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Mozzarella & Pesto Panini

Savory Mozzarella & Pesto Panini for Quick Gourmet Delight

Delightful Mozzarella & Pesto Panini featuring creamy mozzarella and fragrant pesto, ideal for quick lunches.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 7 minutes
Total Time 17 minutes
Servings: 2 sandwiches
Course: Lunch
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 400
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Bread
  • 2 slices Ciabatta or Sourdough Bread Feel free to swap for whole-grain or gluten-free bread if needed.
For the Filling
  • 8 oz Fresh Mozzarella Cheese Buffalo mozzarella is a fantastic upgrade for extra creaminess.
  • 4 tbsp Basil Pesto Choose store-bought or homemade to suit your taste.
  • 1 medium Tomato Fresh heirloom tomatoes work wonders if you decide to include them.
For Cooking
  • 1 tbsp Olive Oil You can swap this with melted butter for a unique twist.
  • to taste Salt
  • to taste Pepper
For Garnish (optional)
  • a few Fresh Basil Leaves Omit if you don't have them on hand.

Equipment

  • Panini press or skillet

Method
 

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Mozzarella & Pesto Panini
  1. Preheat your panini press or skillet over medium heat for about 5 minutes.
  2. Lay out two slices of ciabatta or sourdough bread on a clean surface.
  3. Generously spread basil pesto on one side of each slice of bread.
  4. Place slices of fresh mozzarella cheese atop the pesto-covered side of two bread slices.
  5. If desired, layer fresh slices of tomato on top of the mozzarella.
  6. Nestle fresh basil leaves on top of the tomato layer if using.
  7. Carefully place the second slice of bread on top with the pesto side facing down.
  8. Lightly coat the outside of the bread with olive oil.
  9. Place the assembled sandwich in the preheated panini press or skillet. Cook for about 5-7 minutes.
  10. Once golden brown, carefully remove the panini from the heat and let it rest for a minute before slicing.
  11. Slice your panini diagonally and serve warm, ideally with a side salad or potato chips.

Nutrition

Serving: 1sandwichCalories: 400kcalCarbohydrates: 40gProtein: 16gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 8gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 30mgSodium: 700mgPotassium: 300mgFiber: 3gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 10IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 25mgIron: 10mg

Notes

This panini is customizable; switch up the ingredients to suit your taste. For best experience, serve immediately after cooking.

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