A delicious panini with melted mozzarella, fresh basil pesto, ripe tomato, and a crisp golden crust.
# Ingredient List:
→ Bread & Dairy
01 - 4 slices country-style or sourdough bread
02 - 4 oz fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced
03 - 2 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
→ Vegetables & Condiments
04 - 1 large ripe tomato, sliced
05 - 2 tbsp basil pesto, store-bought or homemade
06 - a handful fresh basil leaves
→ Seasoning
07 - pinch of sea salt
08 - freshly ground black pepper
# Directions:
01 - Evenly spread basil pesto onto one side of each bread slice.
02 - Place half of the mozzarella slices on two bread slices over the pesto-covered side.
03 - Top with tomato slices, fresh basil leaves, and season with salt and black pepper.
04 - Add remaining mozzarella slices over the tomatoes, then cover with the other bread slices, pesto side down, forming sandwiches.
05 - Spread softened butter evenly on the outer sides of each sandwich.
06 - Preheat a grill pan or skillet over medium heat.
07 - Place sandwiches in panini press or skillet. Cook 3–4 minutes per side, pressing down with a spatula if using skillet, until bread is golden and cheese is melted.
08 - Remove from heat, let rest for 1 minute, then slice and serve warm.
