The Turkey Basil Pesto Panini is a delightful sandwich that combines the savory flavors of turkey with the aromatic freshness of basil pesto. This warm, grilled sandwich is perfect for a quick lunch, dinner, or even a sophisticated picnic treat. The melty cheese and crispy bread make it irresistibly satisfying.

Equipment:

Panini press or a heavy skillet
Knife
Cutting board

Ingredients:

4 slices of ciabatta or focaccia bread
4 tablespoons basil pesto
8 slices of turkey breast (deli slices work great)
4 slices of provolone or mozzarella cheese
Fresh spinach or arugula leaves (optional)
1 tomato, thinly sliced (optional)
Olive oil or butter for grilling

Instructions:

Prepare the Ingredients:
- If you’re using a loaf of ciabatta or focaccia, slice it into individual portions and then slice each horizontally to open up for the sandwich.
Assemble the Sandwich:
- Spread 1 tablespoon of basil pesto on the inside of each bread half.
- On the bottom halves, layer the turkey slices, cheese, and a few leaves of spinach or arugula, and tomato slices if using.
- Top with the other half of the bread.
Heat the Panini Press:
- Preheat your Panini press. If you don’t have a Panini press, you can use a heavy skillet or grill pan.
- Brush the outside of the sandwich lightly with olive oil or butter. This will help to get a nice, crispy, golden crust.
Grill the Panini:
- Place the sandwich in the Panini press and close it. Grill for about 4 to 5 minutes or until the bread is toasted and crispy and the cheese has melted.
- If using a skillet, place the sandwich in the skillet and press down with another heavy pan or a spatula. Grill each side for about 3 minutes.
Serve:
- Remove the sandwich from the press or skillet and let it sit for a minute before cutting. Slice in half and serve warm.

Tips:

For an extra flavor kick, add some thinly sliced red onion or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes inside the sandwich before grilling.
To make this sandwich more substantial, you can add additional layers of different meats like bacon or salami.
Make sure your basil pesto is fresh for the best flavor, or consider making your own pesto at home.

This Turkey Basil Pesto Panini is the perfect combination of easy and gourmet, making it a great choice for any meal where you want something a little special without too much fuss. The flavors are bright and satisfying, and the sandwich itself is versatile enough to customize to your tastes. Enjoy your delicious creation and the wonderful blend of flavors!

The Turkey Basil Pesto Panini

The Turkey Basil Pesto Panini is a delightful sandwich that combines the savory flavors of turkey with the aromatic freshness of basil pesto.

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Equipment

Panini press or a heavy skillet
Knife
Cutting board

Ingredients

4 slices of ciabatta or focaccia bread
4 tablespoons basil pesto
8 slices of turkey breast deli slices work great
4 slices of provolone or mozzarella cheese
Fresh spinach or arugula leaves optional
1 tomato thinly sliced (optional)
Olive oil or butter for grilling

Instructions

Prepare the Ingredients:
If you’re using a loaf of ciabatta or focaccia, slice it into individual portions and then slice each horizontally to open up for the sandwich.
Assemble the Sandwich:
Spread 1 tablespoon of basil pesto on the inside of each bread half.
On the bottom halves, layer the turkey slices, cheese, and a few leaves of spinach or arugula, and tomato slices if using.
Top with the other half of the bread.
Heat the Panini Press:
Preheat your Panini press. If you don’t have a Panini press, you can use a heavy skillet or grill pan.
Brush the outside of the sandwich lightly with olive oil or butter. This will help to get a nice, crispy, golden crust.
Grill the Panini:
Place the sandwich in the Panini press and close it. Grill for about 4 to 5 minutes or until the bread is toasted and crispy and the cheese has melted.
If using a skillet, place the sandwich in the skillet and press down with another heavy pan or a spatula. Grill each side for about 3 minutes.