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Pesto Panini with Fresh Mozzarella and Tomato. A toasted buttery panini with basil pesto, melted fresh mozzarella cheese, and juicy tomatoes. www.modernhoney.com #panini #sandwich #pesto #grilledsandwich

Pesto Panini with Fresh Mozzarella and Tomato

A toasted buttery panini with basil pesto, melted fresh mozzarella cheese, and juicy tomatoes

I am pretty sure I could live on grilled cheese for the rest of my life. I am talking about oozing melted cheese inside golden buttery toasted sourdough bread.  This Grilled Cheese with Pesto and Tomato is insanely good and elevates a traditional grilled cheese.

Pesto Panini with Fresh Mozzarella and Tomato. A toasted buttery panini with basil pesto, melted fresh mozzarella cheese, and juicy tomatoes. www.modernhoney.com #panini #sandwich #pesto #grilledsandwich

It starts with a basil pesto made with parmesan cheese and pine nuts. This gives a rich yet fresh flavor to the sandwich and is the perfect accompaniment to the tomato and mozzarella cheese. Sliced fresh mozzarella cheese since it melts so perfectly and fresh tomatoes take it up a notch! This is the BEST HOMEMADE PESTO SAUCE RECIPE!

One of the appliances I use the most in my kitchen is my panini maker. If you don’t have one, they will change your sandwich life.  They create the most perfectly toasted paninis without worrying about burning them.  We use the Breville Panini Maker and it makes perfect paninis every single time.

Pesto Panini with Fresh Mozzarella and Tomato. A toasted buttery panini with basil pesto, melted fresh mozzarella cheese, and juicy tomatoes. www.modernhoney.com #panini #sandwich #pesto #grilledsandwich

How to make a Tomato, Mozzarella, and Pesto Panini:

  1.  Start off with high-quality bread. My preference is always a good bakery sourdough bread because it toasts up so beautifully. Ciabatta, focaccia, or bakery white bread are also really tasty options.
  2. Spread a thin layer of pesto on the insides of both pieces of bread. Top with fresh mozzarella slices and then layer with fresh tomatoes. The tomatoes should be about 1/4″ thick. Sprinkle the tomatoes with salt. You can use any type of fresh mozzarella or even sliced mozzarella cheese.
  3. Place a pat of butter on the panini grill or in the skillet. Grill the sandwiches until the mozzarella is completely melted and the bread is a golden color.

*If you want to add some protein, feel free to add some sliced turkey or ham to this panini.

Pesto Panini with Fresh Mozzarella and Tomato. A toasted buttery panini with basil pesto, melted fresh mozzarella cheese, and juicy tomatoes. www.modernhoney.com #panini #sandwich #pesto #grilledsandwich

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5 from 7 votes

Pesto Panini with Fresh Mozzarella and Tomato

Pesto Panini with Fresh Mozzarella and Tomato. A toasted buttery panini with basil pesto, melted fresh mozzarella cheese, and juicy tomatoes. 
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 6 minutes
Total Time: 11 minutes
Servings: 6

Ingredients  

  • 12 Slices Bread (sourdough, ciabatta, focaccia, or white bakery bread)
  • 1 cup Pesto *
  • 2 large Tomatoes (sliced into 1/4" slices)
  • (1) 16-ounce ball Fresh Mozzarella Cheese
  • Salt
  • Butter

Instructions 

  • Preheat panini grill, if using. Spread pesto on each slice of bread.  Place mozzarella slices on top of pesto.  
  • Layer with fresh tomatoes. Sprinkle with salt.  Place the remaining slices of bread, pesto side down, on top.  
  • Spread the top and bottom of bread with softened butter. Grill the sandwiches on panini grill, about 3 minutes per side. The paninis are done when the cheese is completely melted and the bread is toasted and golden. 
  • **If you don't own a panini grill, you may use a skillet. Heat over medium-low heat and flip after 3-4 minutes.  

Notes

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Additional Info

Course: Lunch or Dinner
Cuisine: Italian
Servings: 6
Keyword: pesto panini with mozzarella and tomato
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I hope you love this pesto mozzarella tomato grilled cheese sandwich! Thanks for following along!


Hi, I'm Melissa Stadler!

I am an Award-Winning Recipe Creator. Cover of Food Network Magazine. Two-Time Pillsbury Bake-Off Finalist. I am passionate about sharing the best recipes so you have success in the kitchen!

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5 from 7 votes (2 ratings without comment)

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7 Comments

  1. 5 stars
    I had some leftover fresh mozzarella and modified the recipe to make two sandwiches. I sliced the tomato very thin and it actually cooked along with the cheese. It was delicious and I will make this recipe again.

  2. 5 stars
    Had these sandwiches tonight with some homemade tomato soup. It was fabulous! Will definitely be making these again.

  3. 5 stars
    OMG!!
    This pesto panini looks delicious!!!!!
    I will certainly make this recipe… by the way, I love your recipes. The cookie is a success everywhere I take it!
    Kisses from Brazil!!