Sun-Dried Tomato Bacon Pesto Grilled Cheese Recipe

Thank you so much for dropping by today — it’s always a joy to share recipes that hit that sweet spot between simple and show-stopping. And this one? It’s giving café vibes without the café prices. The Sun-Dried Tomato Bacon Pesto Grilled Cheese is a flavor-packed, crispy, melty upgrade you didn’t know your grilled cheese needed — until now.

Savory pesto. Crisp, smoky bacon. Tangy sun-dried tomatoes. Ooey-gooey melted cheese. All between two buttery golden slices of pan-grilled bread. Yes. Please.

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What Is Sun-Dried Tomato Bacon Pesto Grilled Cheese?

This is grilled cheese, but make it gourmet. It takes under 15 minutes to whip up and has major flavor from just a handful of ingredients. The rich pesto, salty bacon, sweet sun-dried tomatoes, and melty cheese hit all the savory notes. It’s one of those sandwiches that feels fancy, but is secretly sooo easy.

Why You’ll Love This Grilled Cheese

• Huge flavor payoff for minimal effort
• Ready in 15 minutes — perfect for lunch, dinner, or a snacky dinner situation
• Totally customizable with what you have on hand
• Delivers big-time comfort food vibes without feeling heavy

What It Tastes Like

It’s a perfect storm of crispy, creamy, herby, salty, and just a little sweet. You get that signature grilled crunch, gooey cheese pull, fresh pesto brightness, and a punch of savory depth from the bacon and tomatoes. Basically, every bite is chef’s kiss.

Ingredients

• 2 slices sourdough, ciabatta, or thick sandwich bread
• 1 tablespoon softened butter
• 2 slices cooked bacon
• 1–2 tablespoons basil pesto
• 4–5 sun-dried tomato slices (oil-packed, patted dry)
• 2 slices mozzarella, provolone, or fontina
• Optional: sprinkle of Parmesan on the outside for extra crunch

Tools You’ll Need

• Skillet or griddle
• Spatula
• Knife for spreading
• Paper towels (for blotting bacon and tomatoes)
• Cutting board

Ingredient Swaps & Additions

• No bacon? Try thinly sliced grilled chicken or go meatless with roasted red peppers or sautéed mushrooms.
• No pesto? A garlic herb spread or even olive tapenade would work beautifully.
• Add-ins: Spinach, arugula, or a handful of caramelized onions take it to the next level.
• Cheese choices: Fontina, gouda, sharp white cheddar — go with your favorite melty pick!

How to Make Sun-Dried Tomato Bacon Pesto Grilled Cheese

1. Preheat your skillet over medium heat.
2. Butter one side of each bread slice.
3. Spread pesto on the unbuttered side of one slice.
4. Layer with cheese, bacon, sun-dried tomatoes, and second slice of cheese.
5. Top with the second slice of bread, buttered side out.
6. Grill for 2–3 minutes per side, until golden brown and cheese is melted.
7. Optional: press Parmesan onto the buttered bread before grilling for a crispy cheesy crust.
8. Let it rest 1 minute, then slice and devour while hot!

What to Serve With It

You could absolutely serve this with a classic tomato soup, but here are a few other delicious ideas that’ll round out the plate:

• A bright green salad or garlicky sautéed greens
• Sweet potato fries or tater tots
• Want a hearty pairing? Try these Twice-Baked Sweet Potatoes — cheesy, creamy, and full of flavor!
• Make it dinner-worthy with a side of Creamy Tuscan Shrimp Linguine — rich, silky, and full of herby depth
• Keeping it light? Pair with Healthy Spaghetti Squash Au Gratin for a lower-carb option that doesn’t skimp on cheesy comfort

Tips for the Best Grilled Cheese Ever

• Low and slow heat helps everything melt without burning the bread.
• Blot excess oil from the bacon and sun-dried tomatoes so the sandwich stays crisp.
• Use a lid on your skillet for 30 seconds to help the cheese melt evenly.
• Let it sit 1 minute after grilling so all that goodness doesn’t slide out when you cut it!

Storage & Reheating

• Best fresh, but you can wrap leftovers in foil and reheat in a skillet or toaster oven.
• Store in the fridge for up to 2 days.
• Not ideal for freezing, but definitely great for prepping in advance and grilling to order.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this vegetarian?
Yes! Just skip the bacon and double up on sun-dried tomatoes, or add in mushrooms or spinach.

Can I meal-prep this?
You can assemble the sandwich (ungrilled), wrap it in foil, and store it in the fridge to cook later.

Is this freezer-friendly?
Not really — the ingredients are best fresh and melty. Stick to fridge-storing for short-term leftovers.

Can I use different bread?
Absolutely — just choose a sturdy loaf like sourdough, ciabatta, or even focaccia.

Let’s Wrap It Up

This Sun-Dried Tomato Bacon Pesto Grilled Cheese is grilled cheese reimagined — bursting with flavor, perfectly crisp, and ready in no time. Whether you’re whipping it up for a cozy lunch, an easy weeknight dinner, or treating yourself to a gourmet solo meal, it’s got everything: comfort, crunch, and craveability.

Looking for more cozy, feel-good flavor combos? Try these:

• Creamy Tuscan Shrimp Linguine – rich and dreamy with fresh herbs and garlic
• Twice-Baked Sweet Potatoes – creamy, cheesy, and meal-prep friendly
• Healthy Spaghetti Squash Au Gratin – cheesy and satisfying with a low-carb twist

📌 Made it and loved it? Share your masterpiece on Pinterest and tag me at TheKitchenJoyy! I love seeing your cheesy creations in action! 🧀🥓🍅

Nutritional Information (Approx. Per Serving)

• Calories: 520
• Protein: 21g
• Fat: 33g
• Saturated Fat: 13g
• Unsaturated Fat: 17g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Sugar: 4g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sodium: 710mg
• Cholesterol: 65mg