- Preheat your pan adequately to avoid soggy results
- Lastly, let it rest for a minute before slicing—this ensures glorious cheese pull perfection!
Sharing this recipe reminds me of that unforgettable picnic where my friend brought her version, and we ended up fighting over the last piece! Nothing says love like grilled cheese wars.

FAQ
Can I use store-bought pesto for my Pesto Mozzarella Grilled Cheese?
Absolutely! Store-bought pesto saves time while still delivering great flavor.
What type of bread works best for grilling?
Sourdough or artisan bread adds great texture and flavor to your grilled cheese.
How do I make my grilled cheese extra crispy?
Use plenty of butter and cook on low heat to ensure even browning without burning.
Pesto Mozzarella Grilled Cheese
- Total Time: 18 minutes
- Yield: Serves 1
Description
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Pesto Mozzarella Grilled Cheese. Featuring gooey, melted mozzarella enveloped in crispy bread and vibrant basil pesto, this sandwich is a delightful treat for any occasion. Perfect for cozy evenings or a quick lunch, each bite offers a burst of flavor that will have you coming back for more!
Ingredients
- 2 slices sourdough or ciabatta bread
- 4 oz fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced
- 2 tbsp pesto (homemade or store-bought)
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
Instructions
- Gather all ingredients: bread, mozzarella, pesto, and butter.
- Spread a generous layer of pesto on one side of each slice of bread.
- Place sliced mozzarella on top of the pesto side of one slice.
- Close the sandwich with the second slice of bread, pesto side down.
- Heat a skillet over medium heat and add 1 tbsp butter until bubbly.
- Cook the sandwich until golden brown on one side (about 3-4 minutes), then flip gently and add the remaining butter. Cook until both sides are toasted and the cheese has melted.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich (180g)
- Calories: 490
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 670mg
- Fat: 34g
- Saturated Fat: 21g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 70mg





