Simple Italian Grilled Cheese
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with a Mediterranean twist in this Simple Italian Grilled Cheese recipe! Crafted with golden-toasted Italian bread (like ciabatta or sourdough), this sandwich is filled with creamy melted mozzarella, fresh tomato slices, and a burst of herbaceous pesto sauce. A hint of optional Parmesan cheese takes every bite to the next level, while buttery crispness seals in all the flavors. Ready in under 15 minutes, this gourmet-style twist on a classic grilled cheese is perfect for a quick lunch or an easy dinner. Serve it alongside a fresh salad or a warm bowl of tomato soup for a satisfying Italian-inspired meal!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2 pieces Slices of Italian bread (such as ciabatta or sourdough)
- 1.5 cups Mozzarella cheese (sliced or shredded)
- 2 tablespoons Pesto sauce
- 1 medium Tomato (sliced)
- 2 tablespoons Unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 tablespoon Optional: grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
Preheat a nonstick skillet or griddle over medium heat.
Butter one side of each slice of Italian bread evenly with the softened butter.
On the unbuttered side of one slice, spread 1 tablespoon of pesto sauce, ensuring it’s evenly distributed.
Layer slices of mozzarella cheese and tomato on top of the pesto. If desired, sprinkle with 1 tablespoon of grated Parmesan for extra flavor.
Spread another tablespoon of pesto on the unbuttered side of the second slice of bread, then place it on top of the sandwich with the buttered side facing outward.
Place the sandwich onto the preheated skillet. Cook for 3-4 minutes on the first side, pressing gently with a spatula, until the bread is golden brown and crisp.
Flip the sandwich carefully and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes on the other side, ensuring the cheese is melted and the bread is evenly toasted.
Remove from the skillet, allow the sandwich to cool for 1 minute, and then slice in half if desired.
Serve immediately and enjoy your Simple Italian Grilled Cheese!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1243 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 83.6 g | 107% | |
| Saturated Fat | 41.6 g | 208% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 3.2 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 201 mg | 67% | |
| Sodium | 2052 mg | 89% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 68.8 g | 25% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 3.8 g | 14% | |
| Total Sugars | 7.2 g | ||
| Protein | 52.0 g | 104% | |
| Vitamin D | 1.3 mcg | 6% | |
| Calcium | 1380 mg | 106% | |
| Iron | 5.2 mg | 29% | |
| Potassium | 584 mg | 12% | |
*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.
