Grilled Tomato-Basil and Mozzarella Panini
This post may contain affiliate links. Read my full disclosure policy here.
My opinion of tomatoes has changed drastically in the past year.
When disguised in ketchup or pizza sauce, they’re totally fine. But every other way? Let’s just say I had no respect for this fruit/veggie or whatever food classification you want to give it. For the love, please keep it out my sandwiches and salads!
That is, until this cheesy tomato basil sandwich landed on my plate.
With gooey mozzarella cheese, savory basil paste, and bread grilled to crispy perfection…now that’s a way to win over a tomato-less heart. This quick and easy lunch recipe is the perfect go-to alternative to a heavier meal and you can even pretend you’re dining at a fancy downtown cafe.
Of course, I’m still not a fan of the raw tomato {let’s not get too carried away now}, but this…THIS is in a totally different ball park.
How to Make Tomato Basil Sandwiches
Step 1: Brush the outside of 2 slices of bread with olive oil. Then sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 2: Spread 1 tablespoon of basil paste/pesto over the inside of one slice of bread—you can make your own or buy a tube of it at the grocery store. Cover the paste with thin slices of a Roma tomato.
Step 3: Carefully place 1/2 cup fresh shredded mozzarella cheese on top of the tomato slices, before topping everything with the other piece of bread.
Step 4: Toast in a frying pan over medium heat occasionally pressing down on the panini with a spatula, or you can get fancy with a panini press and have it toast both sides at once. When the top and bottom are golden brown, remove, slice, and serve!
Grilled Tomato Basil and Mozzarella Panini
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 1 serving 1x
Description
Need a go-to healthy lunch? This cheesy tomato basil sandwich comes together in minutes and is a lighter alternative to a heavy meal. Grilled to perfection, you will love every gooey, flaky, and savory bite!
Ingredients
- 2 slices of bread
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp basil paste
- 1 roma tomato, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup fresh shredded mozzarella cheese
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Brush the outside of 2 slices of bread with olive oil. Then sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste.
- Spread 1 tablespoon of Basil Paste over the inside of one slice of bread. Cover the paste with thin slices of a Roma tomato.
- Carefully place 1/2 cup fresh shredded mozzarella cheese on top of the tomato slices, before topping everything with the other piece of bread.
- Toast in a frying pan over medium heat occasionally pressing down on the Panini with a spatula. When both sides are golden brown, remove, slice, and serve.
- Prep Time: 2 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Lunch
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
Keywords: cheesy tomato basil sandwich, tomato basil panini
Disclosure: Some of the links in the post above are affiliate links. This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my readers. Read my full disclosure policy here.