I didn’t know exactly what to expect when I ordered Dunkin’s new Tomato Pesto Grilled Cheese, but I didn’t have particularly high hopes. I was intrigued by the concept, but when a sandwich has only four ingredients, there isn’t much room for error. It seems an especially risky move when you consider that the majority of this restaurant’s foods are round breakfast items whose flaws can be covered in icing or cream cheese. The toasted sandwich features two slices of sourdough bread, nut-free pesto, white cheddar cheese, and oven-roasted tomatoes.
I guess I was wrong to doubt Dunkin’ because this is legitimately good! I ordered it twice in one week, and both times the sandwich was nicely crafted with perfectly toasted bread and melty cheese. It comes in a cardboard box which won’t retain its heat for long, and like any grilled cheese, you should probably try to eat it right away while at peak meltiness.
The bread doesn’t have a robust sourdough tang, but it’s got more heft than regular white bread and a bit more flavor. As someone with a sourdough starter in their fridge (that gets fed as often as a goldfish but rarely becomes an actual loaf), I felt compelled to isolate some bread to taste on its own. You’d probably only be disappointed that it isn’t more sour if you really love sourdough, and I think most people would be pleased with this milder version.
I love a good tomato but find them normally disappointing additions in the fast food world – pale, mealy slices that you fling off after the first bite and wish they’d been left off altogether. Here that problem is solved by oven roasting, concentrating the flavors and bringing out their best sweet and savory qualities. The first time I tried this, the tomatoes were a bit chewy and more akin to the sun-dried variety, but they were tender and juicy the second time. Both were enjoyable in their own ways and definitely not the kind of thing I felt the need to pick off.
Each sandwich has one thick slice of white cheddar, and while some might want more cheese on something that touts itself as a grilled cheese, I found the amount appropriate. I assume no one would order this unless they like pesto, and the spread delivers where it should, on par with most store-bought pestos I’ve tried. It strikes a nice herby balance without being too garlicky. When I lifted my sandwich, I noticed the parts of the bread the pesto had seeped into looked a bit like a science experiment in a petri dish, but hey, I’d rather the pesto be bright green than an oxidized brown.
Overall I found this sandwich to be a delightful surprise. It’s higher quality than I anticipated, and the only real issue is that all the filling ingredients contribute to a pretty oily situation. If you’re looking for something to eat while driving or on the go, this isn’t it. It doesn’t come sliced in half, and while you might manage to keep it from dripping on you, you aren’t going to be able to avoid the grease-slicked fingers. If you’re looking to change up your usual Dunkin’ routine, I highly suggest grabbing some napkins and giving this one a try.
Purchased Price: $5.29
Size: N/A
Rating: 8 out of 10
Nutrition Facts: 520 calories, 22 grams of total fat, 9 grams of saturated fat, 0 grams of trans fat, 45 milligrams of cholesterol, 1110 milligrams of sodium, 60 grams of total carbohydrates, 5 grams of dietary fiber, 4 grams of sugar, and 20 grams of protein.
Looks great. This is similar to one of my favorite sandwiches, except the one I make also has chicken (or lately, tofu) and mozzarella instead of cheddar. Thanks for the review!
Sounds delicious! Mozzarella would also be great here, I think they went with white cheddar since they already use it on another grilled cheese sandwich on the menu.
This is a great sandwich – I tried it a few weeks ago and have been thinking of getting it again every time I walk by Dunkin!
My first thought, when I saw the picture of the open sandwich, was that you were showing us the mold! Yikes!
It definitely has some unflattering visual angles but I can confirm it was tasty and mold free!
Nut-free pesto, AKA they went cheap.
No. They eliminated a common allergen.
You can do both at the same time, you know. Getting rid of allergens is often used as an excuse to cut out more costly ingredients.
That said, without pine nuts, it ain’t pesto.
*forehead slap* *sigh* *eye roll* You’re funny.
You’re funny also, defending the big corporation skimping on ingredients. I bet you also cheered back in the day when General Mills got rid of actual nuts in Honey Nut Cheerios but didn’t reduce the price.
I get what you’re saying, and would love to see this with a pine nut pesto option. But do keep in mind, there’s also walnut pesto, almond pesto, etc., going back to the mother country (Italy–not just in this often crazy U.S.A. land).
Yep 🙂 Typically when people think “pesto” they are referring to “pesto Genovese” which does include pine nuts and honestly, if someone really has to have it completely authentic then they must seek out Genovese basil…
So yep, all types of ways to make pesto! Which actually is just any sauce that is “crushed” or “pressed!”
Good to see a fast-food success! It almost seems like a Starbucks shi-shi type offering. 😉
I kept thinking it seemed more like something you’d see at Starbucks or Panera.
Panera used to have the Modern Caprese which was phenomenal. It was on black pepper foccaccia, white bean pesto, roasted toms, fresh mozz, pickled red onion, and arugula with a balamic glaze. To say that I was obsessed with it is an understatement. 😉 It was the first sandwich that they offered after getting rid of the portabello swiss (many moons ago) that I actually would order.
balsamic*
That sandwich sounds excellent and I regret never trying it!
Hehe. I am REALLY hoping that it just ended up turning into a “seasonal” offering, like their french onion soup, and will be added back into the mix soon! Who knows though; they seem to be going a bit overboard lately with new items (many of which IMHO are outside of their wheelhouse.)
Thanks for the review! I remember hearing about this a while back and wanting to try it. I got super excited because ever since Panera nixed their modern caprese sandwich there really has not been an option like this for purchase and gosh darnit sometimes I just don’t want to make it myself! 🙂
You can do both at the same time, you know. Getting rid of allergens is often used as an excuse to cut out more costly ingredients.
That said, without pine nuts, it ain’t pesto.
How many times are you going to post this?
This sounds (and looks) sooo stinkin’ good! I’m a long-time fan of pesto, and am really looking forward to trying this. It looks pretty hefty, too.
Thanks for the review! I am going to try it today 🙂
I am hooked on the Grilled Cheese & Pesto sandwich. It’s proof that a sandwich doesn’t have to contain meat to be delicious and satisfying.
I also got the sandwich impulsively, but I added an egg to the meal. It was incredible introducing an extra protein component. I add black pepper to the sandwich and call it a day. I recommend you guys try it!! But I will agree with you, eating it hot is the only way to have it, otherwise, it’s not as good.