The Tomato Basil Grilled Cheese Sandwich is nothing short of melt-in-your-mouth magic—a glorious marriage of creamy cheese, aromatic basil, sweet juicy tomatoes, and a punchy layer of pesto, all tucked between slices of golden, crackling bread. This instantly comforting sandwich strikes a perfect balance between decadence and freshness, making it an irresistible choice for lunch, dinner, or even a savory snack. Best of all, it’s unfussy and quick to whip up, yet tastes like you’ve wandered into a cozy café in Italy.

Tomato Basil Grilled Cheese Sandwich Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the joys of this Tomato Basil Grilled Cheese Sandwich is how a handful of everyday ingredients come together to create something truly special. Each component has a purpose—whether it’s adding richness, tang, or texture—and there’s plenty of room to personalize while preserving that iconic flavor profile.

Ciabatta bread: With its rustic crust and airy crumb, ciabatta crisps beautifully and forms the ideal base, though your favorite sandwich loaf will work as well.

Pesto (4 tablespoons): This vibrant spread delivers fresh, herby zing and an extra depth from cheese and pine nuts—homemade or store-bought both shine here.
Fontina (or mozzarella) cheese, 2-3 oz: You want a cheese that melts luxuriously; fontina brings subtle nuttiness, while mozzarella offers stretchy, gooey goodness.

Tomato, half medium: Sliced fresh tomato bursts with juicy sweetness, perfectly offsetting the other rich fillings.
Fresh basil leaves (8-10 large): Basil infuses every bite with its signature peppery, aromatic flair that holds this sandwich together in spirit and flavor.

How to Make Tomato Basil Grilled Cheese Sandwich

Step 1: Prep the Bread

Begin by laying out your slices of ciabatta (or chosen bread) on a clean surface; the bread’s thickness and open crumb are crucial for achieving that desired crispy exterior and soft interior. If you prefer, feel free to lightly brush the outsides with a bit of olive oil or softened butter for a golden finish.

Step 2: Spread the Pesto

Spoon about two tablespoons of pesto onto each slice of bread, spreading it all the way out to the edges so every mouthful has bold, herby flavor. Don’t skimp here—the pesto is what sets this Tomato Basil Grilled Cheese Sandwich apart from ordinary grilled cheese.

Step 3: Layer the Cheese

Add thinly sliced fontina or mozzarella on top of one pesto-slathered slice. Aim for even coverage, letting a little cheese come right to the edge; this helps it melt into every nook and cranny, promising stretches of gooey goodness in every bite.

Step 4: Add Tomatoes and Fresh Basil

Arrange your tomato slices over the cheese, then scatter the handful of basil leaves on the other slice of bread. The tomatoes will lend sweet, juicy bursts, while the basil leaves perfume the sandwich, bringing a fresh, unmistakable fragrance to this Tomato Basil Grilled Cheese Sandwich.

Step 5: Assemble and Grill

Carefully press your two prepared bread slices together, pesto sides in, gently pressing down to compact the fillings. Heat a skillet or sandwich press over medium heat (no need for fancy equipment—just a nonstick pan will do), then cook your sandwich, flipping once, until each side is deeply golden and the cheese has fully melted, about 3-4 minutes per side.

Step 6: Slice and Serve

Once perfectly crisp and oozing, remove the sandwich from the heat and let it rest for a minute. Using a sharp knife, slice the Tomato Basil Grilled Cheese Sandwich in half—on the diagonal for extra flair—and serve steaming hot to enjoy every element at its best.

How to Serve Tomato Basil Grilled Cheese Sandwich

Garnishes

If you’re feeling fancy, a scatter of freshly torn basil leaves or a light drizzle of balsamic glaze right over the top before serving adds color and an elegant, tangy finish. A little freshly cracked pepper brings out the aromatic notes of basil and tomato.

Side Dishes

The best companions for your Tomato Basil Grilled Cheese Sandwich are those that let its flavors shine. A bowl of tomato soup is a nostalgic classic, while a simple arugula salad tossed in lemon and olive oil, or a handful of kettle chips for crunch, all make perfect partners.

