Sun-Dried Tomato Bacon Pesto Grilled Cheese

The sun-dried tomatoes add a deep, savory richness to the pesto that perfectly complements the crispy bacon. As the melted cheese oozes from between the slices of golden-brown, buttery bread, every bite is a flavor explosion. The tangy, umami-packed pesto balances the smoky bacon and the creamy, melt-in-your-mouth cheese in a way that makes it hard to put down. It’s a grilled cheese elevated to a whole new level, one that feels indulgent but still comfortingly familiar. You’ll notice how each bite gives you a little something different—the slight sweetness of the sun-dried tomatoes, the crunch of the bacon, and that perfect, gooey cheese that ties it all together.

It’s a sandwich that’s as much about texture as it is about flavor. The contrast between the crispy bread and the tender interior makes the sandwich a sensory delight, and the pesto seeps into every nook and cranny, infusing the bread with its aromatic essence. Each mouthful is like a mini celebration, and honestly, it’s one of those dishes you’ll crave again and again. What’s great about this recipe is how easy it is to customize—add extra bacon if you want more crunch or throw in a handful of fresh spinach for a burst of color and freshness. Don’t be afraid to get a little creative, because this grilled cheese is a canvas for all your flavor dreams.

Key Ingredients in Sun-Dried Tomato Bacon Pesto Grilled Cheese

This deliciously elevated grilled cheese sandwich comes together with a handful of carefully chosen ingredients that bring both flavor and texture to the table. Let’s break down the key players:

• Sourdough bread: The foundation of any great grilled cheese, sourdough adds a delightful tang and a sturdy texture that holds up well to the rich fillings. Its slightly crispy crust and soft, chewy interior provide the perfect balance to the gooey cheese and savory pesto.
• Butter: This is what gives the bread its golden, crispy exterior. Butter adds richness and helps create that irresistible crunch we all love in a grilled cheese.
• Sun-dried tomatoes: Intensely flavored and packed with umami, sun-dried tomatoes bring a tangy sweetness that perfectly complements the creamy pesto and smoky bacon. They add a bit of chewiness and a burst of flavor that takes this sandwich to another level.
• Mayonnaise: The secret ingredient that helps achieve the perfect creamy consistency in the pesto. Mayonnaise brings a subtle richness and a silky texture that elevates the spreadability of the pesto and ensures it sticks to the bread just right.
• Pesto: The star of the sandwich! Pesto brings a fragrant, herbaceous kick with its blend of basil, garlic, and nuts. Its rich, earthy flavor melds beautifully with the other ingredients, creating a bold, tangy backdrop for the crispy bacon and melty cheese.
• Bacon: Crispy and crumbled, bacon adds the perfect smokiness and crunch. It complements the creamy cheese and pesto while bringing a satisfying savory bite to every mouthful.
• Shredded mozzarella cheese: Mozzarella is the gooey, melt-in-your-mouth cheese that ties everything together. It melts beautifully and creates that dreamy, stretchy cheese pull that everyone craves in a grilled cheese sandwich.
• Shredded cheddar cheese: Sharp and flavorful, cheddar adds depth to the sandwich’s cheesy goodness. Its tangy, slightly nutty taste balances the richness of the mozzarella, creating a perfect cheese blend that oozes with every bite.

These ingredients come together in perfect harmony to create a sandwich that’s both comforting and elevated, packed with layers of flavor and texture that will keep you coming back for more.

How to Make Sun-Dried Tomato Bacon Pesto Grilled Cheese

Serving Suggestions for Sun-Dried Tomato Bacon Pesto Grilled Cheese

1. With a Side of Crispy Sweet Potato Fries: The sweet, slightly caramelized flavor of crispy sweet potato fries pairs perfectly with the smoky bacon and tangy pesto in your grilled cheese. Toss them in a little olive oil, salt, and a pinch of paprika for an extra kick. Dip them in a garlic aioli or tangy ketchup for the ultimate comfort food combo.

2. A Fresh, Zesty Salad: Balance out the richness of your grilled cheese with a light, refreshing salad. A simple arugula and cherry tomato salad with a drizzle of balsamic vinaigrette works wonders. The peppery arugula and tart tomatoes provide the perfect contrast to the savory, cheesy sandwich, and the balsamic adds a bit of sweetness to tie it all together.

3. With a Bowl of Tomato Soup: Is there anything more classic than pairing a grilled cheese with a warm bowl of tomato soup? The rich, velvety soup’s acidity cuts through the creamy cheese and bacon, making each bite of the sandwich even more satisfying. Add a touch of basil or a swirl of cream to the soup for a little extra flair.

No matter how you serve it, this Sun-Dried Tomato Bacon Pesto Grilled Cheese is sure to be a crowd-pleaser that will have everyone coming back for more!

