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Caprese Grilled Cheese Sandwich with Fresh Homemade Basil Pesto

This was such a quick dinner, but had loads and loads of beautiful Italian flavor.

Ryan became utterly obsessed after the first bite, and asked me to make this again. I fell in love with the flavors even quicker. It tasted like bruschetta in sandwich form, but with the creamy, decadent, mozzarella embracing it every step along the way. Making this with sourdough was a good call (by accident, actually. I thought I grabbed wheat).

I've never made pesto before. What a shame that was. It was super easy! I mean, how many recipes can claim to add every single ingredient all at the same time? I love when it happens.

I made the pesto, threw the sandwiches on the griddle, and by the time I was done loading the dishwasher, I had perfect Italian sandwich love ready for eating. Now that's my kind of dinner, folks.

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Caprese Grilled Cheese Sandwich with Homemade Basil Pesto 
based loosely on Closet Cooking 

For Sandwich:
4 slices sourdough bread (or whatever bread you love)
1 large ripe tomato, sliced 1/4 inch thick, salt and peppered (on the vine is best),
1 ball fresh mozzarella, sliced 1/4 inch thick (was worth it to not use shredded)
salt and pepper
4 T fresh basil pesto*
2 T EVOO

Power up your griddle. Spread 2 T basil pesto on 2 slices of bread. Drizzle 4 slices with olive oil. On your grill, lay down 2 slices (olive oil side down). Lay mozzarella slices on basil pesto, stack your tomatoes on the mozzarella, and the other 2 slices of bread on the tomatoes. Cover with a lid/pan to help cheese melt faster. Make sure you cook it on low/medium - this will make it so your bread doesn't burn before your cheese is melty, and tomato is heated through. When first side down is toasted, flip sandwich and toast the other side. Devour.



*Fresh Basil Pesto:
1 cup basil (loosely packed)
2 small cloves garlic
2 T toasted pine nuts
3 T EVOO
1/4 cup parmesan cheese
1 t lemon juice
salt and pepper to taste

Combine all ingredients in a mini food processor.

This recipe is being featured!
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Comments

  1. ::stomach growling:::

    This is my kind of sandwich! Looks amazing!

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    Replies
    1. We almost died! I can't believe I've never tried this before yesterday - I was seriously missing out :)

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  2. Thanks for sharing such a Mediterranean sandwich for Med Diet Month. See you next week on Foodie Friday.

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    Replies
    1. Thanks again Diane! I had no idea it was Med Diet Month! I mean.... of course I knew! hah!

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  3. Brilliant idea - caprese salad is our favorite summer dinner!

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    1. Isn't this fun? I love your comments so much, Heather. You're always such a sweetheart! I can see why you guys love caprese salad so much - I'm obsessed over these flavors now.

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  4. Stopping by from Nifty Thrifty! I am obsessed with bruschetta, and any way I can get is great by me. This sandwich looks so very decadent, ooey gooey yummy! I also checked out your other recipes, skirt steak and strawberry yogurt cake, and you are a girl close to my heart because I so love food and cooking. Also so love your blog name. No blonde moments going on with your food. My fingers are crossed that you will share some of your incredible recipes at Sunday's Best Party tonight (www.my1929charmer.com). I am also following you on Facebook, don't want to miss out on any of your recipes.

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    Replies
    1. I'd LOVE to share it - thanks for the invite! I've also added your link party to my weekly link party list. You rock, Cathy!

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    2. You are being featured At Sunday's Best. So glad we connected.

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  5. Beautiful photo and super sandwich! Caprese is hard to beat. I saw your link through the Scrumptious Sunday link party and had to check it out. I'm so glad I did. Now I know what we're having for dinner tonight!

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  6. Yum! Do you think you could grill this on a bbq? Some of my favourite summer flavours. I can't wait to try it.

    Hope you can find time to share this at my outdoor link up 'Festival Fever': http://craftbotics.blogspot.com

    Rosie xx

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    Replies
    1. Hmmm, sounds yummy! I would just mind the bread - might get crispy before the thick mozzarella gets all melty. Then again, my grilling skills are challenged...

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  7. This looks so amazing! I think I may just have to try it this week. I found your link through Scrumptious Sunday and I had to click it. I hope you had a great weekend! :)

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    Replies
    1. Thanks for visiting! Please do try it, you won't be sorry :)

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  8. oh YES PLEASE... wish i had one of these NOW>

    ann kelly

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  9. Thanks for sharing that recipe. Looks soooo yummy!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. WE loved it! I'm completely obsessed with this sandwich now.

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  10. Oh, my goodness! That does look tasty. Best wishes, Linda

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  11. This looks so good :). I am so ready to make this!

    PS: I look forward to seeing you this week at Show Me What You Got Tuesday's at Our Delightful Home via: http://ourdelightfulhome.blogspot.com/2012/05/live-show-me-what-you-got-linky-party.html

    Mrs. Delightful
    www.ourdelightfulhome.blogspot.com

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  12. Oh wow. The pesto is so genius... on a sandwich!! I always love trying out your ideas. I would love to try this!

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    Replies
    1. Thanks so much, Alison! You're always so nice! I love it!

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  13. Mmmm... I can't wait for tomatoes to be in season so I can try this. :)

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  14. Looks great. We eat a lot of grilled sammies.

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    Replies
    1. Then you will gobble this up - we couldn't believe how yummy it was!

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  15. oh my gosh. It's official. I'm going to have to start stalking your blog.

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  16. Yippee, Yippee, you partied with us, so happy. I'm so gonna make this recipe. Like I said I could almost sell my soul for bruschetta, well not really. No your rock girl! Thanks for sharing your creative inspiration over at Sunday's Best!

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  17. WOO HOO!! Best Friday ever!! Thank you!

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  18. This looks so delicious! Just shared on our Facebook page! Have a wonderful weekend!

    Take care,

    Trish

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  19. Looks incredible! Featuring you tomorrow! XO, Aimee

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  20. Oh my goodness! This looks SOOOOOOOO good!!! :)
    -Kayla from Love Sparkle Pretty
    a.k.a. your newest follower :)

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  21. WOW! These look so delicious! I definitely need to make these ASAP! Thank you for sharing this recipe. I found your site from Six Sister's Stuff and following you on FB!

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    Replies
    1. Thanks so much Kelly! I love your blog, and am a new follower of yours, as well!

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  22. YUM YUM. Can't wait to try this. Thanks so much for linking up to Fabulous Friday at Faith, Trust & Pixie Dust.

    Warmly, Michelle

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    Replies
    1. Thanks for hosting! You will love this sandwich, it calls to me on a regular basis.

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