Gourmet Pesto Grilled Cheese Two Ways: A Family-Friendly Recipe for Adults & Kids
Transform your weeknight dinner with our irresistible Pesto Grilled Cheese recipe, designed to delight both the young and the young at heart! This versatile meal features a simple, straightforward version perfect for kids, alongside an elevated, flavor-packed rendition for adults. Get ready to serve a meal that everyone will love, proving that comfort food can also be sophisticated. This recipe yields enough for 2 servings of each delightful sandwich type.
Disclosure: This post is sponsored by Sprouts Farmers Market. As always, all opinions and thoughts are my own.
For many of us, the grilled cheese sandwich is more than just a meal; it’s a comforting hug from childhood, a staple that transcends generations. It was certainly a foundational dish in my upbringing, especially for someone who wasn’t particularly fond of soup. The grilled cheese had to stand on its own, a true masterpiece of golden, buttery bread and perfectly melted cheese. This foundational love is precisely what fuels my passion for creating extraordinary grilled cheese sandwiches, pushing the boundaries of what this humble classic can be.
While my palate has evolved to appreciate a good soup pairing now (much to my husband’s delight!), the sandwich itself remains the undeniable star of the show. It’s a versatile canvas for flavor, limited only by imagination. And what better day to celebrate this culinary icon than National Grilled Cheese Day, observed annually on April 12th? It’s a day dedicated to embracing the melty, cheesy goodness that brings so much joy.
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The Enduring Charm of Grilled Cheese
Grilled cheese holds a special place in culinary history and in our hearts. It’s the ultimate comfort food, a simple yet satisfying dish that evokes feelings of warmth, nostalgia, and home. From its humble origins to countless modern interpretations, the grilled cheese sandwich has proven its timeless appeal. It’s a dish that children adore for its gooey, cheesy center and crispy crust, and adults appreciate for its versatility and the endless possibilities for customization. Whether served with a classic tomato soup or as a standalone delight, it’s a meal that consistently delivers on flavor and satisfaction.
Why Two Ways? Crafting the Perfect Family Meal
As a new mom, my cooking philosophy is evolving. I’m constantly thinking ahead to future family meals, imagining the joy of introducing new flavors to Babycakes, and perhaps, navigating the inevitable phase of picky eating. This “two ways” pesto grilled cheese recipe is a direct response to that vision. It’s designed to bridge the gap between simple, comforting flavors for little ones and more sophisticated tastes for adults, all within the same meal preparation.
The beauty of this approach lies in its adaptability. You start with a delicious base that’s universally appealing – crisp sourdough, creamy pesto, and melting cheeses. Then, with just a few extra ingredients, you can transform a portion of these sandwiches into an elevated culinary experience for the grown-ups. This means less effort in the kitchen, fewer dishes, and a meal that truly caters to everyone at the table, ensuring that both picky eaters and adventurous palates are equally satisfied. It’s about creating a harmonious dining experience where no one feels left out.
Ingredients Spotlight: The Sprouts Difference
As a dedicated fan of Sprouts Farmers Market, I consistently find their selection of high-quality ingredients perfect for elevating everyday meals. This pesto grilled cheese recipe truly shines with the fresh, flavorful components I source there. Sprouts makes it incredibly easy to gather everything needed for these gourmet-level sandwiches.
Our foundation begins with Sprouts Sliced Sourdough Bread. I absolutely adore its tangy flavor and robust texture. Sourdough is an ideal choice for grilled cheese because it toasts up beautifully, developing a wonderfully crispy exterior while maintaining a satisfying chewiness within. For the cheesy core, we layer on Sprouts Sliced Provolone and their Shredded Mozzarella. This combination ensures an extra gooey, perfectly melted center with a delightful balance of mild, creamy, and slightly sharp notes.
But the star addition to these sandwiches is undoubtedly Sprouts’ Creamy Basil Pesto. Unlike traditional, oil-based pestos, its creamy texture makes it an even more harmonious pairing for the luscious, melting cheese. It spreads effortlessly, coating every inch of the bread with its vibrant basil flavor, garlic undertones, and nutty richness, ensuring a burst of freshness in every bite. This careful selection of ingredients from Sprouts guarantees a grilled cheese experience that is both simple to prepare and exquisitely flavorful.
Building Your Ultimate Pesto Grilled Cheese Sandwich
Crafting the perfect pesto grilled cheese, whether for a child or an adult, involves a few simple steps that maximize flavor and texture. The key is in the preparation and the thoughtful layering of ingredients.
The Kid-Friendly Classic
For the kids’ version, simplicity is paramount. Start by buttering one side of each bread slice generously. This buttered side will become your crispy, golden exterior. On the opposite, unbuttered side, spread a thin, even layer of Sprouts Creamy Basil Pesto. The creamy consistency ensures it stays put and provides a gentle burst of flavor without being overpowering. Then, lay a slice of provolone cheese on one pesto-covered slice, followed by a sprinkle of shredded mozzarella. The provolone offers a smooth melt, while the mozzarella adds that irresistible stretch. Top with another pesto-covered bread slice, butter-side out, and your kid-friendly sandwich is ready for the skillet.
