Caprese Pesto Grilled Cheese

# What You'll Need:

01 - 4 oz fresh mozzarella, sliced

02 - 2 tbsp unsalted butter, softened

03 - 1 large ripe tomato, sliced into rounds

04 - 2 tbsp fresh basil leaves, optional for garnish

05 - 2 tbsp basil pesto

06 - 4 slices rustic or sourdough bread

07 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

01 - Spread 1/2 tbsp of softened butter on one side of each bread slice.

02 - Place two slices of bread buttered side down on a clean work surface.

03 - Spread 1 tbsp of basil pesto on the unbuttered side of each bread slice.

04 - Layer mozzarella slices evenly over the pesto, then top with tomato rounds. Season tomatoes lightly with salt and pepper.

05 - Cover each sandwich with the remaining bread slices, buttered side facing outward.

06 - Heat a nonstick skillet or griddle over medium heat until evenly warmed.

07 - Place sandwiches in the skillet and cook until the bread is golden brown and crisp, approximately 3 to 4 minutes.

08 - Flip sandwiches carefully and cook the other side until golden and the cheese is fully melted, approximately 3 to 4 minutes.

09 - Remove from heat, allow to cool for 1 to 2 minutes, slice diagonally in half, and garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired.

01 -

The way pesto infuses every bite with bright basil flavor makes regular grilled cheese feel boring forever
That moment when you cut it open and watch the mozzarella stretch is pure kitchen joy

02 -

Medium heat is your friend here too high and the bread burns before the cheese melts, too low and you miss that perfect crunch
Pat your tomato slices with a paper towel first to prevent the bread from getting soggy

03 -

Use a cast iron skillet if you have one, it holds heat evenly and creates the most beautiful golden crust
If your pesto is thick, thin it with a teaspoon of olive oil for easier spreading