This pesto grilled cheese sandwich takes the classic comfort food favorite to a whole new level with layers of melty cheese,
juicy tomato slices, and rich basil pesto tucked between crispy golden Italian bread.
Every bite is packed with buttery crunch and gooey cheese, making it the perfect quick lunch or cozy dinner.
The combination of creamy American cheese and savory provolone creates the ultimate melt factor, while the pesto adds a bold herby flavor that pairs perfectly with the sweet tomato slices.
It’s an easy 15-minute sandwich recipe that tastes like something straight from a café.
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Servings: 1
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon softened butter, divided
- 2 slices Italian bread
- 1 tablespoon prepared pesto sauce, divided
- 1 slice provolone cheese
- 2 slices tomato
- 1 slice American cheese
Directions
- Spread half of the softened butter onto one side of a slice of Italian bread.
- Place the bread butter-side down into a nonstick skillet set over medium heat.
- Spread half of the pesto sauce onto the top side of the bread in the skillet.
- Layer the provolone cheese, tomato slices, and American cheese over the pesto.
- Spread the remaining pesto sauce onto one side of the second slice of bread and place it pesto-side down on top of the sandwich.
- Butter the top side of the bread.
- Cook the sandwich for about 5 minutes per side, flipping carefully once, until the bread is golden brown and crispy and the cheese is fully melted.
- Remove from the skillet, slice, and serve immediately while hot and gooey.
Chefs Notes
- For extra flavor, try using sourdough bread instead of Italian bread.
- Add cooked bacon or sliced turkey for a heartier sandwich.
- Fresh mozzarella can be substituted for provolone for an even creamier texture.
- Cook the sandwich over medium-low heat if needed to ensure the cheese melts before the bread browns too quickly.