This tomato grilled cheese sandwich is packed with fresh mozzarella, basil pesto and Parmesan. It’s ideal for a quick, satisfying lunch!
Tomato and cheese are a classic combination, and a grilled cheese with tomato is a natural fit. A basic tomato grilled cheese is tasty, but a few simple upgrades make it exceptional. This version adds fresh mozzarella for stretch, grated Parmesan for a flavor boost and a touch of pesto for brightness. Read on for tips to make the best tomato grilled cheese at home.
Tomato Grilled Cheese
This sandwich is straightforward to assemble. Focus on three essentials for the best result:
Which cheeses to use?
I recommend two cheeses. Fresh mozzarella provides the melty, gooey texture that makes a grilled cheese irresistible and gives the sandwich a Caprese-like character. A little Parmesan adds a savory, nutty punch and rounds out the flavor.
Which bread to use?
Because the filling can be slightly moist from tomatoes and pesto, choose a sturdy bread to hold everything together. Here I used a crusty sea-salt and black-pepper bloomer, which adds texture and a little extra flavor. Good alternatives are sourdough or a rustic Italian loaf.
Which tomatoes to use?
Any tomato will work, but pick the best-quality, freshest ones you can find. I prefer large, ripe vine-ripened or beef tomatoes sliced thick—about three slices per sandwich. Cherry or plum tomatoes are fine too, though they can be harder to contain inside the sandwich.
Process shots: butter the bread (photo 1), flip the slices (photo 2), add mozzarella (photo 3), add tomato (photo 4), drizzle pesto (photo 5), sprinkle Parmesan (photo 6), top with buttered bread (photo 7), fry both sides until golden (photo 8).
Tomato Grilled Cheese with Pesto
Pesto elevates this sandwich by adding herbaceous, garlicky notes that melt into the cheese and complement the tomato. Just a spoonful per sandwich gives a bright, fresh contrast to the rich cheese.
What to substitute for pesto?
If you don’t have pesto, fresh basil leaves are a great substitute. A pinch of dried basil can work in a pinch. For a different take, try fresh basil with a drizzle of balsamic glaze for a caprese-style flavor.
What else can you add?
Optional add-ins that work well include crispy bacon or sliced avocado. Beyond that, feel free to experiment with what you like.
Serving a Tomato Grilled Cheese
- Crisp/Chip Recommendation: Cheese & Onion or Roast Chicken flavored crisps pair nicely.
- Side Recommendation: Serve with spicy potato wedges for heat or a cool, creamy coleslaw for balance. A roasted red pepper soup also makes a lovely dunking partner.
Now for the full recipe so you can make this tomato grilled cheese yourself.
How to make a Tomato Grilled Cheese (Full Recipe & Video)
Tomato Grilled Cheese
Equipment
- Large frying pan and spatula
- Sharp knife and chopping board
- Paper towels
- Fine cheese grater
Ingredients
- 6 small/medium thick slices of bread (see notes)
- 2 x 125g fresh balls of mozzarella, sliced into 9 wedges in total (pat dry)
- 1/3 cup / 30g freshly grated Parmesan
- 3 large vine-ripened tomatoes, sliced (3 slices per sandwich)
- 3 tbsp pesto
- Butter, as needed
Instructions
- Butter one side of each bread slice. Place three slices butter-side-down in a cold pan (or two if that fits). Add three mozzarella wedges per sandwich, then three tomato slices. Drizzle with pesto and sprinkle with Parmesan.
- Top with the remaining slices of bread, butter-side-up. Turn the heat to medium and cook until the bottoms are golden, then flip and cook the other side until golden and the mozzarella is melted. Repeat with the remaining sandwich, slice in half and serve.
Quick Demo
Notes
a) Bread – Choose a sturdy loaf because the filling can be moist from tomato juices and pesto. A crusty bloomer, sourdough or Italian bread all work well.
b) Tomatoes – Use ripe, high-quality tomatoes for best flavor. Vine-ripened or beef tomatoes are ideal, but any fresh tomato will do.
c) Pesto Sub – Fresh basil is a good replacement if you don’t have pesto. Dried basil will also add some flavor.
d) Calories – Values are based on using approximately 1 tbsp butter per sandwich.
Nutrition:
More grilled cheese ideas:
- Mushroom Grilled Cheese
- Pickled Onion Grilled Cheese
- Apple Grilled Cheese
- Pesto Grilled Cheese
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