Gourmet Caprese Panini Blast
Indulge in the fresh and vibrant flavors of our Gourmet Caprese Panini Blast, a delightful blend of creamy mozzarella, juicy tomatoes, fragrant basil, and a touch of balsamic vinegar, all pressed between perfectly toasted slices of country-style bread. This panini is the ideal choice for a satisfying lunch or a quick snack that will transport your taste buds to Italy with every bite. Whether you're enjoying it by yourself or sharing it with friends, this recipe is sure to impress with its simplicity and deliciousness!
1
Servings
450
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
County-style bread
2 slices (1/2 inch thick)
Olive oil
to taste (for brushing)
Mayonnaise
1 tablespoon (or to taste)
Mozzarella cheese
2 slices (fresh or mozzarella di bufala)
Tomatoes
3 slices (ripe and sliced)
Balsamic vinegar
1 teaspoon (for drizzling)
Salt
to taste (freshly ground black pepper as well)
Fresh basil leaves
2 leaves (whole or torn)
Instructions
1
1. Preheat your electric panini maker according to the manufacturer's instructions, ensuring it's hot enough to create a crispy exterior.
2
2. Brush one side of each slice of country-style bread generously with olive oil, allowing the heat to bring out the rich flavors.
3
3. Lay the slices of bread, oiled side down, on a clean work surface, creating a base for your delicious sandwich.
4
4. Evenly spread 1 tablespoon of mayonnaise on the unlabeled side of each slice, giving the panini a creamy texture that complements the other ingredients.
5
5. On one slice of the sandwich, layer the mozzarella cheese slices evenly, allowing them to melt beautifully.
6
6. Add the sliced tomatoes on top of the cheese, creating a colorful and fragrant layer that is sure to delight.
7
7. Drizzle the balsamic vinegar over the tomatoes, and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to enhance the flavors.
8
8. Gently place the fresh basil leaves on top for an aromatic finish, and cover with the other slice of bread, oiled side up.
9
9. Carefully place the assembled sandwich in the preheated panini maker and close the lid, cooking for 3 to 5 minutes or until the bread is golden brown and the cheese has melted to perfection.
10
10. Once done, transfer the panini to a cutting board and cut it in half diagonally for a visually appealing presentation.
11
11. Serve immediately while hot and enjoy the explosion of flavors!
Nutrition Information
24g
Fat
38g
Carbs
16g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Gourmet Caprese Panini Blast?
The Gourmet Caprese Panini Blast is a sandwich featuring creamy mozzarella, juicy tomatoes, fragrant basil, and balsamic vinegar pressed between toasted country-style bread.
What type of bread is recommended for this panini?
The recipe calls for two slices of country-style bread, approximately 1/2 inch thick.
How long does it take to cook the panini?
The assembled sandwich should be cooked in a preheated panini maker for 3 to 5 minutes until the bread is golden brown and the cheese has melted.
How many calories are in one serving of the Gourmet Caprese Panini Blast?
There are 450 calories in one serving of this panini.
What kind of mozzarella should I use?
The recipe suggests using 2 slices of fresh mozzarella or mozzarella di bufala for the best flavor and melting quality.
How do I prepare the bread for the panini maker?
Brush one side of each bread slice generously with olive oil; this side will face the hot plates of the panini maker.
Is mayonnaise used in this recipe?
Yes, spread 1 tablespoon of mayonnaise on the inside (non-oiled) side of each slice of bread for a creamy texture.
How many tomatoes are needed for one panini?
The recipe requires 3 slices of ripe tomatoes.
What is the recommended serving size?
This recipe is designed for a single serving of one panini.
What are the nutritional facts for fat and protein?
The panini contains 24 grams of fat and 16 grams of protein.
How many carbohydrates are in this recipe?
There are 38 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
What provides the acidic balance in the sandwich?
One teaspoon of balsamic vinegar is drizzled over the tomatoes to enhance the flavor profile.
How should I prepare the basil?
You should use 2 fresh basil leaves, which can be placed whole or torn on top of the tomatoes.
Is salt and pepper necessary?
Yes, you should season the tomatoes with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste before closing the sandwich.
What is the meal category for this recipe?
This recipe is categorized under Lunch and Snacks.
How should the panini be presented?
For a visually appealing presentation, transfer the panini to a cutting board and cut it in half diagonally.
Can I use dried basil instead of fresh?
While fresh basil is specified for its aroma and flavor, fresh leaves provide the most authentic Caprese experience.
How many total ingredients are used in this recipe?
There are 8 ingredients: country-style bread, olive oil, mayonnaise, mozzarella, tomatoes, balsamic vinegar, salt/pepper, and fresh basil.
Should I preheat the panini maker?
Yes, preheat the electric panini maker according to the manufacturer's instructions before assembling the sandwich.
What order should the ingredients be layered?
Layer mozzarella first, followed by tomato slices, balsamic vinegar, salt, pepper, and finally the fresh basil leaves.
What is the texture of the finished panini?
The panini features a crispy, golden-brown exterior from the toasted bread and a creamy, melted interior.
Can I use different types of bread?
The recipe specifies country-style bread for the best results, but you can experiment with similar rustic breads.
Is this a quick recipe to make?
Yes, it is considered an easy and relatively quick recipe, perfect for a fast lunch.
Does the recipe contain fiber or sugar information?
The nutritional data provided does not specify fiber or sugar content for this recipe.
How do I ensure the cheese melts properly?
Placing the mozzarella slices directly on the bread and cooking for at least 3 minutes in a hot panini maker ensures it melts beautifully.
Where does the name 'Caprese' come from?
The name refers to the classic Italian combination of tomato, mozzarella, and basil, originating from the island of Capri.
Should I serve the sandwich immediately?
Yes, it is best served immediately while hot to enjoy the explosion of flavors and the melted cheese.
Is olive oil required for both sides of the bread?
No, olive oil is only brushed on one side of each slice, which becomes the exterior of the sandwich.
What is the purpose of the mayonnaise?
The mayonnaise provides a creamy texture that complements the other fresh ingredients inside the panini.
Is this recipe suitable for guests?
Absolutely; the gourmet ingredients and diagonal cut make for an impressive presentation that is sure to delight friends.