Ultimate Four Cheese Panini with Fresh Basil and Heirloom Tomatoes
Elevate your lunch game with this delectable Ultimate Four Cheese Panini, featuring a heavenly blend of mozzarella, Fontina, asiago (or parmesan), and provolone cheeses. Nestled between perfectly toasted ciabatta rolls, this panini is layered with ripe heirloom tomatoes, fresh basil, and a touch of peppery arugula for a flavorful punch. Perfectly grilled to golden perfection, each bite offers a melty, gooey goodness that will make you rethink grilled cheese forever. Ideal for lunch or a savory snack, this panini promises a delightful taste of Italy in every bite!
N/A
Servings
400
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
Fresh mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup (shredded)
Fontina cheese
1/2 cup (shredded)
Asiago cheese or Parmesan cheese
3 tablespoons (freshly grated)
Provolone cheese
1/2 cup (shredded)
Heirloom tomatoes
8 slices (thinly sliced)
Fresh basil
1 tablespoon (chopped)
Ciabatta rolls or firm white bread
4 rolls (halved lengthwise and buttered on the outside)
Arugula leaves
8 leaves (fresh (optional, but recommended))
Olive oil
to taste (for drizzling)
Instructions
1
In a medium mixing bowl, combine the shredded mozzarella, Fontina, asiago (or parmesan), and provolone cheeses until blended.
2
Spread a generous layer of the cheese mixture on the bottom halves of the ciabatta rolls or slices of white bread.
3
Layer 4 or more slices of fresh heirloom tomatoes on top of the cheese. Drizzle lightly with olive oil, then sprinkle with fresh chopped basil. If using arugula, add 2 leaves to each panini for an extra layer of flavor.
4
Cover with the top halves of the ciabatta rolls or the other slices of bread, pressing down gently to help the ingredients adhere.
5
Preheat a large cast-iron skillet or griddle over medium-high heat. Place the assembled paninis in the skillet. For even grilling, weigh them down with a smaller pan or a heatproof weight (like a heavy can or a cast-iron skillet).
6
Grill the paninis for about 3 minutes on one side, or until the bread is golden brown and crispy, and the cheese starts to melt. Carefully flip and grill the other side for an additional 3 minutes.
7
Once cooked, remove from the skillet and let cool for a minute. Cut each panini in half with a sharp knife and serve immediately, enjoying the melty, cheesy goodness!
Nutrition Information
22g
Fat
24g
Carbs
14g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What cheeses are used in the Ultimate Four Cheese Panini?
The recipe uses a blend of shredded mozzarella, Fontina, Provolone, and freshly grated Asiago or Parmesan cheese.
What kind of bread is best for this recipe?
Ciabatta rolls are recommended, but any firm white bread halved lengthwise and buttered on the outside will work well.
How many calories are in one serving of this panini?
Each panini contains approximately 400 calories.
Is this four-cheese panini suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this recipe is vegetarian-friendly as it contains only cheeses, bread, vegetables, and herbs.
Can I substitute the Asiago cheese?
Yes, if you do not have Asiago, you can use freshly grated Parmesan cheese instead.
How do I cook the panini without a panini press?
You can use a large cast-iron skillet or griddle. To get the panini effect, weigh the sandwich down with a smaller pan or a heatproof weight while grilling.
How long does it take to grill the panini?
Grill the panini for about 3 minutes on each side over medium-high heat until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted.
What type of tomatoes should I use?
The recipe calls for thinly sliced heirloom tomatoes for the best flavor and texture.
Is arugula necessary for this sandwich?
Arugula is optional, but it is highly recommended to add a peppery flavor punch to the panini.
How much fat is in the Ultimate Four Cheese Panini?
There are 22 grams of fat per serving.
How much protein does this panini provide?
This recipe provides 14 grams of protein per serving.
What is the carbohydrate count for this recipe?
There are 24 grams of carbohydrates in one serving.
Should I use fresh or dried basil?
Fresh chopped basil is used in this recipe to provide a bright, aromatic flavor.
How many ingredients are needed for this recipe?
There are 9 ingredients in total, including optional arugula and olive oil.
How do I prepare the bread for grilling?
The rolls or bread should be halved lengthwise and buttered on the outside to ensure a crispy, golden finish.
Can I add olive oil to the sandwich?
Yes, the recipe suggests drizzling olive oil over the heirloom tomatoes to taste before closing the sandwich.
What temperature should the skillet be?
The skillet or griddle should be preheated to medium-high heat.
How do I ensure the ingredients stay together?
Press down gently on the assembled panini after placing the top bread layer to help the ingredients adhere.
How should I serve the panini?
After grilling, let it cool for a minute, then cut it in half with a sharp knife and serve immediately.
What makes this panini 'ultimate'?
Its 'ultimate' status comes from the combination of four different cheeses and the use of fresh heirloom tomatoes and basil on perfectly toasted ciabatta.
Is this recipe considered easy to make?
Yes, it is tagged as an easy recipe suitable for a quick lunch or snack.
Can I use a regular frying pan?
Yes, a standard large skillet or griddle works perfectly if you don't have a cast-iron one.
How many tomato slices go in each panini?
The instructions recommend layering 4 or more slices of tomatoes on each panini.
What category of food does this fall into?
It is categorized as comfort food, specifically a grilled cheese or Italian-style sandwich.
Can this be served as a snack?
Yes, while perfect for lunch, it also makes for a very savory and satisfying snack.
How do I prepare the cheeses for mixing?
The mozzarella, fontina, and provolone should be shredded, and the asiago should be freshly grated before blending.
Why weigh down the panini?
Weighing it down ensures even grilling and helps the cheese melt more effectively while creating a crispier crust.
How much basil is required?
The recipe calls for 1 tablespoon of fresh chopped basil.
Can I substitute the olive oil?
While olive oil is recommended for flavor, it is used 'to taste' and can be omitted if preferred.
How many servings does the ingredient list cover?
The recipe provides enough ingredients to make 4 panini rolls.