This Open-Face Pesto, Cheddar, and Tomato Baguette Sandwich is the perfect quick and flavorful meal. With a delightful combination of garlicky pesto, sharp cheddar, and fresh cherry tomatoes atop crusty French baguette slices, this open-faced sandwich is a delicious explosion of flavor. It’s easy to make and ideal for a casual lunch or a light dinner. Enjoy it fresh out of the broiler, with gooey cheese and crisped edges.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

For the Pesto:

• Fresh basil leaves (roughly chopped)

• Toasted pine nuts

• Garlic cloves, peeled and chopped

• Olive oil

• Sea salt & freshly cracked black pepper

• Lemon juice

• Parmesan cheese (finely grated)

For the Sandwich:

• Crusty baguette (sliced in half)

• Sharp cheddar cheese (shredded)

• Fresh cherry tomatoes (sliced)

Directions

1. Make the Pesto:

   • In a food processor, combine the basil, toasted pine nuts, garlic, and olive oil. Process until roughly chopped. Add in the Parmesan cheese and pulse again until the pesto is smooth and creamy.

2. Prepare the Sandwich:

   • Slice the baguette in half lengthwise. Spread a generous layer of pesto on each half.

   • Top with sliced cherry tomatoes and a sprinkle of shredded cheddar cheese.

3. Broil the Sandwiches:

   • Preheat your broiler. Place the prepared sandwich halves on a baking sheet and broil for about 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly with a golden brown top.

4. Serve:

   • Once done, remove from the broiler and serve immediately, either on a plate or as a hand-held delight.

Nutrients (per serving)

• Calories: 350 kcal

• Carbohydrates: 32 g

• Protein: 13 g

• Fat: 21 g

• Saturated Fat: 8 g

• Cholesterol: 35 mg

• Sodium: 420 mg

• Potassium: 310 mg

• Fiber: 4 g

• Sugar: 6 g

• Calcium: 120 mg

• Iron: 2 mg

The Power of Pesto

The pesto in this sandwich is the real hero, offering a bold and garlicky flavor that complements the other ingredients beautifully. Made with fresh basil, toasted pine nuts, garlic, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil, the pesto brings a creamy texture and an herby brightness to each bite. The sharpness of the garlic and the richness of the Parmesan add depth to the sandwich, while the pine nuts give it a subtle nuttiness that rounds out the overall flavor.

Pesto is versatile and can be used in a variety of dishes beyond sandwiches. From pasta to roasted vegetables, its deep herbal flavors elevate any meal. In this recipe, the pesto acts as the perfect base, offering a fresh contrast to the creamy cheddar and the fresh, juicy tomatoes. The lemon juice in the pesto provides a touch of acidity, balancing the richness of the cheese and enhancing the overall taste of the sandwich.

The Ideal Cheese: Sharp Cheddar

Sharp cheddar cheese is a natural pairing with pesto, as its tangy, savory flavor cuts through the richness of the pesto and tomatoes. As the sandwich bakes under the broiler, the cheddar melts to create a gooey, cheesy topping that binds the pesto and tomatoes together. The crispy, golden edges of the cheese create a delightful texture, adding a bit of crunch to the otherwise smooth and creamy ingredients.

Cheddar cheese also brings a satisfying level of protein and calcium to the sandwich, making it a more filling and hearty option. While it may be a bit indulgent, the sharp flavor of the cheese ensures that the sandwich doesn’t become overwhelmingly rich. It provides just the right balance to the pesto and tomatoes, making each bite a harmonious experience.

Fresh Cherry Tomatoes for Brightness

Cherry tomatoes are the perfect topping for this sandwich, providing a burst of freshness and natural sweetness. Their juicy texture contrasts nicely with the crunchy baguette and melty cheese, adding a lightness to the dish. The tomatoes’ acidity also helps balance out the richness of the pesto and cheddar, ensuring that the sandwich doesn’t feel too heavy.

The burst of flavor from the tomatoes adds a delightful pop of color and brightness to the dish. Whether you use red, yellow, or a mix of both, these vibrant tomatoes enhance both the visual appeal and the taste of the sandwich. Their natural sweetness pairs beautifully with the savory pesto and cheese, making this sandwich a perfect example of how fresh, simple ingredients can create a dish that’s full of flavor.

Crusty Baguette: The Perfect Base

The foundation of this open-faced sandwich is a crusty baguette, which adds both texture and flavor to the dish. The crispy, toasted edges of the baguette contrast with the soft, melted cheese and the juicy tomatoes, creating a satisfying crunch in every bite. A good, fresh baguette adds an airiness to the sandwich, making it light despite its richness.

The baguette’s slight chewiness holds up well to the pesto and cheese, preventing the sandwich from becoming soggy. The bread absorbs just enough of the pesto without losing its structure, making each bite a perfect balance of crunch and softness. If you’re feeling adventurous, you could even try different types of bread—like sourdough or ciabatta—for a unique twist on this classic recipe.

Quick and Easy to Prepare

One of the best things about the Open-Face Pesto, Cheddar, and Tomato Baguette Sandwich is how quick and easy it is to make. Within just 15 minutes, you can have a delicious, comforting meal ready to enjoy. It’s a great option for a busy lunch or a light dinner when you don’t have much time to spend in the kitchen.

The pesto can be made in advance, allowing you to whip up the sandwich even faster when you’re ready to eat. With only a few simple steps—spreading the pesto, adding the tomatoes and cheese, and broiling—the sandwich is assembled in no time. The broiling step is key to achieving the perfect golden-brown crust on the baguette and melting the cheese to perfection.

Nutritional Benefits

While this sandwich is indulgent in flavor, it offers a good balance of nutrients as well. At 350 calories per serving, it’s a satisfying meal that won’t weigh you down. The carbohydrates from the baguette provide a steady source of energy, while the cheddar cheese adds protein and calcium to support muscle health and bone strength.

The pesto, made with fresh basil, olive oil, and pine nuts, offers healthy fats and antioxidants, which can help reduce inflammation and support heart health. The cherry tomatoes provide fiber, potassium, and vitamin C, making this sandwich not only delicious but also beneficial for overall health. The fiber content in the sandwich, thanks to the tomatoes and the whole-grain baguette (if you choose to use it), also supports digestion and keeps you feeling full longer.

Ideal for Casual Meals

The Open-Face Pesto, Cheddar, and Tomato Baguette Sandwich is a great choice for casual meals. It’s perfect for a quick lunch on a busy weekday or a light dinner on a warm evening. Because it’s so easy to make, it’s ideal for moments when you want something satisfying without spending a lot of time in the kitchen.

This sandwich also makes a great appetizer or snack for gatherings with friends or family. It’s simple to prepare in large quantities, and everyone will appreciate the delicious combination of pesto, cheese, and tomatoes. You can even get creative with different toppings—add olives, arugula, or a drizzle of balsamic glaze for a personal touch.

Conclusion

The Open-Face Pesto, Cheddar, and Tomato Baguette Sandwich is a deliciously simple dish that’s full of flavor. The combination of garlicky pesto, sharp cheddar cheese, fresh tomatoes, and crusty baguette creates a satisfying meal that can be enjoyed at any time of day. Quick and easy to prepare, this sandwich is a perfect option for those looking for a flavorful and satisfying meal without a lot of effort. Whether you’re enjoying it for lunch, dinner, or as a snack, this sandwich is sure to become a favorite in your recipe repertoire.