TOMATO, MOZZARELLA & PESTO PANINI

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Tomato, Mozzarella & Pesto Panini image

A delicious recipe from Ina Garten's cookbook, Barefoot Contessa at Home. If you don't have a panini press, that's okay, just place in a skillet with a heavy weight on top(foil covered brick, or heavy cast iron skillet, etc.) Enjoy!

Provided by Sharon123

Categories     Lunch/Snacks

Time 18m

Yield 6 sandwiches, 6 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 6

2 large beefsteak tomatoes (or other large tomatoes)
1 (16 ounce) ball fresh mozzarella cheese
12 slices whole wheat bread, sliced 1/2-inch thick (or whole grain or white)
1 cup pesto sauce (homemade or storebought)
kosher salt (optional)
butter, unsalted, room temperature

Steps:

  • Preheat a panini grill machine or a heavy skillet.
  • Core the tomatoes and slice tomatoes and mozzarella 1/4" thick.
  • Place the bread slices on a cutting board(or work surface). Spread each slice evenly with pesto. Place a layer of mozzarella(about 2 slices) on half of the bread and cover with a layer of tomato. Sprinkle the tomato with a little kosher salt.
  • Place the remaining slices of bread, pesto side down, on top. Spread the top and bottom of each sandwich with sotened butter.
  • Grill the sandwiches in batches on the panini grill for 2-3 minutes, until the mozzarella starts to ooze out. If using a skillet, place a weight on top(I usually use another heavy cast iron skillet, or use a foil coverd brick, or other flat, heavy object. Cook 2-3 minutes, turn and cook other side 1-3 minutes.).
  • Cut the sandwiches in half and serve warm. Enjoy!
  • Note:.
  • This is also excellent with a slice of roasted red bell pepper in it!

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