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–+ servings
4 sandwich halves stacked on top of each other with pesto and cheese spilling out

The Ultimate Pesto Grilled Cheese

Gooey mozzarella, fresh basil pesto, crispy bacon and sun dried tomatoes - this truly is the ULTIMATE Pesto Grilled Cheese!
5 from 7 votes
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Course: lunch
Cuisine: American, Italian
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Servings (click & slide): 4 sandwiches
Calories per serving: 637kcal
Author: Chris
Cost per serving: £1.50 / $2

Equipment

  • Sharp Knife & Chopping Board
  • Spatula/Turner
  • Large Frying Pan
  • Paper Towels

Ingredients

  • 8 small but thick slices of Sourdough Bread
  • 3x 4.5oz/125g balls of Fresh Mozzarella, thinly sliced & patted dry
  • 8 Sun Dried Tomatoes, patted dry and diced
  • 4 slices of Bacon, cooked & diced
  • 4 heaped tbsp Pesto
  • Butter, as needed

Instructions

  • Place two slices of bread in the frying pan (or 4 if your pan is large enough) with the heat OFF. Spread with butter, then flip so they are butter side down.
  • Top with 3-4 thin slices mozzarella, followed by 1 heaped tbsp pesto, topped with sun dried tomatoes and bacon, followed by another layer of mozzarella then finish with another slices of bread.
  • Squish down with your hands to contain the filling, then spread with butter.
  • Turn heat to a medium and fry both sides until golden with the cheese melted through the centre.

Quick Demo

Notes

a) Pesto - I of course recommend homemade pesto, but if not just use a reputable brand. If your pesto is particularly oily I recommend gently running it sieve, just so it doesn't turn the grilled cheese greasy.
b) Moisture - Important to pat the mozzarella/sun dried tomatoes dry or they'll release too much moisture into the sandwich and cause it to go soggy.
c) Can I use shredded mozzarella? - I highly recommend fresh mozzarella, it's got better flavour and melts easier compared to pre-packaged shredded mozzarella. However if that's all you have it'll work just fine. Use the same weight stated in the ingredients list.
d) Do I have to added bacon/tomatoes? - Nope! A 'plain' pesto grilled cheese is still delicious!
e) Calories - per sandwich based on using 8 tsp unsalted butter to spread:

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Nutrition:

Nutrition Facts
The Ultimate Pesto Grilled Cheese
Amount Per Serving
Calories 637 Calories from Fat 419
% Daily Value*
Fat 46.56g72%
Saturated Fat 17.315g108%
Trans Fat 0.011g
Polyunsaturated Fat 3.17g
Monounsaturated Fat 13.157g
Cholesterol 87mg29%
Sodium 1102mg48%
Potassium 426mg12%
Carbohydrates 24.91g8%
Fiber 1.7g7%
Sugar 5.08g6%
Protein 30.02g60%
Vitamin A 1002IU20%
Vitamin C 2.2mg3%
Calcium 579mg58%
Iron 2.73mg15%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
*Nutrition is based on the absence of salt unless stated as a measurement in the ingredients. Cost is worked out based on ingredients bought from UK supermarkets, then divided by the number of servings. In both instances these values are just for guidance. Please check out my FAQ Page for more info.
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