If you’re on the hunt for a sandwich that perfectly blends melty cheese, vibrant pesto, and juicy tomatoes, then the Pesto Grilled Cheese Sandwich with Tomatoes Recipe is going to become your new obsession. This vibrant twist on a classic grilled cheese combines the richness of pepper jack cheese with the herbal brightness of homemade basil pesto and the fresh burst of ripe tomatoes, all sandwiched between crispy, garlicky sourdough slices. It’s an explosion of flavors and textures that feels indulgent yet fresh, perfect for lunch, dinner, or a comforting snack. Let me take you through the delicious journey of making this sandwich from scratch—trust me, once you try this recipe, you’ll never go back to the ordinary grilled cheese again!

Pesto Grilled Cheese Sandwich with Tomatoes Recipe: Ingredients You’ll Need

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a round loaf of bread with a golden-brown crust and some decorative cuts on top, placed on a white marbled surface. Nearby, there are two slices of light yellow cheese with small herbs visible, positioned above a small white bowl filled with green pesto sauce. Below these, a cluster of bright red cherry tomatoes on the vine rests on the same white marbled background. To the left, a white plate holds several slices of light yellow butter, and next to it, another white plate features small piles of different seasoning: one with green herbs, one with red chili flakes, and two small white garlic cloves. The overall setup is simple and clean with a natural look. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

To make this sandwich truly shine, you’ll want to gather a handful of simple but vibrant ingredients. Each component plays a starring role, whether it’s the creamy, slightly spicy pepper jack cheese or the aromatic basil that livens up the homemade pesto. Together, they offer a balanced mix of creaminess, tang, freshness, and a little kick from those seasonings.

Sourdough loaf: Thick slices give you that perfect crispy crust and chewy interior for grilling.
Pepper jack cheese (8-12 slices): Melts beautifully and adds just the right amount of spice.
Roma or vine ripe tomatoes (4): Fresh, juicy slices bring acidity and brightness to the sandwich.
Basil leaves (3 cups, loosely packed): The star herb of the pesto, bringing fragrant freshness.
Walnuts (1 cup): Toasted for a toasty crunch that deepens the pesto’s flavor.
Garlic cloves (3 for pesto, plus 2-4 grated for butter): Adds an irresistible savory punch.
Nutritional yeast (2 teaspoons): Adds a subtle cheesy, nutty depth to the pesto.
Lemon juice (2 tablespoons): Brightens and balances the pesto’s richness.
Sea salt (½ teaspoon): Enhances every flavor in the sandwich.
Extra virgin olive oil (⅓ cup): Makes the pesto silky and lush.
Water (2-3 tablespoons, as needed): Helps adjust pesto consistency perfectly.
Butter (½ cup, softened): The base for garlic butter that crisps the bread beautifully.
Red pepper flakes (1 teaspoon): Gives a subtle heat in the garlic butter to elevate flavor.
Italian seasoning (1 teaspoon): Infuses the butter with classic herb notes.

TIP

You’ll find the full ingredient list, instructions, and print option in the recipe card below.

How to Make Pesto Grilled Cheese Sandwich with Tomatoes Recipe

Step 1: Toast the Walnuts

Start by gently toasting the walnuts in a skillet over medium-high heat for 5 to 7 minutes until you catch that warm, nutty aroma. Toasting unlocks their depth of flavor and adds a lovely crunch to the pesto. Just keep tossing them so they brown evenly without burning.

Step 2: Blend the Pesto

Next, toss those toasted walnuts into a food processor along with fresh basil leaves, garlic cloves, nutritional yeast, lemon juice, and sea salt. Pulse and blend while scraping down the sides, then slowly drizzle in the olive oil until your pesto forms a luscious paste with a little texture. The goal is to have a sauce that isn’t too smooth but packed with vibrant green goodness.

Step 3: Prepare the Garlic Butter

In a small bowl, combine softened butter with grated garlic, red pepper flakes, and Italian seasoning. Mix well to infuse the butter with those fragrant herbs and warmly spicy notes. This garlic butter will give your sandwich crust a golden, flavorful crunch that’s totally addictive.

Step 4: Assemble the Sandwich

If your sourdough loaf isn’t pre-sliced, cut it into thick pieces that will hold all your delicious fillings. Spread the garlic butter evenly on both sides of each slice. On one side of both slices, spread a generous layer of your freshly made pesto. Layer one slice with pepper jack cheese, then stack thick tomato slices on top, and optionally, add another slice of cheese to get that extra melty goodness. Close the sandwich with the other slice of bread, pesto side down.

