Description
This Easy Turkey Basil Pesto Panini is a warm, melty sandwich packed with sliced turkey, gooey cheese, fresh tomato, and vibrant basil pesto, all pressed between golden, crispy bread. It’s a quick and satisfying lunch or dinner that feels gourmet with minimal effort.
Ingredients
Scale
Sandwich Ingredients
- 4 slices sourdough or ciabatta bread
- 4 ounces sliced deli turkey
- 2 tablespoons basil pesto
- 2 slices provolone or mozzarella cheese
- 4 tomato slices
- 1 tablespoon butter or olive oil (for grilling)
Instructions
- Prepare the Bread: Spread basil pesto evenly on one side of each bread slice to infuse the sandwich with vibrant flavor.
- Assemble the Sandwich: On two of the pesto-spread bread slices, layer sliced turkey, cheese, and tomato. Then, top with the remaining bread slices, pesto side down, to complete the sandwich.
- Heat Your Cooking Surface: Preheat a panini press or skillet over medium heat so the sandwich can grill evenly and melt the cheese perfectly.
- Butter the Bread: Lightly butter the outsides of the sandwiches to achieve a golden, crispy crust when grilled.
- Grill the Panini: If using a panini press, cook the sandwich for 4–5 minutes until the bread is golden and the cheese has melted. If using a skillet, place the sandwich in the pan and press down with a spatula or heavy pan, cooking each side for 3–4 minutes to get an even, crispy texture.
- Slice and Serve: Remove the sandwich from heat, slice it in half, and serve warm for the best taste experience.
Notes
- You can use leftover roast turkey instead of deli slices for a more homemade feel.
- Swap in your favorite cheese like Swiss or cheddar for different flavor profiles.
- Add arugula or spinach inside the sandwich for a fresh, green boost.
