Spring Pea Pesto Grilled Cheese (Printable)

Golden sourdough with bright pea basil pesto and melted mozzarella. A vibrant, easy vegetarian sandwich ready in just 25 minutes.

# What You'll 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 lemon juice
09 - 1/4 teaspoon salt
10 - Freshly ground black pepper to taste

→ Sandwich Assembly

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

# How-To Steps:

01 - Combine peas, basil, garlic, Parmesan, pine nuts, olive oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, salt, and pepper in a food processor. Pulse until mostly smooth with slight texture remaining. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
02 - Spread a thin layer of softened butter on one side of each bread slice. Place two slices buttered side down on a work surface. Spread 2 tablespoons of pesto on each slice. Top evenly with mozzarella cheese and a handful of arugula or spinach if desired. Cover with remaining bread slices, buttered side up.
03 - Heat a skillet or griddle over medium heat. Place assembled sandwiches in the pan and cook 3-4 minutes per side, pressing gently, until bread is golden brown and cheese is melted.
04 - Transfer sandwiches to a cutting board, slice diagonally in half, and serve immediately while warm.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • The pea pesto adds a fresh sweetness you never knew grilled cheese needed
  • It comes together in under 30 minutes but tastes like something from a cafe
02 -
  • Don't overprocess the pesto, those tiny pieces of pea add such nice texture
  • Medium heat is your friend here, high heat burns the bread before the cheese melts
03 -
  • Let the finished sandwiches rest for a minute before slicing so the cheese sets slightly
  • A well buttered pan can help if your bread is thick and you want extra crispness
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