Go Back
To make the best Italian grilled cheese, you need a few key items. Here’s what to gather: - 4 slices of rustic Italian bread - 2 tablespoons basil pesto - 1 cup fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced - ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped - ½ teaspoon garlic powder - 2 tablespoons olive oil - Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste - Fresh basil leaves for garnish These ingredients blend well to create a tasty treat. The rustic Italian bread offers a nice crunch, while the mozzarella melts beautifully. The sun-dried tomatoes add a sweet touch. Basil pesto gives a vibrant flavor. Garlic powder enhances the taste, and olive oil helps brown the bread. Don't forget the fresh basil for garnish! For the full recipe, check out the detailed instructions on making these scrumptious sandwiches. To start, preheat your skillet or grill pan over medium heat. This helps the bread toast well. While it heats, drizzle olive oil into the pan. This oil adds flavor and helps the bread get crispy. Take your rustic Italian bread and spread basil pesto on one side of each slice. The pesto adds a fresh, herby taste. Next, place slices of fresh mozzarella on the non-pesto side of two slices. Add chopped sun-dried tomatoes on top. These tomatoes give a sweet and tangy flavor. Lightly season this layer with garlic powder, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Adjust the seasonings based on your taste. Now, place the remaining slices of bread on top. Make sure the pesto side is facing outward. Drizzle some olive oil into your preheated skillet. Gently place the sandwiches in the skillet. Grill each sandwich for about 3 to 4 minutes on one side. You want the bread to look golden and crispy while the mozzarella melts. Then, flip the sandwiches and repeat on the other side. Once both sides are grilled, remove the sandwiches from the skillet. Let them rest for a minute, then slice diagonally. For a nice touch, garnish with fresh basil leaves. Enjoy your Italian grilled cheese sandwiches! For the complete recipe, check out the Full Recipe. - Choosing the right cheese For a great melt, I love using fresh mozzarella. Its creamy texture melts perfectly. You can also try provolone or fontina for a different taste. Each cheese adds its own flavor, so mix and match. - Ensuring even grilling To grill evenly, use medium heat. Too high heat can burn the bread before the cheese melts. Flip the sandwich gently. This helps keep the filling inside and allows for an even golden crust. - Adding herbs or spices Fresh herbs make a big difference. Try adding a sprinkle of dried oregano or crushed red pepper. They add depth and a nice kick to your sandwich. You can also mix herbs into the pesto for extra flair. - Using flavored olive oils Flavored olive oils can elevate your sandwich. Use garlic-infused or basil-infused oil. Drizzle it on the bread before grilling. This adds a lovely taste and aroma to each bite. - Pairing with sides or dips Serve your sandwiches with a side salad or tomato soup. A light salad balances the richness of the cheese. Tomato soup adds a comforting touch. Both make for a delightful meal. - Presentation ideas Cut your sandwiches diagonally for a nice look. Arrange them on a colorful plate. Add a sprig of fresh basil on top. This little detail makes your meal feel special and inviting. {{image_4}} You can switch up the cheese in your Italian grilled cheese. Here are some great choices: - Provolone: This cheese melts well. It has a mild flavor that pairs nicely with the pesto. - Fontina: A bit stronger, fontina adds a rich, creamy taste. It’s perfect for a gourmet touch. - Gorgonzola: For a bold flavor, try gorgonzola. It gives a tangy kick to the sandwich. Adding meat can enhance your sandwich's flavor. Here are some tasty options: - Including prosciutto: This dry-cured ham brings a savory depth. It pairs well with mozzarella and pesto. - Adding salami or capicola: Both meats add spice and flavor. They balance the richness of the cheese. You can make a delicious vegetarian sandwich too. Here are some ideas: - Substitute vegetables for meat: Grilled zucchini or roasted peppers work well. They add texture and flavor. - Additional spreads like tapenade: This olive spread adds a salty bite. It complements the cheese and pesto beautifully. Try these variations to make your Italian grilled cheese unique. For more details, check the Full Recipe. To store leftover Italian grilled cheese sandwiches, wrap them in foil or place them in an airtight container. Keeping them sealed helps maintain their flavor and texture. I recommend refrigerating them within two hours of cooking. This keeps the fillings fresh and safe to eat later. For reheating, use a skillet over medium heat. Place the sandwich in the skillet and cover it. This method warms the inside while keeping the bread crispy. Heat for about 3-4 minutes on each side. You can also use a toaster oven for a similar effect! If you want to freeze your sandwiches, wrap each one tightly in plastic wrap. Then, place them in a freezer-safe bag. Be sure to squeeze out as much air as possible. This keeps them from getting freezer burn. Proper packaging is key for great results! To thaw, take the sandwich out of the freezer and put it in the fridge overnight. If you're in a hurry, you can use the microwave on the defrost setting. Just be careful not to cook it; you want to thaw, not heat. How long do these tasty sandwiches last? In the fridge, they can stay fresh for up to three days. If you freeze them, they can last for about three months. After that, the flavor and texture may decline, so enjoy them while they’re still delicious! Yes, you can prepare Italian grilled cheese sandwiches ahead of time. To do this, cook the sandwiches until they are golden. Allow them to cool completely. Wrap each sandwich in foil or plastic wrap. Store them in the fridge for up to two days. When you are ready to eat, reheat them in a skillet or oven. This method keeps the bread crispy and the cheese melty. Rustic Italian bread is the best choice for this recipe. Its thick crust gives a nice crunch. You can also try ciabatta or focaccia. These breads hold up well and add flavor. If you want something lighter, sourdough works too. Just make sure the bread is sturdy enough for grilling. A soggy grilled cheese can ruin your meal. To avoid this, use less moisture in your filling. Drain sun-dried tomatoes well before adding them. Toast the bread lightly before assembling the sandwich. Also, don’t use too much oil when grilling. If you find your sandwich is soggy, try grilling it a bit longer. This will help the bread crisp up nicely. In this post, we explored the joys of making Italian grilled cheese. We covered key ingredients like rustic bread, fresh mozzarella, and basil pesto. I shared step-by-step instructions on grilling to golden perfection. We also discussed tips on achieving a great melt and enhancing flavors. Lastly, I offered variations and storage advice. Italian grilled cheese is fun and easy to make. Enjoy experimenting with your favorite flavors and ingredients. You’ll impress everyone with your tasty creations!

