Garlicky Avocado Grilled Cheese with Tomato Pesto
A rich and crispy grilled cheese sandwich layered with creamy avocado, melted provolone, and tangy sun-dried tomato pesto. Seasoned onion-garlic butter gives the bread a deeply flavorful golden crust.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 1 sandwich
- Category: Sandwich
- Method: Pan Fry
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
3 tablespoons salted butter
2 teaspoons onion powder
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1 teaspoon dried thyme
2 slices whole wheat white bread or bread of your choice
1 tablespoon sun dried tomato pesto
1/2 avocado, mashed
4–5 slices provolone cheese
1 teaspoon olive oil
Instructions
- In a small bowl, combine the butter, onion powder, garlic powder, kosher salt, and dried thyme. Mash together until fully blended.
- Spread the onion-garlic butter mixture on one side of each slice of bread. Place the slices buttered-side down to build the sandwich.
- Layer several slices of provolone on the bottom slice of bread. Add the mashed avocado, then spread the sun-dried tomato pesto over it.
- Top with the remaining provolone slices and place the second slice of bread on top. Spread additional butter mixture on the outside.
- Heat a large non-stick skillet over low heat. Add the olive oil along with a small amount of the butter mixture.
- Place the sandwich in the skillet and cover with a lid. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes until the bread begins turning golden.
- Flip the sandwich and cook for another 2 to 3 minutes until the second side is crisp and golden and the cheese is fully melted.
- Serve hot while the cheese is gooey and the bread is crisp.
Notes
- Mozzarella, fontina, Monterey Jack, or white cheddar can be used instead of provolone.
- Sourdough, multigrain, or ciabatta bread work well in place of whole wheat white bread.
- Add crushed red pepper flakes or jalapeno slices for extra heat.
- Fresh tomato, spinach, or arugula can be added for extra flavor and texture.
- This sandwich is best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 1 day.
- Reheat in a skillet or toaster oven over low heat to restore crispness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 720 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 900 mg
- Fat: 48 g
- Saturated Fat: 20 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 24 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 6 g
- Protein: 24 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg
