CRISPY PANINI

Tomato Mozzarella Panini

Fresh mozzarella, ripe tomato, basil, and pesto pressed in ciabatta or sourdough until crisp outside and melty inside.

Tomato Mozzarella Panini is a fresh and easy lunch that tastes like a café sandwich at home. The bread and filling are cooked or toasted separately, then brought together while the textures are at their best.

Jump to Recipe
Prep Time10 mins
Cook Time8 mins
Total Time18 mins
Servings2
DifficultyEasy

Ingredients

  • 4 slices sourdough or ciabatta bread
  • 1 large tomato, sliced
  • 6 ounces fresh mozzarella, sliced
  • Fresh basil leaves
  • 1 tablespoon pesto or olive oil
  • Butter or olive oil for grilling
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste

Substitutions

  • Use provolone or another well-melting cheese in place of fresh mozzarella.
  • Use dairy-free butter or olive oil on the outside of the bread.
  • Replace fresh basil with a thin layer of pesto or baby spinach; dried basil will not provide the same texture.

Instructions

Step 1: Spread pesto or olive oil on the bread

Spread pesto or olive oil on the bread.

Spread pesto or olive oil on for Tomato Mozzarella Panini

Step 2: Layer tomato, mozzarella, and basil between the slices

Layer tomato, mozzarella, and basil between the slices.

Layer tomato mozzarella and basil between for Tomato Mozzarella Panini

Step 3: Season with salt and black pepper

Season with salt and black pepper.

Step 4: Grill in a panini press or skillet until crisp and golden

Grill in a panini press or skillet until crisp and golden.

Grill in a panini press or for Tomato Mozzarella Panini

Step 5: Slice and serve warm

Slice and serve warm.

Finished Tomato Mozzarella Panini ready to serve

How to Store Leftovers

Refrigerate the filling from Tomato Mozzarella Panini within 2 hours and keep bread, tortillas, lettuce, and crisp toppings separate. Assemble only the portions you plan to eat within 3 to 4 days.

How to Reheat

Warm the filling and bread for Tomato Mozzarella Panini separately when possible, then add cold vegetables and sauce.

What to Serve With It

  • Tomato soup
  • A green salad
  • Pickles
  • Fresh fruit

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Assembling too early.
  • For Tomato Mozzarella Panini, skipping bread toasting when the filling is juicy.
  • Overfilling the sandwich.

Nutrition Information

Nutrient Per Serving
Calories 410
Protein 19g
Carbohydrates 38g
Fat 22g
Sugar 7g

Nutrition is an estimate and can vary with brands, portion size, and substitutions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the clearest doneness cue for Tomato Mozzarella Panini?

Grill in a panini press or skillet until crisp and golden.

Can Tomato Mozzarella Panini be prepared ahead?

Cook the filling ahead, refrigerate it promptly, and assemble Tomato Mozzarella Panini close to serving.

About the Author

Written and edited by the FreshFork Recipes Team.

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