{"id":"676a27a4-96e1-4e0a-8a51-6a0eaa852883","url":"https://recipestripper.com/recipes/676a27a4-96e1-4e0a-8a51-6a0eaa852883","source_url":"https://www.onceuponachef.com/recipes/grilled-cheese-sun-dried-tomato-pesto.html","title":"Grilled Cheese Sandwiches with Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto","description":"What do you get when you combine a classic American grilled cheese with Italian sun-dried tomato pesto? A deliciously crispy and gooey sandwich that delivers bold and tangy \"pizza\" flavor.","servings":4,"servings_text":"4","prep_time":"PT10M","cook_time":"PT10M","total_time":"PT20M","image_url":"https://www.onceuponachef.com/images/2017/01/Grilled-Cheese-with-Sun-Dried-Tomato-Pesto-4.jpg","ingredients":[{"text":"1 (8.5-oz) jar sun-dried tomatoes packed in olive oil","item":"(8.5-oz) jar sun-dried tomatoes packed in olive oil","quantity":1},{"text":"2 cloves garlic","item":"garlic","quantity":2,"unit":"clove"},{"text":"½ teaspoon salt","item":"salt","quantity":0.5,"unit":"tsp"},{"text":"¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes","item":"crushed red pepper flakes","quantity":0.25,"unit":"tsp"},{"text":"½ teaspoon sugar","item":"sugar","quantity":0.5,"unit":"tsp"},{"text":"1 cup packed fresh basil leaves","item":"packed fresh basil leaves","quantity":1,"unit":"cup"},{"text":"¼ cup + 2 tablespoons pine nuts","item":"+ 2 tablespoons pine nuts","quantity":0.25,"unit":"cup"},{"text":"⅓ cup freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano","item":"freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano","quantity":0.3333333333333333,"unit":"cup"},{"text":"2 tablespoons water","item":"water","quantity":2,"unit":"tbsp"},{"text":"8 slices Italian bread","item":"Italian bread","quantity":8,"unit":"slice"},{"text":"4 tablespoons softened butter","item":"softened butter","quantity":4,"unit":"tbsp"},{"text":"8 oz Fontina or Gruyere ((or any good melting cheese), sliced or grated)","item":"Fontina or Gruyere ((or any good melting cheese)","quantity":8,"unit":"oz","preparation":"sliced or grated)"},{"text":"½ cup sun-dried tomato pesto","item":"sun-dried tomato pesto","quantity":0.5,"unit":"cup"}],"instructions":[{"number":1,"text":"For the Pesto: In the bowl of a food processor fitted with the steel blade, combine the sun-dried tomatoes with their oil, garlic, salt, red pepper flakes, sugar, basil, pine nuts, Parmigiano-Reggiano and 2 tablespoons of water. Pulse, scraping down the sides as necessary, until the mixture is finely puréed."},{"number":2,"text":"For the Sandwiches: Spread one side of each slice of bread with butter, then flip over and spread the pesto evenly over the other side of each slice. Heat a large nonstick or cast iron pan over medium heat. Place 4 slices of bread, butter-side-down, in the pan. Divide the cheese evenly over the bread, then top the sandwiches with the remaining bread. Cook until the first side is golden brown, a few minutes. Carefully flip the sandwiches and cook until the cheese is fully melted and the bread is golden brown, a few minutes more. Let cool slightly, then slice the sandwiches in half and serve."}],"date_published":"2026-10-30T00:06:36.379468+00:00","date_modified":"2026-10-30T00:06:36.379468+00:00"}