Last updated: June 5th, 2024
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This simple caprese panini with pesto, fresh mozzarella, and tomato is an easy and delicious vegetarian lunch you can make in 10 minutes.
We all love a good caprese sandwich, but you know what’s even better? A toasty caprese panini made with basil pesto, fresh tomato, and creamy mozzarella cheese.
These three simple ingredients are transformed into a whole new sandwich simply by toasting it on a panini press or frying pan. The cheese becomes gooey and melts in your mouth, the tomatoes get extra juicy and warm, and the pesto adds a depth of flavor to this toasted sandwich that rivals fresh basil. So next time you’re craving a bright and fresh yet crispy sandwich, try this caprese panini recipe – it’s easy, it’s delicious, and it’s vegetarian. What’s not to love?
What Goes In A Caprese Panini
Traditionally, three ingredients make up a caprese sandwich: tomato, mozzarella, and basil. However, our caprese panini recipe is made with basil pesto (rather than fresh basil) for a unique spin on the classic sandwich that doesn’t rely on fresh herbs. Meaning you can easily make this panini any time of the year!
Here’s what you’ll need to make this caprese panini:
- Basil pesto
- Fresh mozzarella cheese
- Sliced tomato
- Fresh Italian or French bread
- Butter
How To Make A Caprese Panini
Making a panini at home really only takes 2 simple steps – assemble the sandwich, then toast it on a panini press, frying pan, or cast iron skillet. Here’s how to make a caprese panini sandwich:
- Start by buttering the outsides of two slices of bread. Set one aside (butter side up) and put the other butter side down on a plate.
- Then, spread basil pesto on the not-buttered side of the bread, then top with a layer of fresh mozzarella.
- Next, Add a layer of sliced tomato, then add another layer of fresh mozzarella.
- Lastly, close the sandwich with the other slice of bread (butter side up), then carefully transfer to a panini press or frying pan.
There are a few different ways you can cook a panini at home – check out our Pesto Chicken & Spinach panini recipe here for more detailed information and tips for making the best homemade panini.
Try our caprese panini recipe with pesto for a quick and easy vegetarian lunch. Let us know what you think in the comments below!
Love this recipe? You may enjoy these recipes, too:
- Pesto Chicken & Spinach Panini
- Pepperoni Pizza Panini
- Chipotle Chicken Melt
- Basil Pesto Caprese Sandwich
To browse more of our latest recipes and seasonal dishes, visit our homepage here.
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Caprese Panini With Pesto
Equipment
- Grill press optional
Ingredients
- 2 slices fresh bakery bread French or Italian
- 2 teaspoons butter
- 2 teaspoons basil pesto
- 4 ounces fresh mozzarella sliced
- 2 slices red vine tomato
Instructions
- First, assemble the panini. Spread about 1 tsp butter on the outside of each slice of bread, then carefully place one slice of bread butter side down on a plate. Spread the basil pesto onto the bread, then top with half of the mozzarella cheese. Add the tomato slices, then top with the remaining mozzarella cheese. Close the sandwich with the remaining slice of bread, butter side up.
- Heat a cast iron pan over medium-low heat. Carefully transfer the panini to the pan once it's warm and cook until the bottom is crisped and golden-brown, about 3 to 4 minutes. Carefully flip and cook until the bottom is crisped and golden-brown again, another 3 to 4 minutes. (Alternatively, you can use a preheated grill press on top of the sandwich to crisp both sides at once and avoid flipping your panini.)
- Transfer panini to a cutting board and slice diagonally in half. Serve immediately.
Notes
Nutrition
If you have any questions regarding the information presented in this post, please refer to our Nutrition Disclaimer here.
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