Sourdough Pesto Grilled Cheese (Printer-friendly)

Crispy sourdough with pesto and three-cheese blend, griddled to golden perfection.

# What You'll Need:

→ Bread

01 - 4 slices thick-cut sourdough bread

→ Cheese

02 - 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
03 - 1/2 cup shredded fontina cheese
04 - 1/2 cup shredded sharp white cheddar

→ Spreads & Condiments

05 - 3 tablespoons basil pesto (store-bought or homemade)
06 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened

# How-To Steps:

01 - Lay out all sourdough slices on a clean surface. Spread 1/2 tablespoon of softened butter evenly on one side of each slice.
02 - Flip the bread slices over so the unbuttered side faces up. Spread approximately 1 tablespoon of basil pesto across the surface of two slices.
03 - Evenly distribute the shredded mozzarella, fontina, and sharp white cheddar over the pesto-covered slices, ensuring complete coverage to the edges.
04 - Place the remaining bread slices on top, buttered side facing outward, to create two complete sandwiches.
05 - Heat a large nonstick skillet or griddle over medium heat for 2-3 minutes until properly heated.
06 - Transfer sandwiches to the hot skillet. Cook for 3-4 minutes on the first side, pressing gently with a spatula. Flip carefully and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes until bread achieves golden-brown crispness and cheese is completely melted.
07 - Remove sandwiches from the pan and let rest for 1 minute to allow cheese to set. Slice diagonally and serve immediately while warm.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • The three-cheese blend creates this incredible molten texture that oozes out the sides when you bite into it
  • Sourdoughs tangy crust holds up beautifully to the pesto without getting soggy, even the next day
02 -
  • Low and slow wins the race—rushing the heat will burn your bread before the cheese has time to melt properly
  • Shred your own cheese if possible, since pre-shredded varieties contain anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting
03 -
  • Use a cast-iron skillet if you have one—the heavy bottom creates the most even, golden crust imaginable
  • Mayo instead of butter on the outside sounds strange but creates an even crispier, more golden finish
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