Sourdough Pesto Grilled Cheese Recipe
A deliciously savory Sourdough Pesto Grilled Cheese sandwich featuring fresh mozzarella, sun-dried tomatoes, crispy bacon, and aromatic pesto, all melted between thick slices of buttery sourdough bread to create a golden, crispy exterior and a gooey, flavorful inside.
- Author: Isabella
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Total Time: 23 minutes
- Yield: 4 sandwiches 1x
- Category: Sandwich
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Bread and Cheese
- 8 thick slices sourdough bread
- 3 balls fresh mozzarella (each 125g), sliced thin and dried
Fillings
- 8 sun-dried tomatoes, dried and chopped
- 4 strips bacon, cooked and chopped
- 4 generous tablespoons pesto
Others
- Butter, as required for spreading on bread
- Prepare Ingredients: Slice the fresh mozzarella thinly and pat dry to remove excess moisture. Chop the sun-dried tomatoes and cooked bacon into small pieces to ensure even distribution in the sandwich.
- Assemble Sandwiches: Spread about one tablespoon of pesto evenly on one side of each slice of sourdough bread. On four slices, layer the mozzarella slices, followed by the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and bacon. Top with the remaining slices of bread, pesto side down.
- Butter the Bread: Generously spread butter on the outside of each sandwich slice. This will help create a golden, crispy crust when grilled.
- Grill the Sandwiches: Heat a skillet or griddle over medium heat. Place the sandwiches on the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes on one side until golden brown and the cheese begins to melt. Flip carefully and cook an additional 3-4 minutes on the other side until both sides are golden brown and the cheese is fully melted.
- Serve: Remove the sandwiches from the skillet and let them rest for 1-2 minutes before slicing and serving warm for optimum gooey texture.
Notes
- Dry the mozzarella slices well to prevent sogginess in the sandwich.
- Cook bacon in advance until crisp for best texture and flavor.
- You can substitute pesto with basil pesto or any favorite spread for variation.
- Use a weighted press or a heavy pan on top to help achieve an even golden crust while grilling.
- Serve with a side of salad or tomato soup for a complete meal experience.
Keywords: sourdough, grilled cheese, pesto, mozzarella, bacon, sun-dried tomatoes, sandwich, comfort food