Sun-Dried Tomato Bacon Pesto Grilled Cheese Recipe
This Sun-Dried Tomato Bacon Pesto Grilled Cheese is a savory and indulgent sandwich featuring crispy bacon, tangy sun-dried tomatoes, creamy pesto, and melted mozzarella cheese, all sandwiched between golden, buttery slices of sourdough bread. Perfectly grilled to a crunchy, cheesy perfection, this sandwich is a flavorful twist on classic grilled cheese, ideal for lunch or a comforting snack.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 1 sandwich
- Category: Sandwich
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 slices of your favorite bread (preferably sourdough for a tangy flavor)
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (or a blend of mozzarella and cheddar for extra flavor)
- 2 strips of crispy bacon
- 2 tablespoons sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (preferably packed in oil)
- 2 tablespoons pesto (homemade or store-bought)
- 1 tablespoon butter (for grilling)
For Homemade Pesto (Optional)
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1/4 cup pine nuts
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/3 cup olive oil (adjust for consistency)
Instructions
- Gather Your Ingredients: Begin by collecting all ingredients and measuring them out. Having everything ready at hand helps streamline the cooking process and keeps your kitchen organized.
- Prepare the Bacon: Cook the bacon strips in a skillet over medium heat until crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Remove and place on paper towels to drain excess grease, ensuring your sandwich stays crisp.
- Make the Pesto: If using homemade pesto, combine fresh basil, garlic, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil in a food processor and blend until smooth. Adjust olive oil quantity for a creamy, spreadable consistency. Store-bought pesto can be used for convenience.
- Assemble the Sandwich: Spread a generous layer of pesto on one slice of bread. Layer on the chopped sun-dried tomatoes, crispy bacon, and shredded mozzarella cheese. Top with the second bread slice.
- Grill the Sandwich: Heat a skillet or griddle over medium heat. Spread butter on the outer sides of the sandwich. Place the sandwich in the skillet and grill for about 3-4 minutes per side, pressing gently, until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted through.
Notes
- For a lighter option, substitute turkey bacon or plant-based bacon alternatives.
- Sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil add extra richness, but dry-packed tomatoes can be rehydrated before use.
- Making your own pesto greatly enhances flavor, but high-quality store-bought pesto also works well.
- Use a spatula to press the sandwich lightly while grilling to help cheese melt and bread brown evenly.
- Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.
