Hi Friends!
Well, I must say. You guys like your grilled cheese! I posted this photo in instagram yesterday and I think it’s one of my most “liked” photos ever! So, I thought I’d pop in and share the recipe!! It would make the perfect Meatless Monday lunch for next week!
Grilled cheese is one of my favorite things…and this is like a pumped up, super flavorful version! I can’t believe I’ve never thought of it before! You can find the original recipe over on Organic Valley’s website. I made just a few minor adjustments including using a little less oil in the pesto and leaving out the chilis.
Here’s what I did:
PrintGrilled Cheese With Pesto and Black Bean Spread
A simple, delicious grilled cheese sandwich that’s packed with flavor & some extra fiber!
Ingredients
- 1â4 cup toasted pumpkin seeds
- 1â4 cup Organic Valley Grated Parmesan
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1 bunch fresh cilantro (or 4–5 cups loosely packed)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1â2 teaspoon salt
- 1â2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1â4 cup olive oil
- 1 pint black beans (drained)
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- water as needed
- 2 sourdough bread slices
- 2–4 tablespoons pesto
- 2–4 tablespoons black bean spread
- 1–2 Organic Valley American Cheese Singles
- 2 teaspoons Organic Valley Cultured Butter
Instructions
- In a food processor combine the pumpkin seeds, parmesan, and garlic. Process for 15 seconds. Add the cilantro, salt, pepper and lemon juice. With the processor running, slowly add the olive oil until the pesto is fully pureed.
- Combine the black beans, lime juice and cumin in a bowl. Smash into a paste.
- Spread pesto on the inside of one slice of bread and top with cheese. Spread black bean spread on the inside of the other slice and place bean-side down on top of the other slice. Spread butter on the outsides of the bread and grill sandwich in skillet until browned on both sides and cheese is melted. Cut and serve immediately.
This would be delicious with a bowl of hot soup on a cold day. If you’re a meat lover, try adding some grilled chicken!
Let’s chat:
Are you a traditional grilled cheese lover or do you add extra “stuff” to yours?
Enjoy!
–Lindsay–
Disclosure: I was sent on Organic Valley coupon to purchase the cheese used in this recipe. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
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I was definitely one of many drooling over this on Instagram the other day! You can never go wrong with grilled cheese and I love that you used a cilantro pesto! YUM! And what a gorgeous photo! 🙂
Yum! I also saw this on instagram and am glad you posted the ingredient list. Great idea with the black beans. Although I love a classic GC, I also enjoy adding other fillers (particularly avocado)!
I am a “traditional” grilled cheese lover, but that picture definitely grabbed my attention! Maybe your recipe will make me a convert:) I have a random question for you that this post made me think of; what are you thoughts on cheese as part of healthy eating? It seems like health “experts” aimed towards weight loss frown on it but overall healthy lifestyle advocates who aren’t necessarily geared toward weight loss approve of cheese in moderation. Thoughts?
i think it can be part of any diet in moderation and with proper portion sizes!
Thank you for posting this!!! I remember drooling on instagram…. who knew that combination would work- although I will omit that terrible creation called cilantro. 😛
To my grilled cheese, I love adding vegemite. An Aussie duo- cheese and vegemite!
I love a good grilled cheese year round. Adding pesto has been a new favorite. Looks great Lindsay!
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I’m usually traditional but this looks awesome! Weird fact…I love dipping my grilled cheese in mustard!
perfect for the colder months! i’ve never made anything other than a traditional grilled cheese and you’re right – this is the perfect way to pump it up!!
This looks amazing!! Thanks for sharing!
Uhh YUM. So creative to add the black bean spread! I definitely want to try this soon!
Mmmm. The black means make it healthier, right? 😉
freakin brilliant!
My 3yo requests grilled cheese daily these days, and I’m always looking for more variations. Yours looks so yummy!! Have a great Thanksgiving, Lindsay!
Oh my gosh, this sounds so comforting! My stomach doesn’t agree with cheese unfortunately, but I’d totally go for the black bean spread and pesto combo… and some grilled chicken as you suggested. Have a great day Lindsay!
the grilled cheese picture definitely caught my eye…you can’t go wrong with a grilled cheese! I like them either way – classic or with fancy additions. That being said, I’m pretty sure my favourite is a classic cheddar grilled cheese with a lot of ketchup for dipping 😉
Love this twist on grilled cheese. I’m such a fan of sandwiches lately. They are so satisfying.
I LOVE a grilled cheese sandwich!
This is a great change from my typical sandwich! I love it, so many flavors in each bite!
These are great! I love a good grilled cheese and the spread makes this look extra delicious!
I happen to have some pesto and can’t wait to try it on a grilled cheese. Good idea!
This. sounds. AWESOME! I’m definitely trying this out with vegan “cheese!”
I love love grilled cheese and finding new twists, but I’ve never tried with with black beans before. Love this!
i was drooling over your instagram! total yum!!! thanks for sharing the recipe. can’t wait to try it.
You know what come to think of it I have only had a traditional grilled cheese, but the “add ons” seem like they would be delicious! I may have to give this a try!
I am making this today for lunch!! So delicious!!
Holy monkeys this sounds SO delicious!!!
WOW! What an amazing recipe! Grill cheese has always been a comfort food for me, but I’m loving your twist on it. Everything about this sounds fab!
This looks amazing! Thanks for posting your recipe. 🙂
I’m eager to try this fancy grilled cheese.
Just wondering…. Will you be announcing the winner of the Swanson giveaway?
Thanks!
God bless you!
I can’t wait to try this!
I remember seeing this photo on Instagram and thinking how yummy and delicious it looked! So not surprised it was your most liked photo 🙂 so glad you shared the recipe.
That looks so yummy!
You are my go to healthier food blog so if I have an ingredient in mind I want to use – I just search your recipe index and sometimes find something from quite a few years ago. These are quick, delicious, and more balanced than just a normal grilled cheese. I love the cilantro pesto – you are a recipe genius!!!
★★★★