Description
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This Tomato, Mozzarella, and Basil Panini is a simple, yet delicious sandwich perfect for lunch or dinner. The creamy mozzarella, sweet tomatoes, and aromatic basil come together between perfectly toasted bread for a satisfying and flavorful bite. Serve it with a side salad or crispy fries for a complete meal!
Ingredients
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2 slices of rustic bread (like ciabatta or sourdough)
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1 large ripe tomato, sliced
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4–6 slices fresh mozzarella cheese
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A handful of fresh basil leaves
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1–2 tablespoons olive oil (or melted butter)
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Salt and pepper, to taste
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Balsamic glaze (optional, for drizzling)
Instructions
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Prepare the sandwich:
Lay out the slices of bread and drizzle or spread olive oil (or melted butter) on one side of each slice. -
Assemble the panini:
On the non-oiled side of one slice of bread, layer the fresh mozzarella, tomato slices, and basil leaves. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Top with the second slice of bread, oiled side facing out. -
Grill the panini:
Heat a panini press or large skillet over medium heat. Place the sandwich in the press or skillet and cook for 3–4 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted. If using a skillet, press the sandwich down with a spatula or another pan to get a nice crisp. -
Serve:
Once the panini is toasted to perfection, remove from the grill and cut it in half. Drizzle with balsamic glaze if desired and serve immediately.
Notes
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For extra flavor, add a drizzle of pesto or a slice of prosciutto inside the panini.
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If you prefer a warm, melted version without grilling, you can also bake the panini in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 8–10 minutes.
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You can substitute the mozzarella with other cheeses like provolone or goat cheese for a different twist.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling, Toasting
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 30mg