Spring Pea Pesto Grilled Cheese (Printable)

Bright pea and basil pesto meets melty mozzarella on golden sourdough for a fresh spring twist on the classic grilled cheese.

# What You Need:

→ Spring Pea Pesto

01 - 1 cup fresh or thawed frozen peas
02 - 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves
03 - 1 small garlic clove
04 - 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
05 - 2 tablespoons toasted pine nuts
06 - 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
07 - 1/2 teaspoon lemon zest
08 - 1 tablespoon lemon juice
09 - 1/4 teaspoon salt
10 - Freshly ground black pepper to taste

→ Sandwich Assembly

11 - 4 slices sourdough bread
12 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
13 - 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
14 - 1/4 cup spring pea pesto
15 - Optional baby arugula or spinach leaves

# Steps:

01 - Combine peas, basil, garlic, Parmesan, pine nuts, olive oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, salt, and pepper in a food processor. Pulse until mostly smooth while retaining some texture. Taste and adjust seasoning as desired.
02 - Spread softened butter evenly on one side of each bread slice. Place two slices butter-side down on work surface. Spread 2 tablespoons pesto on each slice. Distribute mozzarella evenly and add arugula if using. Top with remaining bread slices, butter-side up.
03 - Heat skillet or griddle over medium heat. Place sandwiches in pan and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, applying gentle pressure. Flip when golden brown and continue until second side is crisp and cheese is fully melted.
04 - Remove from heat and slice each sandwich diagonally. Serve immediately while cheese remains hot and bread stays crisp.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • The pesto brings a fresh, bright twist that cuts through the richness of melted cheese
  • It comes together in under 30 minutes but feels fancy enough for weekend lunch guests
02 -
  • Do not overblend the pesto or it will become a smooth paste rather than a textured sauce
  • Keep the heat at medium so the bread crisps perfectly before the cheese burns
03 -
  • Room temperature ingredients help the pesto come together smoothly and melt more evenly
  • A small pinch of red pepper flakes in the pesto adds a subtle warmth that surprises people
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