This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Craigs Creamery. All opinions are 100% mine.
Pesto and cheddar grilled cheese panini melts are a fresh twist on your favorite grilled cheese and are super easy to make and extremely delicious! 
I’m always trying to make small changes to live a healthier lifestyle, one thing I have been paying closer attention to is product labels and researching the companies behind them. When I discovered Craigs Creamery, I was thrilled to learn the brand consists of a close-knit group of family-run farms dedicated to providing the freshest, all-natural New York dairy with the respect of the environment. I feel good about eating Craigs Creamery cheese because its products are sourced responsibly is the perfect addition to this green (environmentally friendly and pesto filled) grilled cheese sandwich!
This is not your typical grilled cheese. Cheddar and pesto take this grilled cheese to a whole new level and will make you rethink the way you eat grilled cheese. The crispy buttery crust, the vibrant pesto flavors, and the delicious Craigs Creamery Cheddar cheese make this pesto cheddar panini melt unforgettable.
This comes together in under 10 minutes and will become your new favorite lunch or anytime meal. 
To begin, you will need fresh pesto or a jar of your favorite pesto. Next, you will need sourdough bread. The last and most important ingredient in this grilled cheese panini is the cheddar cheese. For this sandwich, we are using Craigs Creamery Cheddar cheese. The cheese is creamy, delicious and a brand that is committed to sustainable practices – a win-win! This medium/mild cheddar cheese was recognized in the 2018 dairy products competition for class 1 American style cheese and won an award of excellence at the New York State Fair so why not use the VERY BEST cheese for this sandwich?!
Craigs Creamery was founded by eight family-run farms in upstate New York and focuses on sustainability and conserving natural resources. From composting to recycling and using solar panels, they are truly revolutionizing the dairy farming industry while reducing waste. One of the farms even features a state-of-the-art bio-digester that powers the entire creamery! It is powered by animal waste, which is also used to fertilize the fields, and expired food from the local community that otherwise would have gone to landfill. What’s better than eating good cheese and being conscious of the environment?!
Now that you’ve gathered all your ingredients, it’s time to get started on the recipe! To begin, simply spread a generous amount of pesto on one side of the bread. Next, place 2 slices (if using sliced) of Craigs Creamery Cheddar Cheese or slice a block of cheddar cheese into small slices and use as much cheese as you’d like! The last and final step is to close the sandwich and melt butter on a heavy-duty pan and grill the panini for 4-5 minutes, making sure there is plenty of butter on the bread. The more butter you use the crispier the crust will be!
To get those fancy grill lines, use a grill pan (the type with the grill marks on it) or a panini press if you have one! After the cheese is melted, slice the sandwich in half and enjoy!
Cheddar Pesto Panini Melts
Ingredients
- 2 slices of your favorite bread, I like to use crusty sour-dough
- 2 tablespoons pesto
- 2 slice Craigs Creamery Medium Cheddar Cheese, Can also use mild or sharp cheddar
- 2 tablespoons butter
Instructions
- Spread the pesto on one side of the bread then top with 2 slices of Craigs Creamery Cheddar Cheese. Close the sandwich and press firmly.
- Heat 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat.
- Place your sandwich in the skillet and spread another tablespoon of butter over the top of the sandwich.
- Cook on each side for about 4-5 minutes on low heat or until each side is a nice crispy golden brown and the cheese is melted.
I’m glad I am not the only one that loves crusty sourdough for a grilled cheese! This recipe sounds delicious.