Cooking Instructions

Prepare the Pesto: If you're making homemade pesto, gather fresh basil leaves, toasted pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, garlic, and lemon juice. In a food processor, blend these ingredients together, slowly adding olive oil until you achieve a smooth consistency.

Transfer the pesto to a bowl and set aside.

Cook the Bacon: Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the bacon strips and cook until crispy, about 4-5 minutes per side.

Once cooked, remove the bacon and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease. Chop the bacon into bite-sized pieces and set aside.

Assemble the Grilled Cheese: Spread softened butter on one side of each slice of bread. Flip the bread and spread basil pesto on the opposite side of two slices.

Layer mozzarella cheese on top of the pesto on these slices, and then sprinkle chopped sun-dried tomatoes and bacon on top of the cheese. Place the remaining slices of bread on top, buttered side facing outward.

Grill the Sandwich: Heat the same skillet and add a tablespoon of olive oil. Place the assembled sandwiches in the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side, pressing gently with a spatula.

Check for golden brown bread and melted cheese. If the cheese isn't melted, lower the heat and cook for an additional 2 minutes. Once cooked, remove the sandwiches from the pan.

Serve: Allow the sandwiches to cool for a minute before slicing. Serve with chips, salad, or soup for a complete meal.

Optionally, drizzle extra pesto on top or serve with marinara sauce for dipping.