Description
A golden-pressed panini oozing with melty mozzarella and fresh tomato slices, accented by fragrant basil leaves—this Italian café classic is light, satisfying, and irresistibly cheesy.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 ciabatta or panini rolls, halved
- 4 slices fresh mozzarella
- 1 large ripe tomato, sliced
- 4–6 fresh basil leaves
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat a panini press or grill pan to medium-high heat.
- Drizzle olive oil lightly on the cut sides of the bread.
- On the bottom half, layer mozzarella slices, tomato, basil leaves, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
- Close the sandwich and place it on the panini press.
- Grill for 4–5 minutes until the bread is golden and crisp and the cheese is fully melted.
- Serve hot with a side salad or chips.
Notes
- Use heirloom tomatoes for extra flavor and color.
- Can substitute ciabatta with sourdough or baguette for a different texture.
- Add a spread of pesto for an herby twist.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 360 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 620 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 32 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 15 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg
