Grilled Caprese Panini with Tomato
A golden panini filled with juicy tomato slices, fresh mozzarella, basil, and a hint of balsamic—melted to perfection for an irresistible Italian-inspired sandwich.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 1 large sandwich (or 2 small)
- Category: Lunch, Snack
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- Ciabatta or focaccia bread, halved horizontally
- Ripe tomato, sliced
- Fresh mozzarella, sliced
- Fresh basil leaves
- Balsamic glaze or reduction
- Olive oil or softened butter
Instructions
- Preheat a panini press or grill pan and brush lightly with oil or butter.
- Layer mozzarella, tomato slices, and a few basil leaves on the bottom bread half.
- Drizzle with balsamic glaze or reduction.
- Top with the other half of the bread, then brush the exterior lightly with oil or butter.
- Grill in the panini press for about 4–5 minutes, or in a grill pan with a heavy press for 2–3 minutes each side, until cheese melts and bread is crispy.
- Slice and serve immediately.
Notes
- Add protein: Include prosciutto or turkey slices for extra flavor.
- Veggie twist: Roast or grill zucchini or eggplant slices before assembling.
- Cheese swap: Try burrata, provolone, or goat cheese in place of mozzarella.
- Flavor boost: Spread pesto or garlic aioli inside before grilling.
- Storage: Wrap cooled sandwich tightly in foil or parchment; refrigerate up to 1 day.
- Reheat: Grill or toast at 180 °C (350 °F) for 5–7 minutes—cold mozzarella may leak, so warm gently.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Find it online: https://tastyera.com/grilled-caprese-panini-with-tomato/