Roasted Asparagus Tomato Pesto Melt: The Ultimate Vegetarian Spring & Summer Sandwich

There are some dishes that just stick with you, becoming a staple in your culinary repertoire. This Roasted Asparagus Tomato Pesto Melt is precisely one of those. Inspired by my dear friend Melissa, who masterfully created countless variations, the core elements always remained the same: exceptional sourdough bread, juicy ripe tomatoes, and a generous layer of fragrant pesto. While Melissa sometimes added turkey or experimented with different cheeses and condiments, my rendition for the warmer months is a consistently vegetarian delight, often prepared on the grill for that perfect char and smoky flavor.

This open-faced sandwich is more than just a meal; it’s a celebration of fresh, seasonal ingredients. As spring blossoms into summer, our palates crave lighter, more vibrant flavors, and this melt delivers exactly that. It’s incredibly satisfying, yet feels fresh and invigorating, making it an ideal choice for a leisurely weekend lunch, a quick weeknight dinner, or even a sophisticated picnic item.

Choosing Your Perfect Sourdough Bread

The foundation of any great sandwich is its bread, and for this Roasted Asparagus Tomato Pesto Melt, sourdough is non-negotiable. Its distinct tangy flavor and robust, chewy texture stand up beautifully to the rich pesto and the moisture from the tomatoes and asparagus. It toasts wonderfully, creating a satisfying crunch that complements the soft, melty ingredients within.

My go-to choice often comes from Boudin Bakery in Costa Mesa, a true institution known for its authentic San Francisco-style sourdough. I always make sure to keep a few sliced loaves in my freezer, ready for spontaneous sandwich cravings. However, don’t feel limited! Any high-quality, crusty country loaf or sturdy artisan bread will work beautifully. The key is to choose a bread that can handle being thickly sliced and toasted without falling apart, providing that essential structural integrity and delightful chew. A good slice of bread not only carries the ingredients but also contributes significantly to the overall flavor experience.

How to Create Your Flavorful Roasted Asparagus Tomato Pesto Melt

Crafting this delicious melt is surprisingly simple, relying on a handful of fresh, high-quality ingredients that truly shine when combined. Beyond your chosen bread, the stars of the show are perfectly roasted asparagus, plump ripe tomatoes, your favorite meltable cheese, and a generous spread of aromatic basil pesto. Let’s break down each component to ensure your sandwich reaches its full potential.

The Art of Roasting Asparagus

Roasting is, without a doubt, my favorite way to prepare asparagus. It brings out a subtle sweetness and creates a tender-crisp texture that’s simply irresistible. This method is incredibly versatile, making roasted asparagus a fantastic addition to numerous dishes. You’ll find it featured in other recipes on my site, like my Mediterranean Pasta Salad or my Warm Quinoa with Roasted Asparagus and Peppers – it truly is the only way to go for maximum flavor!

Here’s how to achieve perfectly roasted asparagus:

While your asparagus roasts, you can prepare the other components. Slice your ripe tomatoes into thick rounds – two per sandwich slice is generally perfect for a substantial bite. Once the asparagus is done, remove it from the oven and set it aside to cool slightly.

Assembling Your Delicious Pesto Melt

The key to a non-soggy, perfectly textured melt is to toast your bread *before* adding the pesto. This creates a barrier, preventing the bread from absorbing too much moisture. Whether you’re using a toaster, a hot pan, or the grill, aim for a golden-brown crispness.

Once your sourdough is perfectly toasted, generously spread about two heaping tablespoons of basil pesto onto the bread. Whether you opt for a convenient store-bought variety or indulge in the vibrant flavors of homemade pesto, ensure it’s spread evenly across the surface. Next, artfully arrange about five to six spears of your freshly roasted asparagus, creating a flavorful bed for the next layer. Top the asparagus with your thick slices of ripe tomato – the natural sweetness of the tomato provides a wonderful contrast to the savory pesto and earthy asparagus. Finally, crown your creation with slices of meltable cheese.

For this particular melt, I used a fantastic Cheddar Gruyere cheese, which I found at my local store. Its sharp, nutty notes and superb melting capabilities make it an excellent choice. However, any sharp, good-quality meltable cheese will work beautifully. Think sharp cheddar, provolone, fontina, or even a robust Asiago. The goal is a cheese that becomes delightfully gooey and slightly browned under heat, enveloping all the flavors.

