Description
A Turkey Basil Pesto Panini is a flavorful, hearty sandwich perfect for lunch, dinner, or a quick snack. The combination of tender turkey breast, aromatic basil pesto, and melted cheese all grilled between crispy, toasted bread creates a mouthwatering experience. This sandwich is a delightful balance of savory, fresh, and creamy flavors that come together in every bite. Whether you’re making it for a casual lunch at home or a picnic with friends, this panini will surely satisfy your cravings for something delicious and comforting.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 slices of hearty bread (such as ciabatta, sourdough, or whole wheat)
- 6 oz sliced turkey breast (preferably deli-style or roasted)
- 4 tablespoons basil pesto (store-bought or homemade)
- 4 slices provolone cheese (or mozzarella or Swiss)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (or butter) for grilling
- Fresh basil leaves (optional, for garnish)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Ingredient Highlights
- Turkey Breast: Lean turkey breast provides a rich, savory protein base for the panini without being too heavy.
- Basil Pesto: Made from fresh basil, garlic, Parmesan, pine nuts, and olive oil, basil pesto is packed with vibrant flavors and works wonderfully as a sandwich spread.
- Provolone Cheese: Provolone has a mild, creamy taste that melts beautifully, adding a luscious texture to the sandwich. You can substitute it with mozzarella or Swiss cheese if desired.
- Olive Oil: Olive oil helps achieve that perfect golden crust when grilling the panini, adding a slight fruity richness.
Instructions
Prepare the Sandwich:
- Preheat the Grill Pan or Panini Press: Heat your grill pan, sandwich press, or stovetop pan over medium heat. If you don’t have a panini press, you can use a regular skillet and press the sandwich down with a spatula.
- Assemble the Sandwich: Lay out the bread slices. Spread 1 tablespoon of basil pesto on each slice of bread. Place 3 ounces of sliced turkey breast on two of the slices of bread, followed by a slice of cheese. Top with a few fresh basil leaves for added flavor and aroma (optional). Then, cover with the other slice of bread.
- Brush with Oil or Butter: Lightly brush the outside of the bread slices with olive oil or melted butter to help them crisp up during grilling.
Grill the Panini:
- Grill the Sandwich: Place the assembled sandwich onto the preheated grill pan or panini press. If using a skillet, place the sandwich in the pan and press it down with a spatula or a heavy object to flatten it and help the cheese melt. Grill for 3-5 minutes on each side, or until the bread is golden and crispy and the cheese is melted.
- Flip Carefully: If using a skillet, carefully flip the sandwich to ensure both sides get an even golden-brown crust. Continue grilling until both sides are crisp and the cheese is oozing.
- Rest Before Serving: Remove the sandwich from the pan and let it rest for a minute before slicing. This helps the cheese set slightly and prevents the filling from spilling out when you cut it.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 400-450 kcal
- Fat: 20g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Protein: 30g