Main Dishes

Mozzarella Grilled Sandwich Recipe

Bylea Durate November 6, 2025November 6, 2025

Introduction

This Pesto Mozzarella sandwich is a simple yet flavorful twist on the classic grilled cheese. With fragrant basil pesto and gooey mozzarella melted between crusty bread, it’s a perfect quick meal or snack.

A close-up view of a stack of three grilled cheese sandwiches on a wooden board, each sandwich cut in half and layered neatly. Each sandwich has two slices of golden-brown toasted bread with a slightly crispy texture. Between the slices, there is a thick layer of melted white cheese that oozes softly, a bright green layer of pesto spread, and fresh green spinach leaves showing through. The sandwiches are stacked to show the layers clearly, highlighting the gooey cheese and fresh greens against the toasted bread. The background is a white marbled texture, and the image has a warm, inviting light. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

4 slices of bread (sourdough or any crusty bread)
4 tablespoons basil pesto (store-bought or homemade)
1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese or 4 slices fresh mozzarella
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
Optional: 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese for extra flavor

Instructions

Step 1: Spread 1 tablespoon of pesto evenly on one side of each slice of bread.
Step 2: On two bread slices (pesto side up), add shredded mozzarella or fresh mozzarella slices. Sprinkle Parmesan cheese if using.
Step 3: Top with the remaining bread slices (pesto side down) to form sandwiches.
Step 4: Spread a thin layer of softened butter on the outside of each sandwich.
Step 5: Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Place sandwiches in the skillet and cook 2-3 minutes per side, pressing gently, until golden brown and cheese melts.
Step 6: Remove from heat, slice if desired, and serve warm.

Tips & Variations

Try adding tomato slices or fresh basil leaves inside for extra freshness.
Use garlic butter instead of regular butter for more savory flavor.
For a crispier crust, grill the sandwiches on a panini press if available.

Storage

Store leftover sandwiches wrapped tightly in foil or airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in a skillet or oven to restore crispness; avoid microwaving to prevent sogginess.

How to Serve

A stack of three grilled cheese sandwiches arranged one on top of the other, each sandwich showing two slices of golden-brown toasted bread with a slightly crispy texture. Between the bread slices, there are thick layers of melted white cheese that look soft and gooey, along with bright green spinach leaves adding freshness. A thin, uneven spread of green pesto sauce is visible on the inside top bread slice of each sandwich, giving a vibrant contrast. The sandwiches are placed on a wooden cutting board with some crumbs scattered around. The background features a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use different types of cheese?

Yes, you can substitute mozzarella with provolone, fontina, or a blend of cheeses for varied flavors and meltiness.

Is homemade pesto better than store-bought?

Homemade pesto offers a fresher taste and can be customized, but good-quality store-bought pesto works well for convenience and consistent flavor.

Mozzarella Grilled Sandwich Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 107 reviews

A quick and delicious grilled sandwich featuring creamy mozzarella and flavorful basil pesto, perfect for a savory snack or light meal. Crispy on the outside with melted cheese inside, this Pesto Mozzarella sandwich is easy to make and wonderfully satisfying.

Author: lea
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 6 minutes
Total Time: 11 minutes
Yield: 2 sandwiches 1x
Category: Sandwich
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients

Scale

Bread and Spreads

4 slices of bread (sourdough or any crusty bread)
4 tablespoons basil pesto (store-bought or homemade)
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened

Cheese

1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese or 4 slices of fresh mozzarella
Optional: 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese for extra flavor

Instructions

Prepare the Bread: Spread 1 tablespoon of pesto evenly on one side of each slice of bread to ensure a consistent flavor base for the sandwich.
Assemble the Sandwiches: On two bread slices with pesto side up, layer a generous amount of shredded mozzarella or place 2 slices of fresh mozzarella. Optionally sprinkle some grated Parmesan on top of the mozzarella for added richness. Then, cover with the remaining two slices of bread, pesto side down, to form two complete sandwiches.
Butter the Outside of the Bread: Spread a thin, even layer of softened unsalted butter on the exterior sides of each sandwich; this ensures a golden, crispy crust when grilled.
Grill the Sandwiches: Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat. Place the sandwiches onto the hot surface and cook for 2 to 3 minutes per side, pressing gently with a spatula to help the sandwich compact and achieve an even crust. Cook until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is fully melted.
Serve: Remove the sandwiches from the skillet, slice them in half diagonally for easy handling and a nice presentation, then serve warm to enjoy gooey melted mozzarella and fragrant pesto.

Notes

Use fresh or store-bought basil pesto according to your preference or availability.
For a crunchier texture, use crusty artisanal bread like sourdough.
Butter the bread just before grilling to prevent sogginess.
If you prefer a lighter version, you can omit the Parmesan cheese.
Serve with a side salad or tomato soup for a complete meal.

Keywords: pesto mozzarella sandwich, grilled mozzarella sandwich, basil pesto sandwich, easy grilled cheese, Italian sandwich recipe

lea Durate

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