Cheese, tomato and pesto toastie

Method 1

Ingredients

1 tsp pesto

2 slices bread

40g/1½oz cheese, such as cheddar or mozzarella, grated or sliced

1 medium tomato, thinly sliced

freshly ground black pepper

1 tbsp olive oil

salad, to serve

Spread the pesto over the bread, then top one slice with the cheese and tomato. Grind over some black pepper and sandwich the two pieces of bread together.

Heat the oil in a large non-stick frying pan and lower the sandwich into the pan with a spatula. Cook over a low-medium heat for 3 minutes or until the underside of the bread is golden brown and the cheese has begun to melt. Flip the toastie over and cook for 2–3 minutes more or until both sides are golden and the cheese has fully melted.

Remove from the pan, slice in half and serve hot, with salad.

Method 2

📝 Ingredients (Serves 1)

2 slices of good-quality bread (sourdough, wholemeal, or white)

2–3 slices of tomato

1–2 tablespoons of green pesto (jarred or homemade)

2–3 slices of cheese (mozzarella, cheddar, or your favorite melting cheese)

1 tsp butter or olive oil (optional, for toasting)

🥄 Optional Add-ons

A handful of fresh spinach or basil leaves

A pinch of salt and pepper

Chilli flakes (if you like a kick)

🔥 Instructions

Preheat a sandwich press, frying pan, or grill.

Butter the outsides of the bread (if using).

Spread pesto on the inside of one or both slices.

Layer cheese and tomato on one slice. Add optional extras like spinach or seasoning.

Top with the second slice of bread.

Toast for 3–5 minutes until golden brown and cheese is melted.

Serve hot, ideally with a side salad or crisps.

Comments

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