Easy Pesto & Mozzarella Grilled Sandwich
Mozzarella & Pesto Grilled Sandwich Recipe: A simple, quick, and absolutely delicious weeknight meal!
If you have no idea what to make for dinner and you don’t feel like spending so much time in the kitchen; I suggest this easy and quick sandwich recipe. This Mozzarella and Pesto grilled sandwich is a family special; it’s extremely delicious and it brings back so many memories. Homemade walnut pesto, fresh tomato slices, roasted red peppers, and melted Mozzarella; all packed between two perfectly grilled sourdough bread slices (with nice grill marks).
Fresh ingredients, vibrant colors, and astonishing flavors!
Why you’ll love this sandwich recipe?
It’s SUPER simple and quick: This sandwich recipe is perfect if you’re feeling lazy, busy, or a bit tired and you still want to have a homemade meal for dinner. It’s made with simple ingredients (which you can swap for what you’ve got on hand) and it’s very easy to assemble. You can use store bought pesto for an even quicker recipe.
It’s customizable: This sandwich recipe can easily be modified to suit your needs and personal taste. Feel free to change the ingredients for other suitable substitutes. You can also add protein to this recipe, if desired.
It’s kid friendly: If your kids love a nice grilled cheesy sandwich, they’ll totally enjoy this recipe. Slice up the toasts in half, pair with some healthy homemade fries and let them enjoy every bite.
It’s a tasty on the go meal: This is a good sandwich to pack for school, work, or a car ride. It’s convenient and mess free; you don’t have to worry about keeping your hands clean.
Ingredients Needed:
For the Sandwich:
4 slices sourdough bread
4 ounces sliced Mozzarella cheese
1 large sliced tomato
2 ounces jarred roasted red peppers
For the Pesto:
2 tablespoons walnuts
¼ cup olive oil
2 peeled garlic cloves
½ cup fresh basil leaves
2 tablespoons grated Parmesan
Salt and pepper
Instructions:
To make the pesto sauce:
Put the basil leaves in a blender or food processor. Add the walnuts, garlic, Parmesan cheese, then season with some salt and pepper. As the ingredients are blending, pour gradually the olive oil.
To make the sandwich:
Spread the pesto sauce on the 4 slices of bread. Put 2 slices of bread on your panini maker or in the oven for 2 minutes.
Next, lay the Mozzarella cheese, tomato slices, roasted red peppers on top and let your panini open.
Once the cheese starts to melt and your veggies to soften, add the 2 remaining slices on top, then close the panini maker for about 3 minutes.
Transfer the grilled sandwiches to a plate, slice in half and enjoy immediately.
Helpful Tips and Variations:
Which bread should I use? I usually love using a baguette or ciabatta for sandwiches, but for this exact recipe, a nice sturdy sourdough bread works the best. You can also simply use any yeast bread you’ve got on hand; whole wheat, brown, or white bread.
Can I use store bought pesto? You can definitely use any regular store bought pesto you prefer to save up some time, or you can make your own homemade version using any nut you prefer. I personal love making my own pesto sauce; it’s easy, you just throw everything in a food processor and blend and I always double up the ingredients to end up with leftovers for other recipes.
How can I store the pesto sauce? I usually place any sauce leftovers in a glass jar. I close it tightly, then keep in the fridge for up to 7 days.
Which protein can I add to this recipe? If you’re not vegetarian and you’d love to have some meat in this recipe, you can include some grilled chicken, turkey, or bacon.
Is it important to use a panini maker? Not really, before getting my own panini maker, I used to make it with a grill pan; but you can also use a regular pan or a toaster oven.
How can I store any leftovers? You can store in a sealed zip-lock and keep in the fridge for up to 2 days, but I highly recommend serving it right away.
How can I serve this Pesto & Mozzarella Grilled Sandwich?
You can have this cheesy grilled sandwich for lunch, dinner, or as a snack. Pair with a fresh green salad, roasted potato chips, coleslaw, carrot sticks, or pickles.
You can also serve at a party or a family gathering by beautifully arranging the sandwiches slices on a platter. Serve with some extra cheese and a dipping sauce of your choice; you won’t have any left at the end of the party.
Easy Pesto & Mozzarella Grilled Sandwich
Ingredients
- For the Sandwich
- 4 slices sourdough bread
- 4 ounces sliced Mozzarella cheese
- 1 large sliced tomato
- 2 ounces jarred roasted red peppers
- For the Pesto
- ½ cup fresh basil leaves
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 2 peeled garlic cloves
- 2 tablespoons walnuts
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan
- Salt and pepper
Instructions
- To make the pesto sauce:
- Put the basil leaves in a blender or food processor. Add the walnuts, garlic, Parmesan cheese, then season with some salt and pepper. As the ingredients are blending, pour gradually the olive oil.
- To make the sandwich:
- Spread the pesto sauce on the 4 slices of bread. Put 2 slices of bread on your panini maker or in the oven for 2 minutes.
- Next, lay the Mozzarella cheese, tomato slices, roasted red peppers on top and let your panini open.
- Once the cheese starts to melt and your veggies to soften, add the 2 remaining slices on top, then close the panini maker for about 3 minutes.
- Transfer the grilled sandwiches to a plate, slice in half and enjoy immediately.
