Ultimate Caprese Avocado Panini
Indulge in the vibrant flavors of an Italian classic with a modern twist! This Ultimate Caprese Avocado Panini combines the freshness of ripe tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and fragrant basil, all elevated by the rich, buttery texture of sliced avocado. Drizzled with fragrant extra virgin olive oil and sprinkled with aromatic oregano, this panini is not only a feast for the senses but also quick to prepare. Perfect for lunch or a snack, this beautiful sandwich can be grilled to perfection, making it a delightful choice for any occasion.
4
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
Baguette
1 (halved horizontally, preferably multi-grained)
Extra virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons (for drizzling)
Tomatoes
2 large (sliced)
Mozzarella cheese
1 lb (sliced)
Dried oregano
1 pinch (for seasoning)
Fresh basil leaves
12 (to taste)
Avocado
1 (sliced)
Salt
to taste (for seasoning)
Pepper
to taste (for seasoning)
Instructions
1
Preheat your grill or broiler to medium-high heat.
2
Slice the baguette in half horizontally and place it on a baking sheet.
3
Toast the baguette halves under the broiler or on the grill until lightly golden and crispy, about 2-3 minutes. Be sure to watch closely to prevent burning.
4
Once toasted, remove the baguette from the heat and drizzle both halves generously with extra virgin olive oil.
5
Layer the sliced tomatoes evenly across one half of the baguette, sprinkle with salt and pepper, followed by the mozzarella slices.
6
Sprinkle the dried oregano over the cheese and drizzle a little more olive oil.
7
Top with fresh basil leaves and add the sliced avocado. Season with additional salt and pepper to taste.
8
Close the sandwich with the other half of the baguette and press down gently.
9
Optionally, you can return the entire sandwich to the grill or broiler to warm it through and melt the cheese slightly, about 2-3 minutes.
10
Remove from heat, slice into servings, and serve immediately for a delicious treat!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an Ultimate Caprese Avocado Panini?
It is a modern Italian-style sandwich that combines tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil with creamy sliced avocado on a toasted baguette.
What kind of bread is recommended for this recipe?
The recipe recommends using one baguette, preferably multi-grained, halved horizontally.
How many servings does this panini recipe make?
This recipe is designed to yield 4 servings.
Is the Ultimate Caprese Avocado Panini vegetarian?
Yes, this recipe is vegetarian as it contains no meat products.
How do I toast the baguette?
Preheat your grill or broiler to medium-high and toast the halves for 2-3 minutes until golden and crispy.
What type of cheese is best for this panini?
The recipe specifically calls for 1 lb of sliced mozzarella cheese.
When should I add the olive oil?
Drizzle extra virgin olive oil onto the baguette halves after they have been toasted, and add a little more over the cheese.
How many tomatoes do I need?
You will need 2 large tomatoes, sliced, for this recipe.
What herbs are used in this sandwich?
This recipe uses a pinch of dried oregano for seasoning and approximately 12 fresh basil leaves.
How do I prepare the avocado?
The avocado should be sliced and added to the sandwich after the basil leaves.
Can I melt the cheese after assembling the sandwich?
Yes, you can optionally return the assembled sandwich to the grill or broiler for 2-3 minutes to melt the cheese.
How do I prevent the bread from burning?
Watch the baguette closely while it is under the broiler or on the grill, as it toasts quickly.
What is the first step in making this panini?
The first step is to preheat your grill or broiler to medium-high heat.
How should I season the tomatoes?
Layer the tomatoes on the bread and sprinkle them with salt and pepper.
Is this recipe considered a quick meal?
Yes, it is tagged as a quick recipe, making it perfect for a fast lunch or snack.
What is the order of layering the ingredients?
Layer tomatoes first, then mozzarella, oregano, more olive oil, fresh basil, and finally sliced avocado.
Should I press the sandwich?
After closing the sandwich with the top half of the baguette, you should press down gently.
Is extra virgin olive oil required?
Yes, 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil are used for drizzling to add flavor.
Can I serve this sandwich cold?
While it can be eaten cold, the recipe recommends serving it immediately after toasting or warming for the best experience.
What are the main flavors of this panini?
The flavors are fresh, buttery, and aromatic, featuring a blend of tomato, mozzarella, basil, and avocado.
How much mozzarella is used?
The recipe calls for 1 lb of mozzarella cheese.
Do I need to peel the avocado?
The avocado should be pitted and sliced; typically, the skin is removed before slicing for a sandwich.
Can I use a different type of oil?
The recipe specifically suggests extra virgin olive oil for its fragrant quality.
What tags are associated with this recipe?
Tags include panini, caprese, avocado, lunch, italian, sandwich, snack, vegetarian, quick, and healthy.
How many basil leaves are recommended?
The recipe suggests 12 fresh basil leaves, or to taste.
Is salt and pepper used?
Yes, salt and pepper are used to season both the tomatoes and the final avocado layer.
What is the texture of the sandwich?
It features a crispy baguette exterior with a creamy, buttery interior from the mozzarella and avocado.
Can this be served as a snack?
Yes, it is described as a delightful choice for either lunch or a snack.
How should I cut the sandwich for serving?
Remove from heat and slice into individual servings before serving immediately.
What is the modern twist in this recipe?
The modern twist on the classic Italian Caprese is the addition of rich, buttery sliced avocado.