Creative Ways to Present

Cut your sandwich into strips for dipping, stack mini versions for a party platter, or serve with a skewer of cherry tomatoes and mozzarella balls on the side. It’s fun, approachable, and always looks irresistible—try serving open-faced for a “bruschetta meets grilled cheese” spin!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftovers (which, let’s be honest, is rare), wrap the cooled sandwich in foil or store in an airtight container in the fridge. It’s best enjoyed within one to two days—the bread stays decent, and the flavors actually meld together in a wonderful way.

Freezing

To freeze, wrap the completely cooled Tomato Basil Grilled Cheese Sandwich tightly in plastic wrap and foil. It can be stored frozen for up to a month; this is a great way to have a gourmet snack ready at a moment’s notice. Thaw overnight in the fridge for best results.

Reheating

For best quality, reheat your sandwich in a toaster oven or skillet over medium-low heat to help the bread crisp back up and restore the gooeyness of the cheese. A microwave is convenient but can make the bread soggier, so use it only if you’re in a pinch.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of bread for my Tomato Basil Grilled Cheese Sandwich?

Absolutely! While ciabatta provides a lovely texture and chew, whole grain, sourdough, or even hearty white sandwich bread all work beautifully—just aim for something sturdy enough to hold all the fillings.

What’s the best cheese to use?

Fontina brings a rich, melt-in-your-mouth quality, but mozzarella is a classic with its beloved stretch. Feel free to experiment with gouda, provolone, or even a sharp cheddar for a unique twist—just use something that melts well.

Can I make it vegan?

Definitely! Opt for your favorite dairy-free pesto and vegan cheese slices or shreds. There are fantastic vegan mozzarellas and pestos available that retain that luscious melt and herby punch you want in a Tomato Basil Grilled Cheese Sandwich.

How do I avoid soggy sandwiches?

Start with a sturdy bread and avoid overloading on tomatoes (pat them dry before layering). Cooking the sandwich over medium heat gives the bread time to crisp up as the cheese melts, helping everything stay crispy and delicious.

Can I add extra ingredients?

You bet! Thin slices of roasted red peppers, a sprinkle of chili flakes, or even a few pieces of prosciutto add exciting new layers, though the classic Tomato Basil Grilled Cheese Sandwich needs little extra to steal the show.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend the Tomato Basil Grilled Cheese Sandwich enough! It’s a special little celebration of simple ingredients, coming together for utterly satisfying results. Give it a try, experiment with your own twists, and share it with someone you adore—you just might make a new favorite tradition.

Tomato Basil Grilled Cheese Sandwich Recipe

★★★★★

5.2 from 17 reviews

Author: Mariam

Total Time: 15 minutes
Yield: 1 sandwich 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

This Tomato Basil Grilled Cheese Sandwich is a delicious twist on the classic grilled cheese, featuring fresh basil, ripe tomatoes, and gooey fontina cheese layered between slices of ciabatta bread spread with flavorful pesto.

Ingredients

Scale

Bread:

2 slices of ciabatta bread (or bread of choice)

Pesto:

4 tablespoons pesto

Cheese:

2–3 oz fontina cheese, sliced (or mozzarella cheese)

Fillings:

Half a medium tomato, sliced
A small handful of basil leaves (8-10 large basil leaves)

Instructions

Prepare the Sandwich: Spread pesto on both slices of bread. Place thinly sliced cheese on one slice of bread. Place sliced tomatoes and basil leaves on the other slice of bread. Put the two sides together and press the sandwich down.
Grill the Sandwich: Grill or toast your sandwich until the bread turns crunchy and brown and the cheese has melted.
Serve: Slice the sandwich in half, and serve the sandwich warm.

Notes

For added flavor, you can drizzle a little balsamic glaze inside the sandwich before grilling.
Experiment with different types of cheese for varied flavor profiles.

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 5 minutes
Category: Sandwich
Method: Grilling

Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 sandwich
Calories: 450 kcal

Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 800mg
Fat: 24g

Saturated Fat: 9g
Unsaturated Fat: 12g
Trans Fat: 0g

Carbohydrates: 40g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 18g

Cholesterol: 40mg

Keywords: Tomato Basil Grilled Cheese, Grilled Cheese Sandwich, Pesto Grilled Cheese