The Adult Gourmet Upgrade
The adult version takes the same delightful base and elevates it with layers of more complex and vibrant flavors. Follow the initial steps: butter one side of the bread and spread pesto on the other. Then, on one pesto-covered slice, layer provolone and shredded mozzarella, just like the kid’s version. However, this is where the magic happens for grown-ups. Add a generous scattering of drained sun-dried tomatoes – their intense, sweet-tart flavor perfectly complements the pesto. Next, arrange thinly sliced red onion for a delicate crunch and a subtle bite. Finally, a drizzle of balsamic vinegar over the fillings adds a touch of acidity and sweetness, cutting through the richness of the cheese and pesto. Cap it off with the remaining pesto-covered bread slice, butter-side out. This thoughtful combination of ingredients transforms a simple sandwich into a gourmet experience.
Tips for the Perfect Grill
Achieving that ideal golden-brown crust and perfectly melted cheese requires a little patience and attention to detail.
**Heat Control:** The most crucial element is medium-low heat. Too high, and your bread will burn before the cheese has a chance to fully melt into a luscious, gooey state. A gentle heat allows the butter to slowly caramelize the bread, creating that desirable crispy, golden-brown exterior, while simultaneously warming the interior just enough to melt the cheese evenly.
**Even Toasting:** Place your assembled sandwiches in a large skillet or on a griddle. Don’t overcrowd the pan; give each sandwich enough space to cook evenly. Cook for approximately 2 to 3 minutes per side. You’ll know it’s time to flip when the bottom side is beautifully golden and the cheese inside is just beginning to soften.
**The Pressing Technique:** For an extra crispy crust and to ensure the cheese melts thoroughly and adheres all the ingredients, you can gently press down on the sandwich with a spatula during cooking. Be careful not to press too hard, as this can squeeze out the delicious fillings. A light, even pressure is all you need.
**Serving:** Once both sides are golden and the cheese is gloriously melted, remove the sandwiches from the skillet. For optimal enjoyment, slice them in half diagonally – a classic presentation that somehow makes them taste even better! Serve immediately while the cheese is still warm and flowing.
With these tips, you’re not just making a grilled cheese; you’re crafting a culinary experience.
Other Gourmet Grilled Cheese Inspirations
If you’re a fan of taking your grilled cheese to the next level, you’re in good company! The possibilities are endless when it comes to reinventing this classic. Here are some other creative grilled cheese recipes that push the boundaries of flavor and texture:
- Inverted French Baguette Grilled Cheese: A sophisticated twist using French bread for a wonderfully crusty exterior.
- Cornbread Waffle Grilled Cheese: An innovative combination of sweet cornbread and savory cheese, cooked in a waffle iron for unique texture.
- Tomato & Provolone Grilled Cheese with Kalamata Olive Chutney: A Mediterranean-inspired sandwich bursting with tangy and savory notes.
These recipes, much like our pesto grilled cheese, demonstrate how versatile and exciting this simple sandwich can be. Don’t be afraid to experiment with your favorite ingredients to create your own signature grilled cheese masterpieces!
Pesto Grilled Cheese Two Ways!
5 minutes
10 minutes
15 minutes
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Equipment
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Le Creuset Signature Iron Handle Skillet
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Utility Cutting Board
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Wusthof Knife Set
Ingredients
- 4 slices Sprouts Sourdough Sliced Bread
- 2 to 3 Tbsp unsalted butter room temperature
- 4 to 5 tsp Sprouts Creamy Basil Pesto
- 4 Sprouts Provolone Cheese Slices
- 4 oz Sprouts Shredded Mozzarella Cheese
- 1/4 cup Sprouts Sun Dried Tomatoes drained and chopped
- 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion
- 1 Tbsp balsamic vinegar or glaze
- 4 slices Sprouts Sourdough Sliced Bread
- 2 to 3 Tbsp unsalted butter room temperature
- 4 to 5 tsp Sprouts Creamy Basil Pesto
- 4 Sprouts Provolone Cheese Slices
- 4 oz Sprouts Shredded Mozzarella Cheese
Instructions
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Prepare the Bread: For both adult and kid sandwiches, butter one side of each bread slice evenly. On the opposite (unbuttered) side of each slice, spread approximately 1 tsp of Sprouts Creamy Basil Pesto. You should have 8 slices prepared in total.
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Assemble Adult Sandwiches: Take two pesto-spread bread slices. On each of these, layer two slices of Sprouts Provolone cheese and an even amount of Sprouts Shredded Mozzarella cheese (about 2 oz per sandwich). Distribute half of the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and half of the thinly sliced red onion over the cheese on each sandwich base. Drizzle with 1/2 Tbsp of balsamic vinegar/glaze over the fillings on each. Top with the remaining two pesto-spread bread slices, butter-side facing outwards.
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Assemble Kid Sandwiches: Take the remaining two pesto-spread bread slices. On each of these, layer two slices of Sprouts Provolone cheese and an even amount of Sprouts Shredded Mozzarella cheese (about 2 oz per sandwich). Top with the final two pesto-spread bread slices, butter-side facing outwards.
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Toast the Sandwiches: Heat a large skillet over medium-low heat. Place the sandwiches (either adult or kid versions, or both if your skillet is large enough) in the skillet, butter-side down. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes per side, or until the bread is golden brown and crispy, and the cheese is thoroughly melted and gooey. You may need to adjust the heat to prevent burning while ensuring the cheese melts.
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Serve Immediately: Remove the grilled cheese sandwiches from the skillet, slice diagonally for a classic presentation, and serve while hot. Enjoy your delicious, customized pesto grilled cheese experience!