Caprese panini with pesto, grilled tomatoes and melted mozzarella. If you do not have a Panini press, you can heat a heavy skillet over medium-high heat and cook each side for several minutes, using a lid or another skillet to press the sandwich while cooking.
Total Time
35min
4.9
8 Ratings
Author: Hapa Nom Nom
Servings:
4
Ingredients
•
1
Focaccia Bread
•
2
cups
Fresh Basil Leaves
, lightly packed
•
2
cloves
Garlic
•
4
Tbsp
Pine Nuts
•
1/2
cup
Parmesan Cheese
, freshly grated
•
1/2
cup
Olive Oil
•
as needed
Kosher Salt
•
as needed
Ground Black Pepper
•
1
(8 oz)
Buffalo Mozzarella Ball
•
4
Plum Tomatoes
•
1
bunch
Arugula
Cooking Instructions
1.
Place Buffalo Mozzarella Ball (1) in a single layer between several paper towels. Place a cutting board on top of the covered mozzarella and add 2 pounds of weight for 15 minutes, unopened soup cans work well. Doing this will remove the excess moisture and will prevent your Panini from becoming soggy while in the press.
2.
Preheat the panini press to medium-high heat.
3.
To make the pesto. Add to the bowl of a food processor, the Fresh Basil Leaves (2 cups), Garlic (2 cloves), Pine Nuts (4 Tbsp), and Parmesan Cheese (1/2 cup). Pulse while slowly adding Olive Oil (1/2 cup) until smooth and desired consistency. Add the Kosher Salt (as needed) and Ground Black Pepper (as needed) and pulse a few more times to incorporate.
4.
Using a sharp bread knife, slice the Focaccia Bread (1) down the middle vertically and then horizontally, creating 4 servings. Slice each section in half to create a top and bottom, and lightly brush the outside with olive oil.
5.
Oiled side down, liberally spread the pesto on the inside of each half. On the bottom, add the sliced mozzarella, Plum Tomatoes (4), and Arugula (1 bunch). Season with salt and pepper. Place the tops of the bread on each sandwich and place in the Panini Press.
6.
Cook 3 to 5 minutes, or until the cheese has melted and the bread is golden brown. Transfer the Panini to a cutting board and cut in half. Serve immediately.
Nutrition Per Serving
CALORIES
685
FAT
55.0 g
PROTEIN
19.3 g
CARBS
29.2 g
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