Elevate a classic grilled cheese with this Tomato Grilled Cheese featuring juicy ripe tomatoes, zesty pesto, fresh vegan mozzarella, basil finished with a drizzle of balsamic glaze. It’s the perfect healthy snack, lunch or appetizer using fresh seasonal ingredients.
Updated February 2024
Deliciously Unique: Tomato Grilled Cheese with a Twist!
Craving a classic grilled cheese but want to elevate your taste buds? This Tomato Grilled Cheese with Pesto is a mouthwatering twist on a traditional favorite. Packed with fresh vegetables and bursting with savory herbs, this grilled cheese recipe is full of flavor and a game-changer for grilled cheese enthusiasts.
Whether you’re a grilled cheese aficionado or a culinary explorer, this twist on a classic is sure to leave your taste buds dancing.
Ingredients You’ll Need: Crafted for Flavor Harmony
- Pesto: Homemade or use your favorite brand. Adds a burst of herb-infused goodness, setting the stage for a flavor-packed experience.
- Bread: The bread’s rustic quality complements the filling, offering a crunchy exterior with a chewy interior. Use grain-free or keto-friendly options such as Bread Srsly, AWGbakery, or Grain-Free Planet as needed.
- Melt-in-Your-Mouth Mozzarella: Whether dairy-free or regular, fresh mozzarella melts to creamy perfection, creating a luscious texture.
- Spinach Delight: Adds a nutritional boost and a subtle earthiness to balance the richness of the cheese. Sub with preferred leafy green of choice.
- Tomato Brilliance: Fresh slices bring a juicy and vibrant element, enhancing both taste and visual appeal..
- Seasoning Symphony: Kosher salt or sea salt along with freshly cracked black pepper add flavor.
- Basil Freshness: Fragrant basil leaves contribute a delightful aroma and a pop of freshness.
- Balsamic Elegance: The glaze provides a sweet and tangy note, elevating the overall flavor profile.
- Butter Bliss: Ensures a golden, crispy exterior that’s quintessential to any great grilled cheese.
Instructions: How to make Tomato Grilled Cheese
- Spread the Pesto Love: On both slices of bread, slather a generous amount of pesto, ensuring an even coating.
- Mozzarella Magic: Layer the bottom slice with fresh mozzarella, strategically placing slices to cover the bread evenly.
- Spinach Symphony: Neatly arrange a handful of baby spinach on top of the cheese, adjusting the quantity to your liking.
- Tomato Artistry: Slice the tomato and place it atop the spinach, seasoning with salt and black pepper. Sprinkle basil and drizzle balsamic glaze for an extra layer of flavor. Crown it with another layer of fresh mozzarella.
- Seal the Deal: Complete your masterpiece by gently pressing the top slice of bread onto the layered ingredients.
- Butter and Toast: In a skillet over low-medium heat, melt butter and toast the sandwich until golden brown. Carefully flip using a spatula or tongs, repeating the process for the other side until the cheese is irresistibly melty.
- Slice and Savor: Cut your sandwich in half with a sharp knife, revealing the melty, flavorful layers within. Enjoy every bite!
Tips for Success: Ensuring Grilled Cheese Greatness
- Perfect Pesto Spread: Ensure an even layer of pesto for a consistent burst of flavor in every bite.
- Gentle Pressing: When closing the sandwich, press gently to avoid ingredient spillage while toasting.
- Bread Brilliance: Opt for thick slices of bread to ensure a substantial and satisfying bite.
- Room Temperature Cheese: Allow the mozzarella to come to room temperature before assembling. This ensures even melting during toasting.
- Patience is Key: Toast the sandwich on low-medium heat, allowing the cheese to melt gradually for that gooey perfection.
- Press and Hold: When toasting, press down gently with the spatula to ensure a compact sandwich and a uniform cook.
Variations and Substitutions: Make It Your Own
- Cheese Lover’s Paradise: Experiment with different cheese varieties for a personalized touch.
- Veggie Delight: Add other favorite veggies like roasted red peppers or caramelized onions for extra depth.
- Protein Power: Amp up the protein by incorporating slices of grilled chicken or turkey.
- Spicy Kick: Add a dash of hot sauce to the pesto or layer in some sliced jalapeños for a spicy twist.
- Mediterranean Marvel: Include sliced Kalamata olives, sun-dried tomatoes, and feta cheese for a Mediterranean-inspired flavor explosion.
Serving Suggestions: Elevate Your Mealtime Experience
Pair this Tomato Grilled Cheese with a side salad for a refreshing contrast or a bowl of cozy soup for the ultimate comfort food experience.
