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Caprese Panini Recipe Easy Homemade with Creamy Pesto Mayo

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A quick and easy Caprese panini featuring fresh mozzarella, ripe tomatoes, basil, and a creamy pesto mayo, perfect for a satisfying lunch or light dinner with vibrant Italian flavors.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 oz fresh mozzarella, sliced thick
  • 2 medium ripe tomatoes, sliced
  • About 12 fresh basil leaves, washed and dried
  • 4 slices ciabatta or rustic Italian bread
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil, for brushing bread
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • For the creamy pesto mayo:
  • 1/4 cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons basil pesto
  • 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
  • 1 small garlic clove, minced (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the creamy pesto mayo by mixing 1/4 cup mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons basil pesto, 1 teaspoon lemon juice, and minced garlic if using in a small bowl until smooth. Set aside.
  2. Thinly slice the fresh mozzarella and tomatoes into approximately 1/4-inch thick pieces. Wash and pat dry the basil leaves.
  3. Lay out 4 slices of ciabatta bread. Spread a generous layer of the creamy pesto mayo on one side of each slice.
  4. On two of the slices, layer the mozzarella slices evenly, followed by tomato slices. Season tomatoes lightly with salt and pepper, then top with fresh basil leaves.
  5. Place the remaining bread slices on top, pesto mayo side down, gently pressing to hold everything together.
  6. Lightly brush the outside of each sandwich with olive oil.
  7. Preheat your panini press to medium-high heat (around 375°F / 190°C). If using a grill pan, warm it over medium heat and have a heavy spatula or another pan to press the sandwich down.
  8. Grill the sandwiches for about 4-5 minutes in a panini press, or 3-4 minutes per side in a grill pan, until the bread is golden and crisp and the mozzarella is melted.
  9. Remove the panini and let it rest for a minute. Cut diagonally and serve hot.

Notes

Use day-old bread for better grilling results. Avoid overfilling the sandwich to prevent sogginess. If panini press sticks, brush with olive oil or use non-stick spray. For a vegan version, substitute dairy-free mozzarella and vegan mayo with basil and spinach pesto.

Nutrition

Keywords: Caprese panini, pesto mayo, mozzarella sandwich, Italian sandwich, easy panini recipe, homemade panini, quick lunch, creamy pesto mayo

Find it online: https://tempotaste.com/caprese-panini-recipe-easy-homemade-with-creamy-pesto-mayo/