Looking for a delicious twist on a classic grilled cheese sandwich? Look no further than this Sourdough Pesto Grilled Cheese! Packed with gooey mozzarella, flavorful pesto, crispy bacon, and tangy sun-dried tomatoes, this sandwich is a true crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for any meal.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Amazing Flavors: The combination of fresh mozzarella, homemade pesto, bacon, and sun-dried tomatoes creates a symphony of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds.
- Quick Prep Time: With just a few simple ingredients, this recipe comes together in no time, making it perfect for a quick and satisfying meal.
- Versatile: Whether you’re looking for a comforting lunch, a hearty dinner, or a tasty snack, this Sourdough Pesto Grilled Cheese fits the bill.
Ingredient Notes:
- Fresh mozzarella: Sliced thinly for that perfect gooey melt.
- Butter: Use a high-quality butter like Kerrygold Cultured Butter for grilling.
- Pesto: Opt for homemade pesto or a good quality store-bought brand like Barilla.
- Sourdough bread: Choose thick slices for the ultimate grilled cheese experience.
- Bacon: Cooked until crispy and chopped for added crunch.
- Sun-dried tomatoes: Finely chopped for even distribution throughout the sandwich.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Prep Your Ingredients: Slice the fresh mozzarella thinly, cook and chop the bacon until crispy, and finely chop the sun-dried tomatoes.
- Assemble the Sandwich: Spread pesto on one side of each slice of sourdough bread. Layer mozzarella, bacon, and sun-dried tomatoes on one slice, then top with the other slice.
- Grill the Sandwich: Heat butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the sandwich and cook until golden brown and the cheese is melted, about 3-4 minutes per side.
- Serve and Enjoy: Cut the sandwich in half and serve hot with your favorite side dish.
Helpful Tips:
- To make this recipe vegetarian, simply omit the bacon.
- For a spicier kick, add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes to the sandwich before grilling.
- If you don’t have sourdough bread, you can use any sturdy bread of your choice.
Expert Tips for the Best Results:
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: This helps the sandwich cook evenly and ensures a gooey, melty cheese.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Cook the sandwiches in batches if needed to avoid overcrowding and ensure even browning.
- Add Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle some fresh basil or parsley on the sandwich before grilling for an extra burst of flavor.
Serving Suggestions:
Pair this Sourdough Pesto Grilled Cheese with a side of tomato soup for a classic comfort food meal. For drinks, a crisp white wine or a refreshing lemonade would be the perfect accompaniment.
Storage and Reheating Tips:
To store any leftover sandwiches, wrap them in foil or plastic wrap and keep them in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, place the sandwich in a skillet over low heat until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I use regular sliced cheese instead of fresh mozzarella? While fresh mozzarella provides a creamy melt, you can substitute with any cheese of your choice.
- Can I make this sandwich ahead of time? While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can assemble the sandwich and refrigerate it until ready to grill.
- Can I freeze the sandwich for later? It’s not recommended to freeze the sandwich as the texture of the ingredients may change when thawed.
Conclusion:
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food experience with this Sourdough Pesto Grilled Cheese. With its melty cheese, crispy bacon, and flavorful pesto, this sandwich is sure to become a new favorite in your meal rotation. Give it a try and let us know how you liked it!
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Sourdough Pesto Grilled Cheese
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 10 mins
- Total Time: 25 mins
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main-course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Sourdough Pesto Grilled Cheese is a gourmet twist on a classic favorite. Layers of fresh mozzarella, crispy bacon, and sun-dried tomatoes are sandwiched between slices of tangy sourdough bread spread with flavorful pesto, then grilled to gooey perfection.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 3 balls fresh mozzarella (125g each), sliced thin
- Butter (for grilling like Kerrygold Cultured Butter)
- 4 tbsp pesto (homemade or a good quality store-bought like Barilla)
- 8 thick slices sourdough bread
- 4 strips bacon, cooked and chopped (crispy and crumbled is best)
- 8 sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (finely chopped for even distribution)
Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients: Slice mozzarella, cook and chop bacon, chop sun-dried tomatoes.
- Assemble Sandwiches: Spread pesto on one side of each bread slice. Layer mozzarella, bacon, and sun-dried tomatoes between slices.
- Grill: Heat butter in a pan and grill sandwiches until bread is crispy and cheese is melted.
Notes
- You can customize this sandwich by adding other ingredients like avocado, grilled chicken, or arugula.
- For a vegetarian option, omit the bacon or substitute with grilled vegetables.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 23 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 20 g
- Cholesterol: 50 mg
