Mozzarella Grilled Cheese
by Karen Mussoline
Email:kmussoline@icloud.com

URL Source: http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/mozzarella-grilled-cheese-recipe-1953213
Source: Food Network Tyler Florence
Course: Sandwiches
Cuisine: Italian
Food Group: Cheese
Serves: 2

Ingredients

4 slices thick-cut sourdough bread
1 pound(s) ball fresh mozzarella, cut into 1/4-inch slices
2 plum tomatoes, cut into thick slices
1 cup(s) Basil Pesto, recipe follows
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
Extra-virgin olive oil
BASIL PESTO
1/2 cup(s) pine nuts
2 cup(s) fresh basil leaves
1 cup(s) fresh Italian parsley leaves
1/2 cup(s) Parmesan or Romano
2 clove(s) garlic
1/2 teaspoon(s) salt
1/2 cup(s) extra-virgin olive oil

DIRECTIONS

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.

Basil Pesto:

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.

Notes: