Grilled Prosciutto and Mozzarella Panini with Tomato and Basil
This Grilled Prosciutto and Mozzarella Panini is a delightful sandwich perfect for lunch or a snack. Packed with layers of savory prosciutto, creamy whole-milk mozzarella, juicy tomato slices, and aromatic fresh basil, this panini is drizzled with a homemade garlic and balsamic dressing that adds a tangy kick. Grilled to golden perfection, this sandwich brings a Mediterranean touch to your meal, making it an irresistible choice for sharing with friends and family. Enjoy it with a side salad for a complete meal, or savor it alone for a cozy treat.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
Olive oil
1/2 cup (N/A)
Balsamic vinegar
3 tablespoons (N/A)
Garlic clove
1 large (Minced)
Prosciutto
8 ounces (Thinly sliced)
Whole-milk mozzarella cheese
10 ounces (Thinly sliced)
Tomatoes
12 (Sliced)
Fresh basil leaves
12 large (N/A)
Ciabatta bread
16 ounces (Halved horizontally)
Salt
to taste (N/A)
Pepper
to taste (N/A)
Instructions
1
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and minced garlic until well blended. Season the dressing with salt and pepper to taste.
2
Halve the ciabatta bread horizontally and lay the bottom halves on a clean surface. Layer the thinly sliced prosciutto, mozzarella, tomato slices, and fresh basil leaves evenly over the bottom halves of the bread.
3
Drizzle the prepared garlic-balsamic dressing lightly over the layers, then season with a sprinkle of salt and pepper.
4
Carefully place the top halves of the ciabatta bread over the filled bottoms to create sandwiches.
5
Using a sharp knife, cut each sandwich into equal halves, creating four sandwiches in total.
6
Preheat your barbecue grill to medium heat.
7
Grill the sandwiches on the barbecue, pressing down occasionally with a large spatula to compact the ingredients. Grill for about 5 minutes on each side, or until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main protein in the Grilled Prosciutto and Mozzarella Panini?
The main protein in this recipe is 8 ounces of thinly sliced prosciutto.
What type of bread is best for this panini?
The recipe calls for 16 ounces of ciabatta bread, halved horizontally.
What kind of cheese should I use?
The recipe specifies 10 ounces of thinly sliced whole-milk mozzarella cheese for a creamy texture.
How many tomatoes do I need to prepare?
You will need 12 sliced tomatoes for this recipe.
What ingredients are in the homemade dressing?
The dressing consists of 1/2 cup olive oil, 3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar, and 1 large minced garlic clove, seasoned with salt and pepper.
How many fresh basil leaves are used?
The recipe requires 12 large fresh basil leaves.
How should the garlic be prepared for the dressing?
The garlic clove should be minced before being whisked into the olive oil and balsamic vinegar.
What temperature should the barbecue grill be set to?
Preheat your barbecue grill to medium heat before cooking the sandwiches.
How long should I grill the panini on each side?
Grill the sandwiches for about 5 minutes on each side until the bread is golden brown.
Should I press the sandwiches while grilling?
Yes, you should press down occasionally with a large spatula to compact the ingredients.
How many sandwiches does this recipe yield?
This recipe creates four sandwiches in total once they are cut into equal halves.
Is this recipe suitable for a quick lunch?
Yes, it is tagged as a lunch and snack recipe that is easy to prepare.
What is the first step in the instructions?
The first step is to whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and minced garlic in a small bowl.
How do I layer the ingredients on the bread?
Layer the prosciutto, mozzarella, tomato, and basil leaves evenly over the bottom halves of the ciabatta.
When should I add the salt and pepper?
Season the dressing initially, and then sprinkle salt and pepper over the filled layers before closing the sandwiches.
Can I use a different type of vinegar for the dressing?
The recipe specifically recommends balsamic vinegar to provide a tangy kick that complements the Mediterranean flavors.
Does the cheese need to be melted?
Yes, you should grill the panini until the bread is golden and the mozzarella cheese is fully melted.
Is this recipe considered Mediterranean?
Yes, it is categorized with a Mediterranean touch due to the use of prosciutto, mozzarella, basil, and balsamic vinegar.
What side dish goes well with this panini?
The description suggests enjoying it with a side salad for a complete meal.
How do I ensure the panini stays together?
Pressing the sandwich with a spatula during the grilling process helps compact the ingredients and keep it together.
How much olive oil is required?
You will need 1/2 cup of olive oil for the dressing.
Is the mozzarella sliced or shredded?
The recipe calls for thinly sliced mozzarella cheese.
Can I prepare this on a stovetop if I don't have a barbecue?
While the recipe specifies a barbecue grill, you can use a stovetop grill pan on medium heat for similar results.
How should I cut the sandwiches?
Use a sharp knife to cut each large sandwich into equal halves after assembly but before or after grilling as preferred; the instructions suggest cutting before grilling.
What is the preparation for the prosciutto?
The prosciutto should be thinly sliced for the best layering and texture.
Is there a specific order for the fillings?
The instructions recommend layering the prosciutto, then mozzarella, followed by tomato and basil.
How much balsamic vinegar is needed?
The recipe uses 3 tablespoons of balsamic vinegar.
What are the main flavor profiles of this dish?
It combines savory, creamy, juicy, and aromatic flavors with a tangy kick from the dressing.
Is this a good recipe for sharing?
Yes, it is described as an irresistible choice for sharing with friends and family.
Are the basil leaves used whole or chopped?
The recipe calls for 12 large fresh basil leaves used whole in the layers.