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Crispy Caprese Grilled Cheese with Creamy Pesto Mayo

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A crispy grilled cheese sandwich featuring fresh mozzarella, ripe tomatoes, basil, and a creamy pesto mayo spread, perfect for a quick and flavorful comfort meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 slices sturdy white or sourdough bread
  • 8 oz fresh mozzarella, sliced
  • 2 medium ripe Roma or vine-ripened tomatoes, sliced thin
  • 1/2 cup loosely packed fresh basil leaves (about 10–12 leaves), washed and patted dry
  • 4 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
  • 1/3 cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tbsp prepared basil pesto
  • 1 tsp fresh lemon juice
  • 1 small garlic clove, minced (optional)
  • Salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the creamy pesto mayo by combining mayonnaise, pesto, lemon juice, and minced garlic (if using) in a small bowl. Stir until smooth and set aside.
  2. Lay out 4 slices of bread and spread a generous tablespoon of the creamy pesto mayo evenly on one side of each slice.
  3. On two of the bread slices (pesto mayo side up), layer fresh mozzarella slices, followed by tomato slices, and fresh basil leaves. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
  4. Top each with the remaining bread slices, pesto mayo side down, pressing gently to hold everything together.
  5. Spread about 1 tablespoon of softened butter on the outside of each sandwich slice.
  6. Heat a skillet over medium heat. Place the sandwiches in the pan and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, or until the bread is golden brown and crispy and the mozzarella is melted. Press down lightly with a spatula to help the cheese melt evenly.
  7. Flip carefully and adjust heat if bread browns too fast to avoid burning before cheese melts.
  8. Remove from pan, let rest for a minute, then slice diagonally and serve warm.

Notes

Use room-temperature mozzarella and tomatoes for better melting. Butter the bread, not the pan, for an even golden crust. Cook on medium to medium-low heat to melt cheese without burning bread. Cover pan for last minute if cheese melts slowly. Drain juicy tomatoes on paper towels to avoid soggy bread. Cook one or two sandwiches at a time to maintain pan temperature.

Nutrition

Keywords: grilled cheese, Caprese, pesto mayo, mozzarella, tomato, basil, sandwich, comfort food, quick meal

Find it online: https://emmaoven.com/crispy-caprese-grilled-cheese-recipe-with-creamy-pesto-mayo-easy-guide/