Description
Crisp Italian panini combine succulent turkey with aromatic basil pesto, creating a Mediterranean-inspired sandwich. Mediterranean herbs and melted cheese deliver a delightful midday meal you’ll savor with each satisfying bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 1.5 pounds turkey, sliced
- ½ pound fontina cheese, sliced
Bread and Base:
- 8 pieces sourdough bread
- 1 cup pesto
Additional Ingredients:
- 2 Roma tomatoes, sliced
- Olive oil
Instructions
- Arrange bread slices on a clean work surface, creating a smooth assembly station for your panini construction.
- Generously coat each bread slice with vibrant green basil pesto, ensuring complete coverage from edge to edge.
- Layer fontina cheese uniformly across the pesto-covered surfaces, creating a creamy foundation for the sandwich.
- Carefully place sliced turkey over the cheese, distributing the protein evenly to guarantee balanced flavor in every bite.
- Arrange fresh tomato slices atop the turkey, adding a juicy and colorful element to the developing sandwich.
- Gently position the reserved bread slices on top, creating a complete sandwich structure and pressing lightly to compact the layers.
- Delicately brush both exterior sides of the panini with olive oil, promoting an even golden-brown crust during cooking.
- Heat a grill pan or panini press to medium-high temperature, ensuring consistent warmth for perfect toasting.
- Cook the sandwiches until they transform into a crispy, golden masterpiece with melted cheese oozing between layers.
- Remove from heat, slice diagonally to showcase the beautiful interior, and serve immediately while warm and inviting.
Notes
- Prep these paninis ahead of time for a quick, delicious lunch that takes less than 15 minutes to assemble and grill.
- Choose high-quality fontina cheese for a creamy, rich melting experience that complements the savory turkey and bright basil pesto.
- Brush olive oil on the exterior of the bread to ensure a perfectly crispy, golden-brown exterior with a satisfying crunch.
- Use fresh, ripe tomato slices to add a burst of juicy freshness and balance the rich cheese and meat flavors.
- Slice sandwiches diagonally to create an appetizing presentation and make them easier to handle and enjoy.
- Store any leftover paninis in an airtight container in the refrigerator, and reheat in a skillet to maintain the crispy texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Snacks
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 650
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 900 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 60 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 40 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg