Thank you so much for being here—because this is not just any grilled cheese. This Sun Dried Tomato Bacon Pesto Grilled Cheese is crispy, melty, herby, and packed with bold flavor in every bite. Whether it’s a lazy lunch or a cozy dinner with soup on the side, this sandwich brings serious gourmet energy to your kitchen—with barely any effort.
And if you’re all about quick comfort meals that go big on flavor, don’t forget to subscribe so more delicious inspiration finds its way to you.
What Is a Sun Dried Tomato Bacon Pesto Grilled Cheese?
It’s the grilled cheese you didn’t know you were craving. A savory twist on a classic, this sandwich stacks crispy bacon, creamy pesto, and sweet sun-dried tomatoes between two golden, buttered slices of bread—oozing with melted mozzarella or provolone.
It’s herby, cheesy, slightly tangy, and everything a comfort food should be—with just enough edge to feel a little fancy.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Made in minutes – Less than 15 to golden, gooey perfection
- Flavor-packed – Rich, tangy, smoky, herby, and cheesy
- Easy to customize with your favorite bread and cheese
- Perfect for solo lunches or casual entertaining
- Pairs perfectly with soup, salad, or even pasta
What Does It Taste Like?
This sandwich brings layers of flavor. The pesto is creamy and herby, the bacon adds crunch and saltiness, the sun-dried tomatoes bring a hit of sweet-tangy magic, and the cheese… oh, the cheese melts it all together in the dreamiest way.
One bite and you’ll wonder why you ever settled for plain grilled cheese.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 4 slices sturdy bread (like sourdough or Italian loaf)
- 4 slices cooked bacon
- 4–6 slices mozzarella or provolone cheese
- 2–3 tbsp sun-dried tomatoes in oil, chopped
- 2 tbsp basil pesto (store-bought or homemade)
- 2 tbsp butter (softened, for spreading)
Tools You’ll Need
- Skillet or griddle pan
- Spatula
- Butter knife
- Cutting board
- Small bowl (if mixing cheeses)
Ingredient Swaps & Add-Ins
- Cheese: Swap in gouda, fontina, havarti, or sharp cheddar
- Go meatless: Skip the bacon and add spinach or roasted peppers
- Bread: Use ciabatta, focaccia, or even a crusty baguette
- Make it spicy: Add a pinch of crushed red pepper or pepper jack cheese
- Add a swipe of mayo or mustard inside for extra tang
How to Make It
Step 1: Build the Sandwich
Spread butter on one side of each bread slice. Lay two slices down, buttered side out. Spread pesto on the inside. Layer cheese, bacon, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, and more cheese. Top with second bread slice, buttered side facing out.
Step 2: Grill It
Heat a skillet over medium heat. Cook sandwich 3–4 minutes per side, pressing gently with a spatula, until golden brown and the cheese is fully melted.
Step 3: Slice & Serve
Cut in half and serve hot. Dunk it, stack it, or eat it standing over the stove (I won’t judge).
What to Serve With It
This grilled cheese makes a perfect meal all on its own, but even better with:
- A bowl of tomato basil or roasted red pepper soup
- Simple greens with balsamic vinaigrette
- Kettle chips, pickles, or a handful of arugula
- Pair it with Creamy Garlic Salmon for a cozy surf-and-sandwich combo
- Add to your weekend menu with something from Quick Salmon Dinner Ideas
- Bake up one of these Copycat Bread Recipes to use in the sandwich itself!
Tips for the Best Grilled Cheese
- Low and slow heat melts the cheese without burning the bread
- Butter the outside generously for that perfect golden crunch
- Layer cheese on both sides of the fillings for extra hold and melt
- Chop sun-dried tomatoes finely so they distribute evenly
- Use a lid for a minute or two if the cheese isn’t melting fast enough
Storage & Reheating
- Store: Wrap in foil and refrigerate up to 2 days
- Reheat: Warm in a skillet or toaster oven to bring back the crispiness
- Avoid microwaving if you want to keep that crunchy exterior
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead?
You can, but they’ll be more watery. Sun-dried tomatoes bring concentrated flavor without making your sandwich soggy.
Can I make this ahead of time?
You can prep the sandwich and refrigerate it, then grill it fresh when you’re ready.
What’s the best cheese for this?
Mozzarella melts beautifully, but provolone, havarti, or gouda would all be delicious too.
Wrap-Up: A Next-Level Take on Grilled Cheese
This Sun Dried Tomato Bacon Pesto Grilled Cheese is the kind of sandwich that transforms an ordinary lunch into something memorable. With bold flavors, easy prep, and endless variation possibilities, it’s one of those recipes you’ll find yourself coming back to again and again.
Craving more flavor-packed comfort food? You’ll love:
- Quick Salmon Dinner Ideas – easy seafood meals for busy nights
- Creamy Garlic Salmon – rich, garlicky, and weeknight-perfect
- Copycat Bread Recipes – soft, cheesy, and perfect for sandwiches like this
Let’s Get Melty Together!
If you make this sandwich (and I really hope you do!), I’d love to see it. Share your grilled cheese glory on Pinterest and tag me at The Kitchen Joyy. It’s your creations that make this community so delicious 💛🧀🥓
Nutritional Info (Per Sandwich, Approx.)
- Calories: 520
- Fat: 32g
- Carbs: 34g
- Protein: 22g
- Sugar: 3g
- Fiber: 2g
