Sun-Dried Tomato Bacon Pesto Grilled Cheese

this RECIPE

Crispy, melty, and packed with flavor, this Sun-Dried Tomato Bacon Pesto Grilled Cheese is a gourmet twist on a childhood classic. With crispy bacon, tangy sun-dried tomatoes, and creamy mozzarella nestled between golden, buttery bread, this sandwich is pure comfort food magic!

Grilled cheese lovers, this one’s for you! If you’re craving something beyond the basic grilled cheese, this recipe delivers big-time flavor. The pesto adds a herby punch, the bacon brings smoky crispiness, and the sun-dried tomatoes provide a rich, tangy balance. All of this melts together with gooey mozzarella for the ultimate grilled cheese upgrade.

Pair it with tomato soup, a side salad, or enjoy it solo—either way, it’s a winner.

Ingredients

• 4 slices of bread (sourdough or ciabatta recommended)
• 4 slices of bacon (cooked until crispy)
• 4 tablespoons basil pesto (homemade or store-bought)
• ¼ cup sun-dried tomatoes (drained and chopped if oil-packed)
• 4 slices mozzarella cheese (or provolone/cheddar)
• 2 tablespoons butter (softened)

Instructions

1. Cook the Bacon

• In a skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon until crispy.
• Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate and set aside.

2. Assemble the Sandwiches

• Spread 1 tablespoon of pesto on one side of each bread slice.
• On two slices, layer:
  ✅ 2 slices of mozzarella cheese
  ✅ 2 slices of crispy bacon
  ✅ A few pieces of chopped sun-dried tomatoes
• Place the remaining bread slices on top (pesto side down) to complete the sandwich.

3. Butter the Bread

• Spread softened butter evenly on the outside of each sandwich (top and bottom slices).

4. Grill the Sandwiches

• Heat a skillet or griddle over medium heat.
• Place the sandwiches in the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, pressing down gently with a spatula.
• Flip and continue cooking until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is fully melted.

5. Serve & Enjoy!

• Once crispy and melty, remove from the skillet.
• Slice in half and serve hot!

Notes

• Cheese Swap: Prefer a sharper flavor? Use aged cheddar or Gruyère instead of mozzarella.
• Extra Crunch: Add a sprinkle of parmesan cheese to the buttered bread before grilling.
• Lower-Carb Option: Use keto-friendly bread or turn this into a lettuce wrap melt.

Recipe Details

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: 2 sandwiches
• Category: Sandwiches & Grilled Cheese
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Not Vegetarian
• Keywords: Gourmet Grilled Cheese, Bacon Pesto Sandwich, Sun-Dried Tomato Grilled Cheese

Equipment Needed

• Skillet or griddle
• Spatula
• Knife & cutting board

Nutrition (Per Serving)

• Calories: ~550 kcal
• Sugar: ~3g
• Sodium: ~850mg
• Fat: ~35g
• Saturated Fat: ~18g
• Carbohydrates: ~40g
• Fiber: ~3g
• Protein: ~22g

Helpful Tips

1. Use Good Bread – Sourdough or ciabatta gives the best crunch and structure for grilled cheese. Avoid soft, thin-sliced bread—it won’t hold up!
2. Meltier Cheese? – For extra gooey cheese, shred the mozzarella instead of using slices.
3. Prevent Soggy Bread – If using oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes, drain and pat them dry before adding.
4. Crispier Bread Hack – Sprinkle parmesan on the buttered side before grilling for a crispy, cheesy crust.
5. Don’t Rush the Heat – Medium heat is key! Cooking too fast will burn the bread before the cheese melts.

Conservation and Storage

Refrigeration (Short-Term Storage)

• Store leftover sandwiches wrapped in foil or an airtight container for up to 2 days.

Reheating Tips

• Skillet: Heat over low heat for 3-4 minutes per side to restore crispiness.
• Air Fryer: 375°F for 4-5 minutes.
• Oven: Bake at 350°F for 5-7 minutes.
• Microwave: Not recommended (makes bread soggy).

Can You Freeze It?

• Not recommended, as the texture of the bread and cheese changes when frozen and reheated.

Substitutions and Variations

• Vegetarian Version: Omit the bacon and add roasted red peppers or grilled zucchini.
• Extra Protein Boost: Add grilled chicken or turkey slices inside.
• Make It Spicy: Add crushed red pepper flakes or spicy chipotle mayo inside.
• Garlic Butter Upgrade: Mix garlic powder into the butter before spreading for extra flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the best cheese for grilled cheese?

Mozzarella melts beautifully, but provolone, Gruyère, and cheddar work great too.

Can I bake this instead of grilling?

Yes! Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden brown and melty.

Can I make this sandwich ahead of time?

You can prep and assemble it a few hours ahead, but wait until just before eating to grill it for the best crunch.

Can I use a panini press?

Absolutely! A panini press gives it an even crisp and makes the cheese melt perfectly.

Conclusion

This Sun-Dried Tomato Bacon Pesto Grilled Cheese is a simple yet gourmet twist on a classic. With crispy bread, gooey cheese, smoky bacon, and the flavor-packed combo of pesto and sun-dried tomatoes, this sandwich is pure comfort food perfection.

???? Tried this recipe? Let me know in the comments! And if you love cheesy sandwiches, check out our Ultimate Three-Cheese Grilled Cheese or Garlic Butter Turkey Melt.

Happy cooking! ????????✨

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