Gourmet Tomato Mozzarella Pesto Panini
Indulge in the delightful flavors of summer with this Gourmet Tomato Mozzarella Pesto Panini. Tender layers of ripe beefsteak tomatoes and creamy fresh mozzarella are enveloped in slices of whole wheat bread, each spread generously with zesty pesto. This panini is not only quick to prepare but also bursting with taste, making it perfect for a satisfying lunch or flavorful snack. Enjoy the sizzling goodness straight from a panini press or opt for a skillet method if that’s what you have on hand. Pair it with a side salad or some crunchy chips for a complete meal!
6
Servings
300
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
beefsteak tomatoes
2 large (cored and sliced 1/4 inch thick)
fresh mozzarella cheese
1 (16 ounce) ball (sliced 1/4 inch thick)
whole wheat bread
12 slices (sliced 1/2 inch thick (or whole grain or white))
pesto sauce
1 cup (homemade or store-bought)
kosher salt
to taste (optional)
unsalted butter
as needed (softened, at room temperature)
Instructions
1
Preheat your panini grill or a heavy skillet over medium heat.
2
Core the beefsteak tomatoes and slice them into 1/4 inch thick rounds. Do the same with the fresh mozzarella cheese.
3
Lay out the slices of bread on a clean cutting board or work surface. Generously spread pesto sauce on one side of each slice.
4
On half of the bread slices, layer two slices of mozzarella cheese followed by a layer of tomato slices. Optional: sprinkle a pinch of kosher salt over the tomatoes to enhance their flavor.
5
Top with the remaining slices of bread, pesto side down, creating a sandwich.
6
Spread softened butter on the outer sides (top and bottom) of each sandwich to achieve a golden, crispy crust during grilling.
7
If using a panini press, grill the sandwiches for 2-3 minutes until the mozzarella begins to melt and ooze out.
8
If using a skillet, place the sandwiches in the skillet and weigh them down with another heavy skillet or a foil-covered brick. Cook for about 2-3 minutes, then carefully flip and grill the other side for another 1-3 minutes until golden brown.
9
Once cooked, remove the sandwiches from the grill or skillet. Cut each sandwich in half, and serve warm. Enjoy your delicious creation!
10
Note: For an extra flavor boost, consider adding a slice of roasted red bell pepper inside the sandwich.
Nutrition Information
15g
Fat
30g
Carbs
12.5g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Gourmet Tomato Mozzarella Pesto Panini?
It is a quick and flavorful sandwich made with beefsteak tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and zesty pesto on whole wheat bread.
What type of bread is recommended for this panini?
Whole wheat bread sliced 1/2 inch thick is recommended, but whole grain or white bread can also be used.
Can I use store-bought pesto for this recipe?
Yes, you can use either homemade or store-bought pesto sauce.
What kind of tomatoes should I use?
The recipe calls for two large beefsteak tomatoes.
How should the tomatoes be prepared?
The tomatoes should be cored and sliced into rounds that are 1/4 inch thick.
What type of mozzarella is best for this sandwich?
Use a 16-ounce ball of fresh mozzarella cheese sliced into 1/4 inch thick rounds.
Is this panini recipe vegetarian?
Yes, it is classified as a vegetarian dish.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe makes 6 servings.
How many calories are in one serving?
Each serving contains approximately 300 calories.
What is the protein content per serving?
There is 12.5g of protein in each serving.
How much fat is in one panini?
Each serving contains 15g of fat.
How many carbohydrates are in this recipe?
There are 30g of carbohydrates per serving.
How long do I grill the sandwich in a panini press?
Grill for 2-3 minutes until the mozzarella cheese begins to melt and ooze out.
How can I make this without a panini press?
You can use a heavy skillet and weigh the sandwich down with another skillet or a foil-covered brick.
What heat setting should I use for the grill or skillet?
Preheat your panini grill or heavy skillet over medium heat.
Why should I butter the outside of the bread?
Spreading softened butter on the outer sides helps achieve a golden, crispy crust during the grilling process.
Should I use salted or unsalted butter?
The recipe specifically recommends using unsalted butter.
How can I add an extra flavor boost to the panini?
You can consider adding a slice of roasted red bell pepper inside the sandwich.
Should I season the tomatoes?
You may optionally sprinkle a pinch of kosher salt over the tomatoes to enhance their natural flavor.
How do I serve the panini?
Remove from the heat, cut each sandwich in half, and serve warm.
What sides pair well with this sandwich?
It pairs well with a side salad or crunchy chips for a complete meal.
Is this recipe suitable for a quick lunch?
Yes, it is described as a quick-to-prepare meal perfect for lunch or snacks.
How much pesto is needed for the whole recipe?
The recipe requires 1 cup of pesto sauce.
What are the main tags associated with this recipe?
Tags include panini, sandwich, lunch, mozzarella, pesto, tomato, quick meal, comfort food, and vegetarian.
How thick should the bread slices be?
The bread should be sliced approximately 1/2 inch thick.
How long do I cook the sandwich in a skillet?
Cook for 2-3 minutes on the first side, then flip and grill for another 1-3 minutes.
What category does this recipe fall into?
This recipe is categorized under Lunch/Snacks.
How many total ingredients are used?
The recipe uses 6 main ingredients.
Is the serving size defined?
The exact serving size is not specified, but the recipe yields 6 servings total.
Does the recipe include sugar or cholesterol information?
No, the sugar, cholesterol, fiber, and sodium information is not provided.