Grilled Brie Sandwiches with Honey, Pistachio & Kale Pesto
Taylor
Photo by Bobbi Lin
- Serves
- 4 sandwiches
- Prep Time
- 15 Minutes
- Cook Time
- 7 Minutes
This is a sweeter, more decadent take on a classic grilled cheese that proves that simpler is also often superior. I made this with rich Brie, but fresh mozzarella would also work beautifully.
Ingredients
For the pesto
- 1 cup packed torn kale leaves
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/3 cup shelled, roasted pistachios
- 1 1/2 teaspoon lemon juice
- 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon grated lemon zest
- 2 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoon chopped fresh basil
For the sandwiches
- 1/2 cup prepared kale pesto (recipe above)
- 8 slices high-quality crusty white bread, such as French bread
- 4 ounce Brie
- 4 tablespoon salted butter, divided
Featured Video
WHO: Like Madonna, Taylor is a one-named wonder (and she's also a recent law school graduate living in North Carolina).
WHAT: A grilled cheese for springtime.
HOW: Make a pesto with honey, kale, pistachios, and lemon juice. Sneak a spoonful of it, then smear it onto some good bread, add some Brie, and grill your sandwich to crispy, golden, cheesy perfection.
WHY WE LOVE IT: Before you have a bite of this sandwich, we have to warn you: It will make you a snob. From that moment on, whenever someone offers to make you their grilled cheese, you'll refuse it—you've already had the best. So keep your friends and grill them a double batch—the sweet kale pesto will grab their attention, but the honey and pistachio inside will guide their way to a second helping.
Directions
For the pesto
- Step 1
Combine all ingredients in a food processor and blend very well until smooth. Taste and adjust salt as necessary.
For the sandwiches
- Step 1
Spread 2 tablespoons of pesto on 4 slices of bread; set aside.
- Step 2
Slice the Brie and divide it evenly among the remaining 4 slices of bread.
- Step 3
Put the pesto-covered bread, pesto side down, on each Brie-covered slice of bread.
- Step 4
Heat a large skillet over medium heat and melt 2 tablespoons of butter in it. Add the sandwiches to the skillet.
- Step 5
Cook the sandwiches until golden brown on one side, about 3 to 4 minutes.
- Step 6
When ready to flip the sandwiches, transfer them to a plate and add the remaining 2 tablespoons butter to the skillet.
- Step 7
Once the butter is melted, add the sandwiches back to the skillet with the un-grilled side facing down. Cook for an additional 3 minutes, until the cheese is fully melted and the bread is crisp and golden brown on each side.
- Step 8
Remove from the skillet, cut each sandwich in half, and serve immediately.