Meet your new favorite appetizer and soup dipper all in one: mini grilled cheese sandwiches with white cheddar and pesto!
This might be the easiest grilled cheese recipe I've ever shared. No really – the hardest part of the whole thing is slicing the baguette!
But these mini grilled cheese sandwiches are impressive, even without a ton of ingredients or time!
Serve them at Christmas parties (great for offering up individual portions so people don't have to reach into the same dish), or on the side with your favorite soup...or just make a bunch and eat them like a regular grilled cheese!
A quick heads up: this is one of those recipes where the ingredients amounts can vary for each person. It will depend on how thinly you slice your baguette, but this recipe makes about 14-16 sandwiches if you cut your baguette like this:
Mini Grilled Cheese Ingredients
This is ALL you need to make them for yourself:
- 1 long French baguette (about 300 g)
- Mayonnaise or butter for grilling the bread (I prefer mayonnaise for these because it helps get that really golden, crispy coating)
- Shredded white cheddar (I highly encourage you to shred it yourself from the block, here's why)
- Jarred or homemade pesto (I don't have a homemade pesto recipe, but the Classico brand store-bought pesto is great)
- Salt and pepper
Instructions
- First, you'll slice your baguette into thin slices, so you'll end up with about 28-32 slices.
- Spread mayonnaise or melted butter on ONE side of each piece of bread, then place the bread mayo-side-down.
- Spread a heaping teaspoon (or more if you'd like) of pesto on half of the bread slices.
- Top the pesto with a heaping tablespoon or two of shredded white cheddar. Add some fresh black pepper and a sprinkle of sea salt on each. Then close each sandwich.
- Heat a large pan on medium heat, let it heat for about 5 minutes before adding the mini grilled cheese sandwiches to the pan. (Depending on the size of your pan, you can cook about 5-7 sandwiches at once)
- Cook on each side for 3-4 minutes or until the bread is golden and crispy.
- Serve hot with your favorite soup, or offer them up on a platter!
Mini Grilled Cheese Variations
Feel free to get creative with this recipe! Here are a few ideas:
- Add some red pepper flakes on each sandwich to add some spice
- Use cheddar, goat cheese, gruyere, provolone, or your other favorite cheese
- Add some blistered or sundried tomatoes to each sandwich
Mini Grilled Cheese Sandwiches with White Cheddar & Pesto
Ingredients
- 1 long French baguette sliced thin
- 2 cups white cheddar shredded
- ¾ cup pesto jarred or homemade
- mayonnaise or butter for grilling the bread
- salt and pepper
Instructions
- Slice your baguette into thin slices, so you'll end up with about 28-32 slices. Spread mayonnaise or melted butter on ONE side of each piece of bread. Place the bread mayo-side-down.Spread a heaping teaspoon (or more, to taste) of pesto on half of all the bread slices. Top the pesto with a heaping tablespoon or two of shredded white cheddar. Add some fresh black pepper and a sprinkle of sea salt on each. Then close each sandwich.
- Heat a large pan on medium heat, let it heat for about 5 minutes before adding the sandwiches to the pan. (Depending on the size of your pan, you can cook about 5-7 sandwiches at once)Cook on each side for 3-4 minutes or until golden and crispy.
- Serve hot with your favorite soup, or offer them up on a platter!
There you have it! I hope you October's grilled cheese of the month! (Check out past months' recipes here)
Talk to you soon!
XO,
C
Kelsey
This is my favorite way to make grilled cheeses!! I like it better with butter because when the baguette soaks it up it is absolutely pristine. I covered the pan while making them, but honestly i don't know why lol it tasted great though!
Chelsea Kram – XO&So: Vegetarian Comfort Food
Awesome!! So glad you like them! XO