Italian Grilled Cheese Sandwiches

Indulge in the ultimate Italian Grilled Cheese Sandwiches that are packed with flavor! Made with rustic Italian bread, fresh mozzarella, sun-dried tomatoes, and a hint of pesto, this delicious recipe offers a crispy, melty experience in just 20 minutes. Perfect for a quick lunch or snack, impress your taste buds with this comforting classic. Click through to explore this easy recipe and elevate your sandwich game today!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients
  

4 slices of rustic Italian bread

2 tablespoons basil pesto

1 cup fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced

½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped

½ teaspoon garlic powder

2 tablespoons olive oil

Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Fresh basil leaves for garnish

Instructions
 

Begin by preheating a skillet or grill pan over medium heat to prepare for grilling the sandwiches.

    Take each slice of rustic Italian bread and generously spread basil pesto on one side of each slice. This will serve as the flavorful base of your sandwich.

      On the non-pesto side of two slices, arrange the fresh mozzarella cheese slices evenly, followed by a sprinkle of the chopped sun-dried tomatoes for added sweetness and depth.

        Lightly season the cheese and tomatoes with garlic powder, salt, and freshly ground black pepper, adjusting to your taste preferences.

          Carefully place the remaining slices of bread on top, ensuring the pesto side is facing outward, creating a sandwich.

            Drizzle the olive oil into the preheated skillet, allowing it to coat the bottom evenly. Now, gently place the sandwiches into the skillet.

              Grill each sandwich for approximately 3-4 minutes on one side, or until the bread is beautifully golden and crispy while the mozzarella melts perfectly. Flip and repeat on the other side.

                Once both sides are grilled to perfection, remove the sandwiches from the skillet and let them rest for about a minute before slicing them in half diagonally.

                  For a lovely finishing touch, garnish the sandwiches with fresh basil leaves, adding an aromatic element to your presentation. Serve warm and enjoy the delightful flavors!

                    Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 20 minutes | Servings: 2 sandwiches