Gourmet Turkey Pesto Panini
Indulge in the deliciousness of a Gourmet Turkey Pesto Panini, a perfect fusion of savory turkey, vibrant pesto, and melted gouda. This panini is not just a meal; it's an experience that combines the freshness of garden herbs with the comforting crunch of toasted Italian bread. Ideal for lunch, a light dinner, or even a picnic, this recipe transforms simple ingredients into a gourmet delight that is sure to impress family and friends alike. Serve it with a side salad or a bowl of soup for the complete experience.
4
Servings
300
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
Crusty Italian bread
8 slices (sliced)
Basil pesto
1/2 cup (commercial or homemade)
Mayonnaise
1-2 tablespoons (spreadable)
Oven-roasted turkey breast
3/4 lb (thinly sliced)
Tomato
1 (thinly sliced)
Red onion
1/2 (thinly sliced)
Gouda cheese
4 slices (sliced)
Melted butter
to taste (for brushing)
Instructions
1
Begin by preheating your panini press or sandwich maker. A George Foreman grill works wonderfully for this recipe.
2
Take 4 slices of crusty Italian bread and generously spread basil pesto on one side. On the remaining 4 slices, spread a thin layer of mayonnaise.
3
Layer the oven-roasted turkey breast evenly on the mayonnaise-dressed bread slices, followed by a slice of tomato and a few slices of red onion. Top each with a slice of gooey gouda cheese.
4
Close each sandwich with the pesto-spread bread, pressing down gently to secure the filling. Brush the tops of the sandwiches with melted butter to promote a golden crust.
5
Lightly brush the bottom of your panini press with melted butter before placing two sandwiches inside.
6
Close the lid and cook for about 5 minutes, or until the sandwiches are golden brown and the cheese has melted deliciously.
7
Repeat the same process for the remaining two sandwiches.
8
Once cooked, let the sandwiches cool for a minute, then slice each in half for easy serving. Enjoy hot!
Nutrition Information
17.5g
Fat
20g
Carbs
17.5g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Gourmet Turkey Pesto Panini?
It is a sophisticated sandwich featuring oven-roasted turkey, vibrant basil pesto, and melted gouda cheese on toasted Italian bread.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe is designed to yield 4 individual servings.
What type of bread is recommended for this panini?
Crusty Italian bread is recommended to provide the ideal texture and crunch when toasted.
Can I use a George Foreman grill to make these?
Yes, a George Foreman grill works wonderfully as a substitute for a traditional panini press.
What kind of cheese is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for gouda cheese, which melts beautifully and pairs well with pesto.
How long do the sandwiches need to cook?
The sandwiches should cook for approximately 5 minutes or until they are golden brown and the cheese is melted.
What are the nutritional values for one serving?
Each serving contains 300 calories, 17.5g of fat, 20g of carbohydrates, and 17.5g of protein.
Can I use homemade pesto?
Absolutely, you can use either commercial store-bought pesto or your own homemade basil pesto.
How much turkey breast is needed?
The recipe requires 3/4 lb of thinly sliced oven-roasted turkey breast.
Why is melted butter used on the bread?
Melted butter is brushed on the outside of the bread to promote a golden, crispy crust during pressing.
What should I serve with a Turkey Pesto Panini?
It pairs perfectly with a fresh side salad or a hot bowl of soup for a complete meal.
Is mayonnaise necessary for this recipe?
While it adds moisture and flavor, you can adjust the amount or omit it based on your preference.
How should the vegetables be prepared?
The tomato and red onion should be thinly sliced to ensure the sandwich remains easy to eat and press.
Can I make these for a picnic?
Yes, these paninis are excellent for picnics and can be enjoyed hot or at room temperature.
What is the first step in preparing the panini?
The first step is to preheat your panini press or sandwich maker before assembling the ingredients.
How many slices of bread are needed in total?
You will need 8 slices of crusty Italian bread to make the 4 sandwiches.
Can I substitute Gouda for another cheese?
While Gouda is recommended, you could use Provolone or Mozzarella as suitable melting alternatives.
Should I let the sandwich cool before cutting?
Yes, letting it cool for about a minute helps the cheese set slightly for a cleaner slice.
What kind of turkey works best?
Thinly sliced oven-roasted turkey breast provides the best texture for layering.
Is this recipe considered easy to make?
Yes, it is tagged as an easy recipe that uses simple ingredients to create a gourmet result.
How much pesto should I apply to each sandwich?
The recipe suggests using about 1/2 cup of pesto across the 4 sandwiches, applied generously to one side of each.
Does this recipe contain sugar?
According to the nutritional data provided, the sugar content is negligible or not specified.
What is the total carbohydrate count?
There are 20g of carbohydrates per serving.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 8 main ingredients: bread, pesto, mayo, turkey, tomato, onion, gouda, and butter.
Can I cook all four sandwiches at once?
It depends on the size of your press; the instructions suggest cooking two at a time.
Should I brush the panini press with butter?
Yes, lightly brushing the bottom of the press with butter prevents sticking and adds flavor.
What category does this meal fall into?
It is suitable for lunch, snacks, or a light dinner.
How do I secure the filling?
Press down gently on the sandwich after closing it to help the ingredients stay in place before cooking.
Is there fiber in this recipe?
The fiber content is not specified in the nutritional breakdown for this recipe.
What flavor profile does the red onion add?
The red onion provides a sharp, slightly sweet crunch that cuts through the richness of the cheese and pesto.