Description
A deliciously savory Sourdough Pesto Grilled Cheese sandwich featuring fresh mozzarella, flavorful pesto, crispy bacon, and sun-dried tomatoes grilled to golden perfection on thick slices of sourdough bread. This recipe combines creamy cheese and aromatic pesto with the smoky crunch of bacon for a gourmet twist on a classic comfort food.
Ingredients
Scale
Cheese and Dairy
- 3 balls fresh mozzarella (125g each), sliced thin
- Butter (for grilling, such as Kerrygold Cultured Butter)
Spreads and Sauces
- 4 tbsp pesto (homemade or a good quality store-bought like Barilla)
Breads
- 8 thick slices sourdough bread
Add-Ins
- 4 strips bacon, cooked and chopped (crispy and crumbled recommended)
- 8 sun-dried tomatoes, chopped finely
Instructions
- Prepare the Ingredients: Slice the fresh mozzarella balls thinly. Cook the bacon strips until crispy, then chop or crumble them finely. Chop the sun-dried tomatoes into small pieces for even distribution.
- Assemble the Sandwiches: Lay out four slices of sourdough bread. Spread about 1 tablespoon of pesto evenly on each slice. Layer the thin mozzarella slices on top of the pesto, followed by evenly distributing the chopped bacon and sun-dried tomatoes over the cheese.
- Top and Butter: Place the remaining slices of sourdough bread over each assembled sandwich to close them. Generously butter the outsides of each sandwich to ensure a golden, crispy crust when grilled.
- Grill the Sandwiches: Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat. Place the sandwiches in the skillet and cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side or until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted. Press down gently with a spatula to help the cheese melt evenly and the sandwich hold together.
- Serve: Remove the sandwiches from the skillet, let them sit for a minute to settle, then slice in half and serve warm for a melty, flavorful meal.
Notes
- Use high-quality pesto for the best flavor; homemade pesto will elevate the sandwich.
- Ensure bacon is crispy before adding for a satisfying crunch.
- Butter the bread generously to achieve a crisp, golden crust.
- Serve immediately after grilling to enjoy the melted cheese at its best.
- For a vegetarian version, omit the bacon and consider adding sautéed mushrooms or roasted red peppers.
Keywords: sourdough grilled cheese, pesto grilled cheese, mozzarella sandwich, bacon grilled cheese, sun-dried tomato sandwich