- Soup Companionship: Serve with a bowl of creamy roasted tomato soup for the classic grilled cheese and soup experience.
- Fruit Fusion: Accompany your sandwich with slices of juicy watermelon or a refreshingly easy fruit salad for a sweet and savory balance.
- Brunch Brilliance: Elevate your brunch game by pairing with a poached egg or a side of avocado toast.
Storage and Freezer Instructions: Savor the Flavor Anytime
- Refrigerate: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days.
- Freezer Friendly: Want to prep ahead? Freeze the sandwich (without toasting) and reheat when ready to enjoy. Ensure proper wrapping for optimal freshness.
- Prep in Advance: Assemble the sandwiches up to the toasting step, wrap them individually in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before cooking.
- Batch Cooking: Make multiple sandwiches, toast them, and store in the refrigerator. Reheat in a toaster oven or air fryer for a quick, melty delight.
- Freeze Before Toasting: For long-term storage, assemble the sandwiches without toasting, wrap them tightly in parchment paper and aluminum foil, and freeze. When ready to enjoy, thaw and toast to golden perfection.
- Flash Freeze: After assembling, place the sandwiches on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag. This prevents them from sticking together and allows you to grab one at a time.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Q1: Can I use a different type of bread? Absolutely! Experiment with your favorite bread varieties, such as whole-grain, multigrain, or even a savory rosemary loaf.
Q2: Can I make the pesto ahead of time? Certainly! Prepare the pesto in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to a week, ensuring a quick and easy assembly when the grilled cheese cravings strike.
Q3: How do I reheat a frozen sandwich? Thaw the sandwich in the refrigerator overnight, then toast it in a skillet, toaster oven, or air fryer for that fresh-off-the-grill taste.
Q4: Can I make these ahead for a party? Absolutely! Prep the sandwiches, refrigerate, and toast them just before serving to ensure a warm and melty delight for your guests.
Q5: Can I use regular butter instead of dairy-free? Certainly! Choose your preferred butter, whether it’s dairy-free or the classic variety, for that perfect golden toast.
More grilled cheese recipes you will love:
This Tomato Grilled Cheese is easy to make with juicy summer tomatoes, pesto, fresh vegan mozzarella, basil finished with a drizzle of balsamic glaze. It's the perfect healthy snack, lunch or appetizer using fresh seasonal ingredients.
- 1-2 tbsp pesto homemade or fave brand
- 2 slices of rustic Sourdough (or crusty rustic loaf of choice - we like Bread Srsly, AWGbakery or California Country Gal for grain-free)
- 2- oz of dairy-free or regular fresh mozzarella (about 2-3 round slices) (Violife Cashew Milk Mozzarella or fave brand of your choice)
- Handful of baby spinach about ¼ - ⅓ cup
- 2-3 slices of medium tomatoes red Heirloom tomatoes if possible but if not then any medium tomatoes
- Kosher salt or sea salt to taste
- Freshly cracked black pepper to taste
- 2-3 fresh basil leaves thinly sliced
- 1-2 tsp balsamic glaze or reduced balsamic vinegar
- 1-2 tbsp dairy-free or regular butter (Miyokos or fave brand of your choice), for toasting the sandwich
- Spread the pesto on both slices of the bread. Layer the bottom layer of the sandwich with the fresh mozzarella, you can cut or tear to size to fit evenly over the bread used).
- Arrange the spinach neatly on top of the cheese (use more or less as needed).
- Cut the tomato into three slices (or as little or many as needed) and place on top ofthe spinach. Season with salt and black pepper. Sprinkle with basil along with a drizzle of balsamic glaze. Top with a final layer of fresh mozzarella. Close the sandwich with the top bread slice, pressing down gently.
- Add butter (about 1-2 tbsp depending on the size of your bread) to your skillet over low / low-medium heat. Once melted, add the sandwich and toast until golden brown. Use a spatula / tongs to carefully flip and toast the other side until golden brown and the cheese is melty.
- Cut the sandwich in half with a sharp knife and enjoy.
How to store:
- Refrigerate: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days.
- Freezer Friendly: Want to prep ahead? Freeze the sandwich (without toasting) and reheat when ready to enjoy. Ensure proper wrapping for optimal freshness.
- Prep in Advance: Assemble the sandwiches up to the toasting step, wrap them individually in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before cooking.
- Batch Cooking: Make multiple sandwiches, toast them, and store in the refrigerator. Reheat in a toaster oven or air fryer for a quick, melty delight.
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