Hey there! If you’re ready to take your classic grilled cheese sandwich to a whole new level, you’ve got to try this Pesto Grilled Cheese recipe. Picture two slices of crusty sourdough bread embracing melty Jarlsberg cheese, crispy bacon, and juicy tomatoes. But wait, there’s more—sweet caramelized onions and a generous smear of fresh basil pesto make this sandwich a flavor explosion! Trust me, your taste buds are going to adore this gourmet twist on a comfort food favorite.

I must confess, my love for Jarlsberg cheese began thanks to a little movie called The Devil Wears Prada. Who knew one quote could lead me to discover my favorite cheese for grilled cheese?!

“Give me that. There’s like $8 of Jarlsburg in there.”

Here’s what you’ll need to make a Pesto Grilled Cheese Sandwich

Sourdough Bread (or any crusty artisan bread of your choice)
Jarlsberg Cheese (see substitution notes below)
Crispy Bacon
Fresh Tomatoes (sliced)
Caramelized Onions
Fresh Basil Pesto
Butter

Recipe Substitutions and Notes

Bread Choice: Any crusty bread works best for this grilled cheese. Given the wet ingredients like pesto and tomatoes, regular soft sandwich bread won’t yield the same delightful crunch. A denser bread like Cheesy Jalapeño Spice Bread also holds up wonderfully.
Cheese Options: While Jarlsberg is delicious, feel free to use any cheese you prefer or have on hand. Consider Muenster, Gouda, or Provolone as tasty alternatives. Avoid American cheese for this recipe, as it doesn’t melt well and lacks the flavor profile you want.

Now, grab your favorite skillet or cast-iron pan, butter those sourdough slices generously, and let’s make some magic happen with this incredible grilled cheese sandwich!

Georgie’s Tips

Cooking a pesto grilled cheese sandwich in a cast-iron skillet is an excellent choice for even heat distribution. However, be mindful of the heat to avoid burning your sandwich. Here are some tips to help you achieve the perfect grilled cheese:

Preheat the Skillet: Begin by preheating your cast-iron skillet on low to medium-low heat. While it takes a bit longer to warm up, this prevents hot spots that could burn the bread.
Use Medium-Low Heat: Cook your grilled cheese on medium-low heat. This allows the bread to brown gradually while ensuring the cheese melts perfectly.
Butter the Bread, Not the Pan: Spread butter evenly on the outside of each slice of bread rather than in the pan. This method creates a protective layer that helps the bread toast evenly.
Cover the Pan: After placing the sandwich in the skillet, cover it with a lid. This traps heat and helps the cheese melt quickly, allowing the bread to cook without over-browning.
Check and Flip: Regularly check the bottom of the sandwich. Once it’s golden brown, gently flip it with a spatula. Continue cooking until both sides are golden brown and the cheese has melted.
Press Lightly: Gently press down on the sandwich with a spatula for even contact with the skillet, but avoid pressing too hard to keep the cheese from squeezing out.
Watch the Timing: Typically, it takes about 3-4 minutes per side, but cooking times may vary based on your stove and the bread thickness.
Choose the Right Cheese: Select cheeses that melt beautifully, such as cheddar, Gouda, or a flavorful blend.
Add a Little Patience: The key to a perfect grilled cheese is patience. Allow the cheese to melt slowly and resist the urge to crank up the heat for quicker results.

Now you’re all set to create an unforgettable Pesto Grilled Cheese Sandwich that will delight your taste buds and impress your friends. Enjoy every cheesy, crunchy bite!

More Sandwiches

🌟 Love this recipe? Spread the love by leaving a star review or dropping a comment below! I’d really love to hear what you think. If this recipe hit the spot for you, you’d be helping me out big time by sharing it on Pinterest or Facebook! 💬✨

Some of the links on this site are affiliate links, meaning I may earn a commission if you make a purchase through them (It won’t cost you extra, promise). This helps support my work and allows me to continue creating content—thank you for your support! Rest assured, I only recommend products I personally use and love.

Gourmet Pesto Grilled Cheese

Make a next-level pesto grilled cheese with sourdough, Jarlsberg cheese, crispy bacon, tomato, caramelized onions, basil pesto, and butter. You’ll love it!

5 from 1 vote

Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 6

Total Time 21

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings servings

Calories 654 kcal

Ingredients

2 slices of crusty bread (such as sourdough)
5 slices Jarlsberg cheese
2 pieces of bacon
1 tomato (thinly sliced)
½ cup caramelized onions (recipe below)
2 tablespoon basil pesto
butter (softened)

Instructions

Heat a skillet over Medium heat with a bit of oil or butter. Add thinly sliced onions and cook slowly, stirring occasionally. Cook for about 20-30 minutes, or until the onions are deeply browned and sweet.
Preheat oven to 425℉.
Cover a baking sheet with aluminum foil. Add bacon strips in a single layer. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until almost fully crisp. Remove the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain.
Butter one side of each bread slice. Spread a thin layer of basil pesto on the unbuttered side of one slice of bread. Layer on the Jarlsberg cheese, followed by bacon, tomatoes, and caramelized onions. Add a slice or two of Jarlsberg cheese on top to bind it all together. Top with the second slice of bread, butter side up.
Heat a cast iron skillet, or other skillet, over medium-low heat. Place the sandwich in the skillet, cover and cook until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted, flipping once. Keep an eye on it, checking often so it doesn't burn. Remove from the skillet and let it cool for a minute before cutting. Enjoy!

Notes

Serve with French Fries and a Tomato Avocado Salad.

Nutrition

Calories: 654kcal

best cheese for grilled cheese, Best grilled cheese, cheese for grilled cheese, grilled cheese sandwich, Grilled cheese sandwich recipe, Grown up grilled cheese, How do I make grilled cheese, How do I make the perfect grilled cheese sandwich, Recipes that use pesto, What goes on a grilled cheese sandwich

Tried this recipe?Tag @god_given_ingredients on Instagram so we can admire your chef’s kiss!