Spring Pea Pesto Grilled Cheese (Printer-Friendly)

Vibrant grilled cheese featuring bright pea and basil pesto layered with melty mozzarella between golden, crisp sourdough slices.

# What You Need:

→ Spring Pea Pesto

01 - 1 cup fresh or thawed frozen peas
02 - 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves
03 - 1 small garlic clove
04 - 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
05 - 2 tablespoons toasted pine nuts
06 - 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
07 - 1/2 teaspoon lemon zest
08 - 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
09 - 1/4 teaspoon salt
10 - Freshly ground black pepper to taste

→ Sandwiches

11 - 4 slices sourdough bread
12 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
13 - 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
14 - 1/4 cup spring pea pesto
15 - Baby arugula or spinach leaves, optional

# Directions:

01 - Combine peas, basil, garlic clove, Parmesan cheese, pine nuts, extra-virgin olive oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper in a food processor. Pulse until mostly smooth with slight texture remaining. Adjust seasonings to taste.
02 - Spread softened butter thinly on one side of each sourdough slice. Place two slices buttered side down on a work surface. Spread 2 tablespoons pesto on each slice. Distribute mozzarella cheese evenly and add arugula or spinach if desired. Top with remaining bread slices, buttered side up.
03 - Heat skillet or griddle to medium heat. Place assembled sandwiches in pan and cook 3 to 4 minutes per side, applying gentle pressure with spatula until bread achieves golden color and cheese melts completely.
04 - Remove sandwiches from heat, slice diagonally in half, and serve immediately while warm.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • The pesto brings a fresh, grassy brightness that cuts through rich melted cheese perfectly
  • You can make extra pesto and use it for pasta, crackers, or even scrambled eggs tomorrow
02 -
  • Over-blending the pesto makes it gummy, so pulse just until everything comes together
  • Low and slow heat prevents burning the bread before the cheese melts completely
03 -
  • Room temperature butter spreads more evenly without tearing the bread
  • Let the pesto sit for 10 minutes before assembling so flavors meld together
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