Introduction

The Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto Grilled Cheese is a flavorful twist on the classic grilled cheese sandwich. Combining the rich taste of sun-dried tomato pesto with melty mozzarella, this sandwich makes for a quick and satisfying lunch. It’s easy to prepare and perfect for a cozy meal any day.

A grilled sandwich cut in half and stacked, showing two layers of toasted golden-brown bread with a crisp texture. Inside the sandwich, there is a smooth white melted cheese layer in the middle, surrounded by a green pesto spread and small pieces of sun-dried tomato adding a bright red color and chewy texture. The sandwich halves sit on a wooden surface with slight grease spots. The photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 slices of bread
2 tablespoons sun-dried tomato pesto
2 slices of mozzarella cheese
1 tablespoon butter

Instructions

Step 1: Spread sun-dried tomato pesto on one side of each slice of bread.
Step 2: Place a slice of mozzarella cheese on top of the pesto on one slice of bread.
Step 3: Top with the second slice of bread, pesto side down.
Step 4: Heat a skillet over medium heat and add butter.
Step 5: Once the butter is melted, place the sandwich in the skillet.
Step 6: Cook until golden brown on one side, about 3–4 minutes.
Step 7: Flip the sandwich and cook the other side until golden brown and the cheese is melted, about another 3–4 minutes.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, add fresh basil leaves inside the sandwich before grilling.
Use your favorite type of bread to customize the taste and texture.
Serve with a side of tomato soup for a classic and comforting pairing.

Storage

Store any leftover grilled cheese sandwich in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat to maintain crispiness and melt the cheese again. Avoid microwaving as it may make the bread soggy.

How to Serve

Two sandwich halves stacked on a white marbled surface, each made from two slices of toasted light brown bread with a crispy, slightly charred texture. Inside, there are three main layers visible: a bright green pesto spread close to the top and bottom bread slices, a middle layer of white melted cheese that looks soft and stretchy, and pieces of deep red sun-dried tomatoes scattered within the pesto. The sandwich filling is spilling out slightly, showing a rich mix of colors and melted texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different cheese instead of mozzarella?

Yes, cheeses like provolone, cheddar, or fontina also melt well and pair nicely with sun-dried tomato pesto.

Is sun-dried tomato pesto available in stores or should I make it at home?

Sun-dried tomato pesto is commonly available at most grocery stores near other pesto varieties, but you can also make it at home by blending sun-dried tomatoes with garlic, nuts, olive oil, and Parmesan cheese.

Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto Grilled Cheese Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 85 reviews

This Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto Grilled Cheese is a flavorful twist on the classic grilled cheese sandwich, featuring tangy sun-dried tomato pesto and creamy mozzarella cheese. Perfect for a quick lunch or light dinner, it’s grilled to golden perfection with a buttery crust and melted cheese inside.

Author: Kai
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 8 minutes
Total Time: 13 minutes
Yield: 1 sandwich 1x
Category: Lunch
Method: Grilling
Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients

Scale

Sandwich Ingredients

2 slices of bread
2 tablespoons sun-dried tomato pesto
2 slices of mozzarella cheese
1 tablespoon butter

Instructions

Spread Pesto: Spread sun-dried tomato pesto evenly on one side of each slice of bread to ensure a flavorful base for the sandwich.
Add Cheese: Place a slice of mozzarella cheese on top of the pesto on one slice of bread, allowing the cheese to melt inside during cooking.
Assemble Sandwich: Top with the second slice of bread, pesto side down, creating a sandwich with pesto on both the outer and inner surfaces for extra flavor.
Heat Skillet and Add Butter: Heat a skillet over medium heat and add the butter, letting it melt to coat the pan for a crispy crust.
Cook First Side: Place the sandwich in the skillet and cook until the bottom is golden brown, about 3-4 minutes, monitoring to avoid burning.
Flip and Cook Other Side: Flip the sandwich carefully and cook the other side until golden brown and the cheese is completely melted, approximately another 3-4 minutes.