Mozzarella Grilled Cheese

Recipe courtesy Tyler Florence

Show: Tyler's UltimateEpisode: Ultimate Rainy Day

Rated: 5 stars out of 5Rate itRead users' reviews (29)

RECIPE
COMMENTS & REVIEWS(29)

Cook Time:
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Level:
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Yield:
2 sandwiches

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Ingredients

4 slices thick-cut sourdough bread
1 ball (1 pound) fresh mozzarella, cut into 1/4-inch slices
2 plum tomatoes, cut into thick slices
1 cup fresh basil pesto, recipe follows
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
Extra-virgin olive oil

Basil pesto:

1/2 cup pine nuts
2 cups fresh basil leaves
1 cup fresh Italian parsley leaves
1/2 cup Parmesan or Romano
2 garlic cloves
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil

To make pesto:

Directions

Toast pine nuts in a skillet over medium heat until fragrant, about 5 minutes. Combine pesto ingredients in a food processor and pulse until well combined but still rough-textured. If you have a panini press, turn it on to warm up; otherwise, set a cast iron skillet over medium heat. Assemble sandwich by smearing insides of bread slices with pesto. Arrange a layer of sliced tomato and season with a few turns of fresh pepper. Layer the mozzarella slices over the top and then place another piece of bread on top to make the sandwich. Drizzle olive oil over skillet's surface and place sandwiches on the hot skillet or panini press. If using a skillet, place another heavy skillet over the top to form a "press". Turn after 2 to 3 minutes and replace weight. The sandwich is ready when golden brown and mozzarella has melted around the edges.

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Comments & Reviews

recipe Mozzarella Grilled Cheese
Sarah Sage Waukegan, IL 09-11-2009
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Perfect Flavor Combination
Rated: 5 stars out of 5

I paired these sandwiches with Ina's Roasted Tomato Basil soup for dinner last night. I got rid of a lot of tomatoes and... basil from the garden! I used a grill pan as I don't have a panini press and they turned out great on there. The pesto recipe was one of my favorites I've tried. These grilled cheeses will be a favorite in our house for years to come. Read more
recipe Mozzarella Grilled Cheese
null null, null 08-23-2009
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This was fabulous!!
Rated: 5 stars out of 5

I may never make a conventional grilled cheese sandwich again.
recipe Mozzarella Grilled Cheese
marci Cove, UT 08-15-2009
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HOLY AMAZING PESTO!
Rated: 5 stars out of 5

That sandwich was so amazing and that pesto was freaking amazing! I loved it so much. I added turkey to my sandwich and... dipped it in balsamic vinegar and it took it to a whole new level. I'm never buying pesto again after this recipe, even if it is a little more expensive.Read more
recipe Mozzarella Grilled Cheese
Kristin Brookfield, CT 03-24-2009
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Perfect Go To!
Rated: 5 stars out of 5

This is the best pesto I have ever had. It is so delicious and easy and it pairs so well with the fresh mozzarella. It's a... mature version of grilled cheese. I have made this pesto several times, here are some of my ideas if anybody wants extras. Use as an appetizer by slicing up a baquette and speading it on top and then adding some fresh mozzarella and toasting in the oven. Also used on pizza instead of a red sauce, added some baby spinach and the fresh mozzy. It was so delicious, I felt like smoking a cigarette afterwards, lol. Also goes great with pasta, add some grilled chicken and serve either hot or cold. It really is my go to dish if I can't decide what to make. In fact, I think I will be making this weekend. Thanks for letting me share :) Happy cooking to you allRead more
recipe Mozzarella Grilled Cheese
Monica Santee, CA 03-02-2009
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Cheesy-Cheesy-Cheesy
Rated: 5 stars out of 5

I have never used fresh mozzarella before and what a difference!!! Absolutely delicious!
recipe Mozzarella Grilled Cheese
Leigh Fort Worth, TX 02-16-2009
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So Simple, So GOOD!
Rated: 5 stars out of 5

For being very simple and very easy, this sandwich is delicious! On the episode of Tyler's Ultimate, he didn't use tomato,... which we chose to leave out. FYI - the recipe for the pesto makes way more than enough for 2 sandwiches, which is great, as we used the leftover for pasta. The sourdough was perfect for contrast with the creamy cheese and the tangy pesto - my husband loved it and he is not a sourdough fan. One note - next time we'll skip oiling the grill pan. The amount of oil in the pesto, plus adding more on the outside of the bread made it a bit too soggy.Read more