If you're craving a deliciously satisfying sandwich that bursts with flavor and is incredibly easy to make, look no further than the Fresh Herb Pesto Fontina Panini! This Italian-inspired delight combines the vibrant tastes of fresh basil and parsley with the creamy richness of Fontina cheese, all nestled between crispy ciabatta bread. Perfect for a quick lunch or a delightful dinner, this panini is sure to impress your family and friends. Get ready to tantalize your taste buds and elevate your sandwich game with this mouthwatering recipe that takes just 15 minutes to prepare!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 5 mins
Total Time: 15 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 2 servings
Ingredients
- 4 slices of ciabatta bread
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves
- 1/2 cup fresh parsley
- 1/4 cup pine nuts
- 1/2 cup grated Fontina cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: ciabatta bread, fresh basil leaves, fresh parsley, pine nuts, grated Fontina cheese, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- In a food processor, combine the fresh basil, fresh parsley, and pine nuts. Pulse them together until they are finely chopped.
- With the food processor running, slowly drizzle in the olive oil until the mixture is well combined and reaches a smooth consistency.
- Season the pesto with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust the seasoning as desired, then set the pesto aside.
- Preheat a skillet or panini press over medium heat while you prepare the sandwiches.
- Take two slices of ciabatta bread and spread a generous amount of the fresh herb pesto on one side of each slice.
- On top of the pesto, sprinkle an even layer of grated Fontina cheese on each slice.
- Top with the remaining two slices of ciabatta, placing them pesto-side down on the cheese to create a sandwich.
- Once the skillet or panini press is hot, place the panini in the skillet or press down the lid of the panini press. Cook for about 3-5 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted.
- Carefully remove the panini from the skillet or press and let them cool for a minute before slicing them in half.
- Serve the Fresh Herb Pesto Fontina Panini warm, optionally with a side salad or chips for a complete meal.
Tips
- Fresh Ingredients Matter: Use the freshest basil and parsley you can find for the best flavor in your pesto. If possible, pick them right before you start cooking!
- Customize Your Pesto: Feel free to experiment with other nuts like walnuts or almonds in your pesto for a unique twist. You can also add garlic for an extra kick.
- Cheese Alternatives: While Fontina cheese is delicious, you can substitute it with mozzarella or provolone if you prefer a different flavor profile.
- Grill it Right: Make sure your skillet or panini press is properly heated before adding the sandwiches. This will ensure a perfectly crispy exterior and gooey melted cheese.
- Serving Suggestions: Pair your panini with a light side salad or some crunchy chips to balance the richness of the sandwich. A drizzle of balsamic reduction can also add a lovely touch!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 366kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: 26g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 30mg