How to Store Sun-Dried Tomato Bacon Pesto Grilled Cheese

If you happen to have leftovers (which, let’s be honest, is rare!), storing your Sun-Dried Tomato Bacon Pesto Grilled Cheese properly is key to keeping that mouthwatering flavor and texture intact. To store, simply allow the sandwich to cool down to room temperature before wrapping it up tightly in plastic wrap or placing it in an airtight container. This helps preserve the crunch of the bread and prevents it from getting soggy.

If you’re planning to enjoy it later the next day, refrigerate it for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to eat, give it a quick reheat in a skillet over medium heat or toss it in a toaster oven. The heat will crisp the bread back up while melting the cheese again—just like the first time! For best results, avoid using a microwave, as it can make the bread soft and lose that perfect golden crunch.

You can also freeze your grilled cheese for a longer storage option. Wrap it tightly in foil or plastic wrap, and place it in a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready to enjoy it, pop it straight from the freezer into a hot skillet, cooking it until both sides are crispy and the cheese is gooey once more. You’ll be surprised at how well it holds up, ready to satisfy your cravings on demand!

Conclusion

And there you have it—a Sun-Dried Tomato Bacon Pesto Grilled Cheese that takes your sandwich game to a whole new level! With every bite, you’ll experience the perfect blend of crispy, gooey, savory, and tangy flavors, making it the kind of comfort food that feels special every time you indulge. Whether you’re enjoying it with a side of sweet potato fries, a fresh salad, or a cozy bowl of tomato soup, this sandwich is sure to impress.

I hope you enjoy making and devouring this irresistible creation as much as I do! If you give it a try, I’d love to hear what you think. Do you make any fun twists to this recipe? Or maybe have some feedback to share? Let me know—I’m always up for chatting about food and cooking!

Print Recipe

Sun-Dried Tomato Bacon Pesto Grilled Cheese

Author: Daniel Carter Courses: Lunch

Difficulty: Intermediate Prep Time 10 mins Cook Time 10 mins Total Time 20 mins

Calories: 600

Description

Imagine crispy, golden-brown bread oozing with melted cheese, layered with rich sun-dried tomato pesto and savory bacon. Each bite brings a perfect balance of smoky, tangy, and creamy flavors, making this grilled cheese a deliciously unforgettable treat!

Ingredients

Scale

1/2x 1x 2x 3x

• 2 slices sourdough bread

• 2 tablespoons butter

• ¹⁄₄ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped

• ¹⁄₄ cup mayonnaise

• ¹⁄₄ cup pesto

• 4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled

• ¹⁄₂ cup shredded mozzarella cheese

• ¹⁄₂ cup shredded cheddar cheese

Instructions

1. Start by heating a large skillet or griddle over medium heat.
2. While the skillet heats up, take two slices of sourdough bread and set them on a clean surface, like a cutting board.
3. Butter one side of each slice of bread using about one tablespoon of butter for each slice.
4. Once the skillet is heated, place the two slices of buttered bread into the skillet, buttered side down, to toast.
5. While the bread is toasting, chop the sun-dried tomatoes into small, bite-sized pieces.
6. In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise and pesto, stirring them together until well mixed.
7. Once the bread has toasted for about two to three minutes and is golden brown on one side, flip the slices to the other side to toast the other side.
8. While the second side of the bread is toasting, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese and cheddar cheese onto one of the slices of bread, making sure the cheese is evenly distributed.
9. Next, spread the sun-dried tomato and pesto mayonnaise mixture on the other slice of bread, covering the entire surface.
10. Add the crumbled bacon on top of the mayonnaise-pesto mixture, spreading it evenly across the slice.
11. Once the second side of the bread is golden brown and crispy, carefully press the two slices of bread together, with the cheese and bacon sides facing inward.
12. Continue grilling the sandwich for another two to three minutes, pressing gently to ensure the cheese melts completely and the bread crisps up.
13. Once the sandwich is golden brown and the cheese is melted, remove it from the skillet and place it on a cutting board.
14. Allow the sandwich to cool for a minute before slicing it in half for easy serving.
15. Serve immediately, enjoying the crispy, cheesy goodness with the rich flavors of sun-dried tomatoes, pesto, and bacon.

Note

• Use a non-stick skillet for even toasting and easier flipping.
• For extra flavor, try adding a sprinkle of garlic powder or red pepper flakes to the pesto-mayo mixture.
• Ensure bacon is crispy before crumbling to prevent soggy texture in the sandwich.
• Use a combination of fresh mozzarella and aged cheddar for a creamier melt and deeper flavor.
• If you prefer a stronger sun-dried tomato flavor, increase the amount of sun-dried tomatoes.

Keywords: sun-dried tomato grilled cheese, bacon pesto sandwich recipe, grilled cheese with sun-dried tomatoes, bacon pesto grilled cheese, easy pesto grilled cheese recipe