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Caprese Pesto Panini

Featured in: Vegetarian Picks

This Caprese Pesto Panini combines soft fresh mozzarella, juicy tomato slices, and fragrant basil pesto layered between crusty bread. The sandwich is then buttered and grilled until the bread turns golden and the cheese melts perfectly. The fresh basil adds an herbal aroma, balanced by a touch of salt and pepper, creating a deliciously simple yet flavorful meal option.

Ideal for a quick lunch or light dinner, this panini is easy to prepare, taking only minutes to assemble and cook. Optional garnishes like balsamic glaze or arugula provide extra layers of flavor, making each bite satisfying and fresh.

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Updated on Fri, 28 Nov 2025 15:24:00 GMT
Golden-brown Caprese Pesto Panini-Style Grilled Cheese, oozing melted mozzarella and ripe tomato slices. Save
Golden-brown Caprese Pesto Panini-Style Grilled Cheese, oozing melted mozzarella and ripe tomato slices. | ovenharmony.com

A vibrant twist on the classic grilled cheese, featuring melted mozzarella, ripe tomatoes, fresh basil pesto, and a crispy golden crust perfect for a gourmet lunch or light dinner.

This panini quickly became a favorite in my home for its perfect combination of gooey cheese and fresh ingredients.

Ingredients

  • Bread & Dairy: 4 slices country-style or sourdough bread, 4 oz (115 g) fresh mozzarella cheese sliced, 2 tbsp unsalted butter softened
  • Vegetables & Condiments: 1 large ripe tomato sliced, 2 tbsp basil pesto (store-bought or homemade), Fresh basil leaves handful
  • Seasoning: Pinch of sea salt, Freshly ground black pepper

Instructions

Step 1:
Spread basil pesto evenly on one side of each bread slice.
Step 2:
Layer half the mozzarella slices onto two of the bread slices (on the pesto side).
Step 3:
Top with tomato slices, a few fresh basil leaves, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
Step 4:
Add the remaining mozzarella slices over the tomatoes. Cover with the remaining bread slices, pesto side down, to form sandwiches.
Step 5:
Butter the outer sides of each sandwich.
Step 6:
Preheat a grill pan or skillet over medium heat.
Step 7:
Place the sandwiches in the panini press or skillet. Cook for 34 minutes per side (press down with a spatula if using a skillet) until the bread is golden and the cheese is melted.
Step 8:
Remove let rest for 1 minute then slice and serve warm.
A close-up of a perfectly grilled Caprese Pesto Panini-Style Grilled Cheese, ready to be sliced and enjoyed. Save
A close-up of a perfectly grilled Caprese Pesto Panini-Style Grilled Cheese, ready to be sliced and enjoyed. | ovenharmony.com

This recipe brings the family together, especially on weekend afternoons when we savor these warm paninis with tomato soup.

Serving Suggestions

Pair the panini with a simple side salad or classic tomato soup for a well-rounded meal.

Variations

Add arugula for a peppery twist or swap mozzarella for provolone to change the cheese profile.

Storage Tips

Wrap leftovers tightly and store in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in a skillet for best results.

Crispy, buttery bread surrounding fresh pesto and mozzarella in the flavorful Caprese Pesto Panini-Style Grilled Cheese. Save
Crispy, buttery bread surrounding fresh pesto and mozzarella in the flavorful Caprese Pesto Panini-Style Grilled Cheese. | ovenharmony.com

Enjoy this easy and flavorful panini fresh off the grill for a satisfying meal any day.

Recipe FAQ

→ What bread works best for this panini?

Country-style or sourdough bread provides a sturdy base with a crispy crust and chewy interior, ideal for grilling.

→ How can I prevent the panini from getting soggy?

Spread pesto on the bread and butter the outside before grilling; this helps create a crispy exterior while keeping the inside moist.

→ Can I use homemade basil pesto?

Yes, homemade pesto with fresh basil, pine nuts, garlic, Parmesan, and olive oil offers vibrant flavor and freshness.

→ What cooking methods can I use?

A panini press or skillet works well; press the sandwich to ensure even grilling and melted cheese inside.

→ Any suggestions to enhance flavor?

Adding a drizzle of balsamic glaze or fresh arugula before serving adds a sweet tang or peppery bite respectively.

Caprese Pesto Panini

A vibrant panini featuring mozzarella, basil pesto, ripe tomato, and a golden crisp finish.

Prep duration
10 min
Cook duration
8 min
Complete duration
18 min
Created by Claire Johnson

Classification Vegetarian Picks

Complexity Easy

Heritage Italian-Inspired

Output 2 Portions

Dietary considerations Meat-free

Components

Bread & Dairy

01 4 slices country-style or sourdough bread
02 4 oz fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced
03 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened

Vegetables & Condiments

01 1 large ripe tomato, sliced
02 2 tablespoons basil pesto (store-bought or homemade)
03 Handful of fresh basil leaves

Seasoning

01 Pinch of sea salt
02 Freshly ground black pepper

Directions

Phase 01

Prepare the bread: Spread basil pesto evenly over one side of each bread slice.

Phase 02

Assemble the sandwich layers: Place half of the mozzarella slices on the pesto-coated side of two bread slices.

Phase 03

Add tomato and basil: Top the mozzarella with tomato slices, fresh basil leaves, and sprinkle with sea salt and black pepper.

Phase 04

Complete sandwich assembly: Add remaining mozzarella slices over the tomato, then cover each with the remaining bread slices, pesto side down.

Phase 05

Butter the sandwiches: Spread softened butter on the outer sides of each sandwich.

Phase 06

Heat the cooking surface: Preheat a grill pan or skillet over medium heat.

Phase 07

Cook the sandwiches: Place sandwiches in panini press or skillet; cook 3 to 4 minutes per side until bread is golden and cheese is melted, pressing down with a spatula if using a skillet.

Phase 08

Rest and serve: Remove from heat, let rest for 1 minute, then slice and serve warm.

Necessary tools

  • Knife
  • Cutting board
  • Skillet or panini press
  • Spatula

Allergy details

Review each component for potential allergens and consult healthcare professionals if you're unsure about ingredients.
  • Contains wheat (bread), milk (mozzarella, butter), and tree nuts (if pesto contains pine nuts). Verify pesto ingredients for nut allergies.

Nutritional information (each portion)

These values are approximate guidelines only and shouldn't replace professional medical guidance.
  • Energy: 420
  • Fats: 24 g
  • Carbohydrates: 34 g
  • Proteins: 18 g