With your sandwich assembled, you have two excellent options for melting the cheese: the broiler or the grill. If using the broiler, place the open-faced sandwich on a baking sheet and broil for approximately 5-10 minutes, keeping a close eye on it until the cheese is bubbling and golden. If you’re using a grill, place the assembled sandwich directly on the grates over medium heat, closing the lid if possible, until the cheese is perfectly melted and the bread has developed appealing grill marks. Once ready, remove from the heat, carefully transfer to a plate, and for an extra burst of flavor and a touch of elegance, drizzle some additional basil pesto on top, finishing with a crack of fresh black pepper.

This Roasted Asparagus Tomato Pesto Melt is incredibly filling. Typically, a half-sandwich is more than enough for a satisfying serving, especially when you’re using generously sized bread slices. It’s a complete meal in itself, offering a wonderful balance of textures and flavors that truly sing in harmony.

Delicious Variations to Personalize Your Melt

One of the joys of cooking is customization, and this Pesto Melt recipe is wonderfully adaptable. While the classic combination is fantastic, here are some ideas to make it uniquely yours, especially if asparagus isn’t your favorite or you’re looking to explore new flavors:

• Substitute grilled zucchini or eggplant for asparagus: Both vegetables offer a similar tender texture and take on a beautiful smoky flavor when grilled, making them excellent alternatives.
• Experiment with different cheeses: Instead of sharp cheddar, try fresh mozzarella for a milder, stringier melt, provolone for a tangier kick, or even goat cheese for a creamy, earthy note.
• Add protein for a heartier meal: For non-vegetarians, consider adding thinly sliced smoked turkey, deli ham, or even grilled chicken breast. A pesto mayo (pesto mixed with mayonnaise) can add an extra layer of flavor and moisture.
• Incorporate roasted peppers: Sweet roasted red peppers bring a lovely sweetness and vibrant color, complementing the pesto and tomato beautifully.
• Explore different types of pesto: While basil pesto is classic, don’t hesitate to try sun-dried tomato pesto, kale pesto, or even a walnut pesto for a different flavor profile.
• Vary your bread choice: While sourdough is highly recommended, a robust ciabatta, a rustic Italian loaf, or even a thick-cut whole-grain bread can provide a different base.
• Boost with extra fresh herbs: A few fresh basil leaves torn over the top after melting adds an extra aromatic touch.
• Drizzle with balsamic glaze: A hint of sweet and tangy balsamic glaze can elevate the flavors even further.
• Add a layer of greens: A handful of fresh arugula or spinach added after melting provides a peppery bite and a refreshing texture.

No matter how you customize it, this open-faced melt remains a testament to simple ingredients coming together to create something truly extraordinary. It’s a perfect illustration of how fresh, quality produce, paired with robust flavors like pesto and sourdough, can transform a humble sandwich into a memorable meal.

Inspired by this recipe? We’d love to see your creations! Make sure to mention us or tag us on Instagram. All content and photographs © Claudia’s Table and claudiastable.com.

Roasted Asparagus Tomato Pesto Melt Recipe

Roasted Asparagus Tomato Pesto Melt

By: Ana | Claudia’s Table

Date: April 19, 2021

This Roasted Asparagus Tomato Pesto Melt was something my dear friend Melissa always made for herself. She made different iterations but always good bread, tomato and pesto.

Prep Time:
20 mins

Cook Time:
20 mins

Total Time:
40 mins

Course:
Lunch, Snack

Cuisine:
American, Italian

Servings:
1

Calories:
583 kcal

Equipment

• Broiler safe baking sheet

Ingredients

• 1 large sourdough bread, thickly sliced
• 5 spears asparagus, roasted
• 2 sliced ripe tomato
• 2 slices sharp cheddar cheese (or Cheddar Gruyere)
• 2 tbsp basil pesto (store bought or homemade)
• Fresh cracked pepper, to taste

Instructions

How to assemble the melt

1. Preheat broiler or grill to medium-high heat.
2. Toast the bread slice until golden and crisp.
3. Once the bread is toasted, add 2 heaping tablespoons of Pesto onto the bread and spread evenly.
4. Add 5-6 spears of Roasted Asparagus over the pesto.
5. Place tomato slices on top of the asparagus.
6. Place slices of cheese on top of the tomato.
7. Place the open-faced sandwich under the broiler for about 5-10 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbling, or grill until the cheese is melted and the bread has grill marks. Watch carefully to prevent burning.
8. Remove from heat, drizzle extra pesto on top of the sandwich to taste, and finish with freshly cracked pepper.

Notes

Cooking times include roasting asparagus. Nutritional information is calculated online and should be used as a guide.

Nutrition

Serving: 1 slice

Calories: 583 kcal

Keyword: hot sandwich, open faced sandwich, Roasted Asparagus, Sandwich melt

All content and photographs © Claudia’s Table and claudiastable.com.

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