Italian Grilled Cheese
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with an Italian twist—Italian Grilled Cheese! This elevated sandwich unites crispy, golden sourdough bread with luscious layers of creamy mozzarella, juicy seasoned tomato slices, and vibrant fresh basil pesto. What sets this recipe apart is its Parmesan-crusted exterior, adding an irresistible crunch and nutty flavor with every bite. A quick drizzle of olive oil and a dash of Italian seasoning infuse the tomatoes with authentic Mediterranean flair, while a buttery skillet finish ensures melty perfection. Ready in just 20 minutes, this gourmet take on a classic grilled cheese is perfect for a cozy lunch or a light dinner. Serve warm with a side salad or a bowl of soup for a satisfying meal!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 4 slices sourdough bread
- 4 slices mozzarella cheese
- 4 tablespoons fresh basil pesto
- 1 large tomato
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- 0.5 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 0.25 teaspoons salt
- 0.25 teaspoons black pepper
Instructions
Prepare the tomato by slicing it into 1/4-inch thick rounds. Drizzle olive oil over the slices and sprinkle with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Set aside.
Spread 1 tablespoon of pesto evenly on one side of each of the 4 slices of sourdough bread.
Place one slice of mozzarella cheese on the pesto side of 2 of the bread slices, then top with the seasoned tomato slices. Add another slice of mozzarella cheese on top of the tomatoes, and finally cover with the remaining bread slices (pesto side facing in).
Spread a thin layer of butter on the outer side of each bread slice. Sprinkle the buttered sides with Parmesan cheese, pressing lightly to help it stick.
Heat a non-stick skillet over medium-low heat. Once hot, place the sandwiches in the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes on one side, or until the bread is golden brown and crispy.
Carefully flip the sandwiches and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes, pressing gently with a spatula, until the second side is golden brown and the cheese is fully melted.
Remove the sandwiches from the skillet. Allow them to cool for 1 minute before slicing in half. Serve warm and enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
692 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 49.0 g | 63% | |
| Saturated Fat | 17.8 g | 89% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 72 mg | 24% | |
| Sodium | 1255 mg | 55% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 39.8 g | 14% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 4.2 g | 15% | |
| Total Sugars | 5.1 g | ||
| Protein | 19.9 g | 40% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.4 mcg | 2% | |
| Calcium | 374 mg | 29% | |
| Iron | 3.2 mg | 18% | |
| Potassium | 422 mg | 9% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
