Imagine taking the classic grilled cheese sandwich and transforming it into a gourmet masterpiece that'll make your taste buds dance with joy! This isn't just another sandwich - it's a culinary adventure that combines the creamy, melty goodness of traditional grilled cheese with a vibrant, nutrient-packed broccoli pesto that will revolutionize your lunch game. Get ready to elevate your comfort food experience with a recipe that's both indulgent and surprisingly healthy!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 2 servings
Ingredients
- 2 slices of bread
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1/4 cup basil leaves
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 clove garlic
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Butter for grilling
Instructions
- Begin by preparing the broccoli. Bring a small pot of water to a boil and add the broccoli florets. Blanch the broccoli for about 2-3 minutes until bright green and slightly tender. Drain and immediately transfer the broccoli to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process. Once cooled, drain again and set aside.
- In a food processor, combine the blanched broccoli, basil leaves, grated Parmesan cheese, and garlic clove. Pulse until the mixture is finely chopped.
- With the food processor running, slowly drizzle in the olive oil until the pesto reaches a smooth consistency. You may need to scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure everything is well combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Spread a generous amount of the broccoli pesto on one side of each slice of bread. Make sure to cover the bread evenly for maximum flavor.
- Heat a skillet or griddle over medium heat. Add a small amount of butter to the pan and let it melt, coating the surface evenly.
- Place one slice of bread pesto-side up in the skillet. Top with the second slice of bread, pesto-side down, to form a sandwich.
- Grill the sandwich for about 3-4 minutes on one side, or until golden brown and crispy. Carefully flip the sandwich using a spatula and add more butter to the pan if needed.
- Grill the other side for another 3-4 minutes until it is also golden brown and the cheese has melted.
- Once cooked, remove the sandwich from the skillet and let it rest for a minute before slicing it in half.
- Serve the broccoli pesto grilled cheese warm, optionally with a side of soup or salad for a complete meal.
Tips
- Use room temperature butter for easier spreading and more even browning
- Choose a good quality bread with a sturdy texture that can hold up to the moisture of the pesto
- Keep your heat at medium to prevent burning while ensuring the cheese melts completely
- Press down gently with a spatula while grilling to help the bread crisp evenly
- Let the sandwich rest for a minute after cooking to allow the cheese to set and prevent burning your mouth
- For extra flavor, consider adding a slice of sharp cheddar or provolone alongside the pesto
- If you don't have a food processor, you can finely chop ingredients by hand for a chunkier pesto texture
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 12g
Fat: 24g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 25mg