Step 5: Cook to Perfection

If you have a panini press or sandwich maker, close it and cook until the bread is beautifully browned and the cheese has melted into gooey perfection. No panini press? No problem. Simply cook the sandwich low and slow on a skillet over medium-low heat, flipping carefully so both sides are golden and the cheese inside has melted delightfully. The garlic butter crisps the bread while the pesto and melty cheese create that heavenly filling.

Step 6: Serve Warm and Enjoy

Once your Pesto Grilled Cheese Sandwich with Tomatoes Recipe is cooked, let it rest for just a minute before slicing. Serve it warm and get ready for a symphony of tangy, cheesy, herbaceous, and crispy flavors that will make every bite feel like a little celebration.

How to Serve Pesto Grilled Cheese Sandwich with Tomatoes Recipe

The image shows a grilled sandwich cut in half, with two thick slices of toasted bread that have golden brown grill marks on top. Inside, there are several layers: a base layer of green pesto spread, a layer of thin red tomato slices, and melted white cheese that stretches between the two halves. The sandwich sits on a white marbled surface sprinkled lightly with red pepper flakes and black pepper. In the background, there is another whole sandwich slightly out of focus. The warm lighting highlights the crisp texture of the bread and the gooey cheese inside. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Fresh basil leaves or a sprinkle of finely chopped walnuts make excellent garnishes to echo the pesto flavors and add a bit of crunch or color. A drizzle of extra virgin olive oil or a light sprinkle of sea salt enhances the tomatoes’ sweetness and highlights the layers of flavor in your sandwich.

Side Dishes

This grilled cheese pairs wonderfully with light side dishes like a crisp green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette or a bowl of tomato soup for a classic combo. For something heartier, roasted vegetables or a simple cup of your favorite soup can elevate the meal perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

Slice the sandwich into small, party-friendly triangles for entertaining, or serve stacked halves for a rustic, comforting look. You can also jazz it up by adding avocado slices inside for creaminess or a handful of arugula for a peppery bite. Each presentation will surprise and delight!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have extras (though it’s hard not to finish!), wrap your sandwich tightly in foil or plastic wrap and store in the fridge for up to two days. Keeping it wrapped helps maintain the garlic buttered crust from drying out.

Freezing

You can freeze assembled but uncooked sandwiches by wrapping them securely in plastic wrap and then foil. Freeze for up to one month. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and then cook as usual. This makes for an incredibly convenient quick meal!

Reheating

Reheat your grilled cheese in a skillet over medium heat to bring back that crispy texture on the outside and melt the cheese inside. Avoid the microwave, which can make the bread soggy and the sandwich less satisfying.

FAQs

Can I use other nuts instead of walnuts in the pesto?

Absolutely! Pine nuts, almonds, or cashews work well for pesto and each brings a slightly different flavor and texture. Toasting them beforehand enhances their nuttiness.

Is there a substitute for nutritional yeast in this recipe?

If you don’t have nutritional yeast, you can skip it or try a small amount of grated Parmesan cheese for a cheesier flavor. However, nutritional yeast adds a unique depth without overpowering the pesto’s brightness.

What type of bread works best for this sandwich?

Sourdough is ideal because it crisps beautifully while staying sturdy enough to hold the fillings. If you don’t have sourdough, a rustic country loaf or even a wholesome whole wheat bread are great options.

Can this recipe be made vegan?

Yes! Simply substitute the pepper jack cheese with a vegan melting cheese and replace the butter with a vegan buttery spread. The homemade pesto is naturally vegan-friendly.

How spicy is this sandwich?

The pepper jack cheese and red pepper flakes add a gentle warmth, but it’s not overly spicy. If you prefer less heat, reduce the red pepper flakes or switch to a mild cheese.

Final Thoughts

I hope this inspires you to dive into the joy of making the Pesto Grilled Cheese Sandwich with Tomatoes Recipe at home. It’s such a comforting yet fresh twist on a classic that’s as fun to make as it is to eat. Once you master the homemade pesto and garlicky butter, this sandwich becomes a quick go-to that feels special every time. Give it a try, and prepare for your new favorite grilled cheese experience!