Garden-fresh grilled cheese with plenty of garlicky pesto, juicy tomatoes, and gooey mozzarella cheese. This comforting grilled cheese is the ultimate summer lunch!
Okay, I am kind of in love with grown-up versions of grilled cheese.
Ever since I made these epic sandwiches a few weeks ago, I haven’t been able to stop dreaming up new, fun versions of grilled cheese.
Say hello to my new fav.
The ultimate summer grilled cheese.
And yes, there’s pesto. That grabbed your attention didn’t it? 😉
If you’ve never had a grown-up version of grilled cheese you might wanna change that and soon. It will change your WHOLE perspective on usual-boring grilled cheese.
I don’t know about you, but I’m not too fond of boring food. And not just because I’m a food blogger and I have to think up creative recipes. My palate has always leaned towards fun food. 😀
Boring food. Who can stand it? Not this girl.
Movin on…
I’ll be honest and say that my little siblings flat-out refused to eat this grilled cheese, probably because of all the green pesto in it.
They’re anti-green and hate pesto. Weirdos.
Well, they better learn to love it, because I LOVE pesto in my sandwiches and I plan on putting this grilled cheese on our lunch rotation. Or at least on mine. They’ll probably have boring ‘ol PBJ’S. *yawnnn…*
Oh, the stories I could tell you about those picky little buggers. They don’t even know how many amazing things they’ve missed out on just because of picky-ness.
But I’m not about to tell them.
More for me ‘dontcha know. 😉
I don’t even know where those crazy kids came from. I LIVE for green food. Also chocolate, but that’s beside the point.
Sorry, just had to throw that in there.
Pesto, tomato, and mozzarella cheese. Is that a thing? If it isn’t it dang should be, because seriously, this trio is a combo made in cheesy, carb-filled heaven.
Um, yum.
Combine the three with your favorite sandwich bread (I used whole wheat) and a little bit of butter and…
Ladies and gents’, I present to you, the most sophisticated version grilled cheese on the planet.
This grilled cheese makes an awesome lunch, but it would also make a perfect lighter dinner along with a green salad. You know, to make up for those brownies you may have had earlier.
Oh, wait. That’s just me?
You’re literally only 5 ingredients and 5 minutes away from enjoying this epic grilled cheese. Make it for lunch today. It’ll make your entire Monday. Promise.
COMFORT FOOD. Because Mondays call for it.
I think we can all agree with that. 😀
Pesto-Tomato Grilled Cheese Sandwiches
Ingredients
- 6 slices whole wheat bread
- 3 tablespoons prepared pesto
- 6 to mato slices
- 3 slices thickly-cut mozzarella cheese
- 3 teaspoons butter softened
Instructions
- Evenly spread pesto over 3 slices of bread. Layer tomato slices and cheese over pesto and top with remaining bread slices to form 3 sandwiches.Butter both sides of bread with 1/2 teaspoon butter
- Cook grilled cheese in a non-stick skillet, flipping once until bread is golden-brown and cheese is melted and gooey. Serve grilled cheese immediately.
Notes
Try my other lunch ideas next!
Cheesiest White Cheddar Mac ‘n’ Cheese
Marinara Grilled Cheese Sandwiches
Kristi @ Inspiration Kitchen says
You totally had me at ‘garlicy-pesto’. It sounds amazing, and now I’m totally craving this for breakfast! I just want a bite of that ooey-gooey goodness! Pinned!
Sarah says
Breakfast. Um, LOVING that. 😀 This grilled cheese is totally breakfast-worthy. 😀 Thanks for the pin, Kristi!
Gayle @ Pumpkin 'N Spice says
Oh man, this looks like the best grilled cheese EVER! I am a huge fan of anything pesto, so I am definitely trying this one out. Pinned!
Sarah says
It really is one of the best grilled cheese I’ve ever had. 😉 Like you say, probably because of the pesto. LOVE the stuff. Thanks for the pin love, Gayle!
Natalie @ Tastes Lovely says
I am so excited because I have all of these ingredients at home right now! Hello dinner tonight : )
Sarah says
Yay! Let me know how this grilled cheese turns out, Nat! 😉
Danielle says
I love grilled cheeses, but add some pesto and make it a Panini and I’m sold. This looks so yummy!
Sarah says
Thanks, Danielle!
Isadora @ she likes food says
This sandwich is pretty much the best thing ever! Pesto, cheese, and tomatoes are some of my favorite foods and I bet they taste amazing all together on this sandwich! I got a panini maker for Christmas, and for some reason I still haven’t used it yet. This grilled cheese is calling my name and will be the perfect way to break in my panini press 🙂
Sarah says
Awesome that you have a panini maker, Isadora! This grilled cheese would be an excellent way to break it in. 😀
Kathy @ Olives & Garlic says
Ooooo, pesto grilled cheese. Love pesto, love grilled cheese. Genius!
Sarah says
The two go together SO well, it’s mind-boggling! 😉
Kelly says
Haha I live for green food too and my husband calls ME the weirdo – hmph 😉 I’m pretty sure he would change his tune if he saw this grilled cheese though – it sounds fantastic with the pesto in here!
Sarah says
Thanks Kelly! Most men I’ve met just don’t understand the amazing-ness of something green. THEY’RE the weirdos, for sure. 😉 Green food forever!
Allison says
These look like the best darn sammies ever! Pesto and tomatoes are made for each other! I love the panini-style look of these because I really think that makes for the best grilled sandwiches ever! So crispy. Mmmm these look like the perfect lunch with some tomato soup. Send leftovers my way please 😀
Sarah says
Panini-style, YES! Totally describes this grilled cheese perf. And I would gladly send you leftovers, Alli but sadly I ate them all! Hehe. I guess you’ll just have to make these sandwiches asap then!
whatjessicabakednext says
I love pesto grilled cheese sandwiches- my ultimate comfort food!
Sarah says
My favorite comfort food, too! 🙂
olivia says
OMG, Sarah this looks so tasty. I would totally eat four at once!! These look soo goood with the pesto. Love it 😉
Sarah says
Thanks Olivia! The combo of flavors just really worked good together. 😀
marcie says
I’m with you on the pesto — I love it! I make different varieties all the time, and it makes everything better. It’s divine with mozzarella, too. 🙂 I love grown-up versions of grilled cheese where they’re jazzed up with different ingredients — it’s so much more fun and interesting to eat! This sandwich looks amazing, my friend!
Sarah says
I make different kinds of pesto all the time too! Soo many fun and tasty variations out there! And YES, isn’t grown-up grilled cheese the best?? Haha. Thanks so much Marcie!
Cindy @ Pick Fresh Foods says
Yum, Sarah this looks delicious. This would be one I’d have to make for myself. My house if full of those weirdos who don’t like pesto. They have no idea of what they are missing.
Marti @ SewliciousHomeDecor says
Yum! This looks and sounds ahh-mazing!! I’d love for you to share it with us! Our party is now LIVE! Have a great Sunday. 🙂
http://sewlicioushomedecor.com/home-diy-projects-saturday-showlicious-craft-recipe-party-live/
Sarah says
Thank you for the invite, Marti! 🙂
Krista @ Joyful Healthy Eats says
Now this looks like the ultimate grilled cheese, loving all the flavors and the pics look to die for Sarah! Pinned. 🙂
Sarah says
Totally ultimate is right! You would adore these sammies, Krista—sooo up your alley! Thanks, lady! 😀