20-Minute Dinners
Mozzarella and Tomato Panini
This classic Italian hot sandwich brings the cozy flavor of a Mediterranean café straight to your kitchen. Thin slices of creamy mozzarella, juicy ripe tomatoes, and fragrant fresh basil leaves are pressed between two pieces of crusty bread. As it quickly toasts in the skillet, the cheese begins to melt beautifully, enveloping the tomatoes in a rich, gooey layer. A light brush of olive oil gives the bread an alluring golden hue and a spectacular crunch, turning a simple snack into a deeply satisfying meal.
Dishday
Recipe overview
- Total time
- 10 min
- Prep
- 5 min
- Cooking
- 5 min
- Servings
- 4
- Difficulty
- Medium
- Cuisine
- 20-Minute Dinners
Nutrition
per serving
- Calories
- 420 kcal
- Protein
- 16 g
- Fat
- 18 g
- Carbs
- 48 g
- Fiber
- 3 g
Step by step
Method
- 01
Slice the mozzarella into even, flat slices about 5 mm thick…
Slice the mozzarella into even, flat slices about 5 mm thick so it melts quickly and uniformly inside the sandwich as it toasts.
- 02
Wash and dry the fresh tomatoes, then slice them into thin ro…
Wash and dry the fresh tomatoes, then slice them into thin rounds. Pat the tomato slices gently with a paper towel to remove excess moisture that could make the bread soggy.
- 03
Rinse the green basil, shake off the water, and carefully plu…
Rinse the green basil, shake off the water, and carefully pluck the tender leaves from the woody stems, keeping them whole to preserve their rich aroma.
- 04
Arrange 4 slices of bread on a clean work surface
Arrange 4 slices of bread on a clean work surface. Layer the mozzarella slices evenly on top, followed by the tomato rounds, and season with a pinch of salt and pepper.
- 05
Scatter the fresh basil leaves over the seasoned tomatoes and…
Scatter the fresh basil leaves over the seasoned tomatoes and cover with the remaining 4 slices of bread, pressing down gently with your palm to secure the filling.
- 06
Heat a skillet over medium heat and lightly brush the outside…
Heat a skillet over medium heat and lightly brush the outside of the sandwiches with olive oil. Place the panini in the pan and cook for 2-3 minutes per side under a light weight until the bread is golden-brown and the cheese is completely melted.
Dishday
Useful advice
Cooking tip
To ensure your panini toasts evenly and the cheese melts completely, place a heavy lid or another heavy skillet on top of the sandwich as a press while cooking.
How to serve
Serve the panini immediately while piping hot, cutting it diagonally in half so the melted cheese stretches beautifully. Pair with a light green salad.
How to store
It is highly recommended to eat this dish fresh while the bread is crisp. Storing the assembled panini in the fridge is not advised, as the tomatoes will make the bread soggy.
Note
Ciabatta or thick-sliced white bread is perfect for this recipe. Use low-moisture block mozzarella instead of fresh mozzarella balls in brine to prevent a watery filling.
