1. Prepare the Pesto (If Making Homemade)

While it’s optional to make your own pesto for the sandwich, it truly elevates the flavor. Homemade pesto is incredibly easy to make and adds a freshness that store-bought versions often lack. To make your own pesto, start by placing the fresh basil leaves, pine nuts, garlic, and Parmesan cheese in a food processor or blender. Pulse until the ingredients are finely chopped and combined.

Next, slowly drizzle in the olive oil while continuing to blend the mixture until smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste. If the pesto is too thick, you can add a little more olive oil to reach your desired consistency. Once it’s ready, set it aside. You’ll need about 2 tablespoons of pesto for each sandwich.

If you’re short on time or prefer convenience, store-bought pesto can work just as well. Simply use the same amount of pesto as mentioned in the ingredients.

2. Assemble the Sandwich

Once your pesto is ready, it’s time to assemble the sandwiches. Start by spreading a thin layer of pesto on one side of each slice of bread. Be generous with the pesto, as it adds a lot of flavor to the sandwich. If you prefer a more subtle pesto taste, you can use less.

Next, layer the shredded mozzarella cheese on top of the pesto, followed by the shredded sharp cheddar cheese. The combination of mozzarella and cheddar provides both meltiness and a sharp, tangy flavor that perfectly complements the pesto.

If you’d like, sprinkle a little garlic powder on top of the cheese for an extra burst of flavor. Finish by adding a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese for a salty, umami finish. Place the remaining slices of bread on top, pesto side down, to complete the sandwich.

3. Butter the Bread

The next step is to butter the bread. Spread a generous amount of softened butter on the outside of each slice of bread. This will help create a golden, crispy exterior when grilling the sandwich. The butter should be spread evenly across the entire surface to ensure that every part of the bread gets that perfect crispy texture.

Using softened butter is key, as it spreads easily and ensures an even coat on the bread. You can also use garlic butter for added flavor, especially if you’re a fan of extra garlicky goodness.

4. Grill the Sandwich

Now that your sandwich is fully assembled and buttered, it’s time to grill. Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium-low heat. The key to getting a perfectly grilled cheese is to cook it low and slow so the bread crisps up nicely without burning while the cheese melts perfectly.

Place the sandwich in the skillet, pressing it down slightly to ensure that the bread makes good contact with the pan. Cook the sandwich for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is fully melted. If the bread is browning too quickly, lower the heat to allow the cheese more time to melt before the bread becomes too crisp.

Use a spatula to carefully flip the sandwich and cook the other side. Once both sides are golden brown and crispy, remove the sandwich from the skillet.

5. Serve the Sandwich

After grilling, let the sandwich rest for a minute or two before cutting it. This allows the melted cheese to set slightly so it doesn’t ooze out too much when you slice the sandwich. Cut the sandwich diagonally for a classic look, and if you’re feeling extra fancy, you can garnish with a few fresh basil leaves on top for a pop of color and added flavor.

Pesto Grilled Cheese Sandwiches are best served immediately while the cheese is gooey and the bread is still crispy. You can enjoy them on their own or pair them with a side dish for a more complete meal.