20-Minute Tomato Pesto Grilled Cheese Sandwich
This indulgent grilled cheese sandwich layers creamy pesto, melted mozzarella, and fire-roasted tomatoes between buttery sourdough bread. Inspired by Dunkin's popular menu item, it delivers restaurant-quality flavor at home with its perfect balance of tangy pesto, rich cheese, and smoky tomatoes. The double-cheese technique ensures maximum meltiness, while the pesto adds an herby complexity that this comfort food classic. Perfect for lunch, dinner, or whenever you crave something warm and satisfying.
Ingredients
- 4 thick slices bread, use sourdough for copycat version
- 4 tablespoons pesto
- 4 slices mozzarella cheese, or provolone
- 1 can fire roasted tomato, or 4-8 thin slices fresh tomatoesfresh tomatoes4-8 slices per canvegetarian
fresher taste
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons parmesan cheese
Instructions
- 1
Butter one side of all bread slices with about half tablespoon each and set butter side down
- 2
Spread one tablespoon of pesto on the opposite side of each bread slice
- 3
Top two slices on the pesto side with one slice of cheese, sliced tomatoes, about half tablespoon parmesan, another piece of cheese, then top with another bread slice pesto side down
- 4
Cook on medium heat until the bottom slice is golden, then flip and repeat on the other side
- 5
Sprinkle remaining parmesan on top before serving
Tips
Use thick sourdough bread for the most authentic Dunkin copycat experience and better structural integrity
Cook on medium heat to ensure the cheese melts completely before the bread burns
Layer the cheese on both sides of the filling to create maximum meltiness and prevent ingredients from falling out
Good to Know
Wrap in foil and refrigerate up to 2 days, reheat in skillet
Can assemble sandwiches up to 2 hours ahead, keep covered at room temperature
Serve immediately while cheese is melted and bread is crispy
Common Mistakes
Use medium heat to avoid burning bread before cheese melts
Don't skip buttering the outside for proper golden crust
Layer cheese on both sides of filling to prevent ingredients from sliding out
Substitutions
Dairy-Free Swaps
General Alternatives
fresher taste
FAQ
Can I use different types of cheese?
Yes, provolone, cheddar, or swiss work well. Use good melting cheeses for best results and maintain the double-layer technique.
What if I don't have fire roasted tomatoes?
Fresh tomato slices work perfectly. Use 4-8 thin slices depending on tomato size, and pat dry to prevent soggy bread.
How long does this keep in the refrigerator?
Assembled sandwiches keep 2 days wrapped in foil. For best quality, store components separately and assemble when ready to cook.