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Turkey Pesto Grilled Cheese Sandwich Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.4 from 25 reviews
  • Author: Sofia
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Total Time: 15 minutes
  • Yield: 2 servings
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American

Description

This Turkey & Pesto Grilled Cheese Sandwich combines savory oven-roasted turkey, creamy basil pesto, and a blend of Monterey Jack and Cheddar cheeses melted between perfectly toasted sourdough bread for a deliciously satisfying meal.


Ingredients

Scale

Bread and Spreads

  • 4 slices sourdough bread, sliced 1/2″ thick
  • 1/4 cup mayonnaise or unsalted butter, softened
  • 1/4 cup basil pesto

Meat and Cheese

  • 6 ounces sliced turkey, oven-roasted, peppered, or smoked
  • 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese or Pepperjack cheese
  • 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese


Instructions

  1. Brown the Bottom Bread. Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Spread one tablespoon of mayonnaise or softened butter onto one slice of bread. Place the bread, butter side down, into the hot skillet.
  2. Add Pesto and Jack Cheese. Spread one tablespoon of the basil pesto over the top of the bread, then sprinkle 1/4 cup of the shredded Jack cheese over the pesto.
  3. Add Turkey and Cheddar Cheese. Lay half of the sliced turkey in an even layer on top of the pesto and Jack cheese. Sprinkle 1/4 cup of shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the sliced turkey.
  4. Top with more Pesto + Bread. Spread one tablespoon of pesto across a new slice of bread, then one tablespoon of mayonnaise or softened butter across the other side. Place the bread slice, pesto side down, onto the cheddar. Using a spatula, lightly press down on the sandwich.
  5. Cook, then Flip. Cook for 3 minutes, until browned on the bottom. Carefully flip the sandwich, and cook another 3 minutes until browned, and cheese is melted.
  6. Repeat. Repeat these steps to make your second sandwich.

Notes

  • Use a combination of Monterey Jack and Cheddar for a balanced cheesy flavor, or substitute with your favorite cheeses.
  • Mayonnaise or butter on the bread helps achieve a golden crispy crust—choose according to preference.
  • If you prefer a vegetarian option, substitute turkey with roasted vegetables or a plant-based deli slice.
  • To ensure even melting, cover the skillet with a lid for part of the cooking time if desired.
  • Serve immediately while the cheese is warm and gooey for the best experience.