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Grilled cheese sandwich with basil pesto and melted mozzarella cheese cut in half
Isaac blogger

Pesto Mozzarella Grilled Cheese

A crispy pesto mozzarella grilled cheese made with golden toasted bread, melty mozzarella, and fresh basil pesto—quick, comforting, and café-style at home.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 8 minutes
Total Time 13 minutes
Servings: 1
Course: Lunch / Dinner
Cuisine: Italian-American
Calories:
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 slices sturdy bread
  • 1–1½ tablespoons basil pesto
  • 2–3 ounces mozzarella cheese
  • 1–1½ tablespoons butter or mayonnaise

Method
 

  1. Before You Begin:
  2. Preheat and prepare your cookware as needed. Cooking times and results may vary depending on your equipment and ingredients.
  3. Assemble Sandwich
  4. Spread pesto evenly on one side of one bread slice. Layer mozzarella evenly on top and close with second slice.
  5. Prepare Exterior
  6. Spread butter or mayonnaise evenly on the outside of both slices of bread.
  7. Heat Pan
  8. Place a skillet over medium-low heat and allow it to warm for about 30–60 seconds.
  9. Grill
  10. Cook for about 3–4 minutes until the bread is golden brown and crisp on the first side. Flip and cook another 3–4 minutes until evenly toasted and the cheese is fully melted.
  11. Rest and Serve
  12. Remove from heat and let rest briefly before slicing and serving warm.

Notes

• Cook over medium-low heat so the cheese melts before the bread overbrowns.
• Pat fresh mozzarella dry to prevent excess moisture.
• Press lightly with a spatula for even browning.
Storage
• Best served immediately.
• Refrigerate leftovers up to 24 hours in an airtight container.
Reheating
• Reheat in a skillet or oven until hot and crisp.
• Avoid microwave if possible to maintain texture.