Pesto Grilled Cheese with Bacon & Tomatoes

A melty grilled cheese taken to the next level with crispy bacon, juicy tomatoes, and a vibrant basil pesto—all hugged between golden, buttery slices of bread.

We all know and love the classic grilled cheese: golden, gooey, and perfect with a bowl of soup. But every once in a while, it’s time to give the comfort food a little glow-up. Enter: Pesto Grilled Cheese with Bacon and Tomatoes.

This sandwich still has all the satisfying, melty cheese pull you want—but it’s layered with flavor:
- Fresh basil pesto that brings a herby punch
- Juicy, ripe tomato slices for freshness and tang
- Crispy bacon for salty crunch
- Perfectly toasted bread that’s buttery and crisp on the outside

It’s a mashup of a BLT and a Caprese, grilled cheese-style. And the best part? It’s easy, fast, and made with pantry-friendly ingredients. Whether it’s a rainy day lunch or a lazy dinner with a glass of wine, this sandwich delivers on flavor and comfort.

Tips for Grilled Cheese Perfection

• Low and slow is key: use medium heat so the cheese melts while the bread crisps evenly.

• Layer cheese on both sides if using very juicy tomatoes to prevent sogginess.

• Pat your tomato slices dry before assembling to avoid excess moisture.

• Want a little zing? Add a few fresh basil leaves or a smear of mustard. Storage

Make-Ahead Tips

• Cook bacon in advance and store in the fridge for up to 3 days.

• Assemble sandwiches ahead of time and refrigerate—just toast when ready to eat.

Variations

• Swap bacon for turkey, prosciutto, or roasted red peppers.

• Use ciabatta, brioche, or whole grain bread for different textures.

• Add a sprinkle of Parmesan on the outside of the bread before grilling for a crispy cheese crust.

This Pesto Grilled Cheese with Bacon & Tomatoes is what grilled cheese dreams are made of—ooey, gooey, a little salty, a little fresh, and so satisfying. It feels gourmet, but comes together in minutes. The kind of meal that makes you close your eyes for that first bite and wonder why you don’t make it every week.

Pair it with a crisp salad or cozy soup, and you’ve got a meal that’s simple but special.

Yield: 2 Sandwiches

Print

With ImageWithout Image

Pesto Grilled Cheese with Bacon & Tomatoes

Prep time: 10 MinCook time: 10 MinTotal time: 20 Min

A melty grilled cheese taken to the next level with crispy bacon, juicy tomatoes, and a vibrant basil pesto—all hugged between golden, buttery slices of bread.

Cook modePrevent screen from turning off

Ingredients

• 4 slices sourdough or bread of choice
• 4 slices cheddar, mozzarella, or fontina (or mix!)
• 2–4 tbsp basil pesto (store-bought or homemade)
• 4 strips crispy bacon, cooked
• 1 medium tomato, thinly sliced
• 2 tbsp butter, softened (for the bread)
• A pinch of red pepper flakes (Optional)
• A drizzle of balsamic glaze for serving (Optional)

Instructions

1. Heat a large nonstick or cast-iron skillet over medium heat.
2. Butter one side of each slice of bread.
3. On the unbuttered side of two slices, spread a generous layer of pesto.
4. Layer with cheese, bacon, and sliced tomatoes.
5. Season tomatoes with a small pinch of salt and pepper for extra flavor.
6. Top with remaining bread slices, buttered side out.
7. Place the sandwiches in the preheated skillet. Cook for 3–4 minutes per side, pressing down gently, until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted.
8. Lower heat if needed to avoid burning before the cheese melts.
9. Let the sandwiches sit for 1 minute before slicing. Serve warm—optionally with a drizzle of balsamic glaze, side salad, or a cup of tomato soup.

Notes

Tips for Grilled Cheese Perfection

• Low and slow is key: use medium heat so the cheese melts while the bread crisps evenly.
• Layer cheese on both sides if using very juicy tomatoes to prevent sogginess.
• Pat your tomato slices dry before assembling to avoid excess moisture.
• Want a little zing? Add a few fresh basil leaves or a smear of mustard.

Nutrition Facts

Calories

749

Carbs

27 g

Cholesterol

106 mg

Fat

61 g

Fiber

2 g

Net carbs

24 g

Protein

23 g

Sat. Fat

29 g

Sodium

1030 mg

Sugar

15 g

Nutritional information is only an estimate. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed.