Start with your rustic Italian bread. I always pick a loaf that has character—a crust that speaks! Spread half a tablespoon of creamy butter on one side of each slice. Then, sprinkle a pinch of garlic powder across the butter. This is where we start building flavor.

Next, flip the bread over and spread half a tablespoon of zesty basil pesto on the non-buttered sides of each slice. The aroma of it wafting through the kitchen is one of my favorite moments of possible sensory overload.

Now comes the fun part—layer your ingredients! On one slice of bread, place your juicy tomato slices. Follow it up with the creamy provolone cheese and then the mild cheddar cheese. If you’re a meat lover, add your smoked turkey or ham at this point. Now, the second slice of bread goes on top, pesto side down.

I like to heat a skillet over medium heat. Once it’s warm, place your sandwich in the skillet. Here’s a pro tip: press it down gently with a spatula. This helps the cheese melt evenly. After about 3-4 minutes, check for golden-brown perfection. We flip it over and toast the opposite side in the same way.

Once both sides are toasted and the cheese is ooey-gooey, your sandwich is ready to be devoured. Slice it in half and prepare for that delightful ooze!