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Easy Turkey Basil Pesto Panini Recipe

Easy Turkey Basil Pesto Panini Recipe

5.2 from 21 reviews

This Easy Turkey Basil Pesto Panini is a delightful and savory sandwich combining the rich flavors of basil pesto, melted fontina cheese, tender turkey slices, and fresh Roma tomatoes, all pressed between crispy sourdough bread for a perfect grilled meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Bread & Spreads

  • 8 pieces sourdough bread
  • 1 cup basil pesto

Cheese

  • 1/2 pound fontina cheese, sliced

Meat & Vegetables

  • 1 1/2 pounds turkey, sliced
  • 2 Roma tomatoes, sliced

Others

  • Olive oil for brushing

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Bread with Pesto and Cheese: Lay the sourdough bread slices flat and evenly spread pesto on each slice. Place the sliced fontina cheese on top of the pesto on all 8 slices. Set 4 slices aside for the next steps.
  2. Add Turkey: Evenly distribute the turkey slices over the 4 slices of bread reserved earlier, placing the turkey directly on top of the cheese layer for optimal flavor layering.
  3. Add Tomato Slices: Arrange the sliced Roma tomatoes on top of the turkey layers on each of the four bread slices to add a fresh and juicy component to the panini.
  4. Assemble the Sandwiches: Top each stack with the remaining 4 slices of bread, pesto and cheese side down, and gently press down to secure the sandwich layers. Brush both sides of each sandwich lightly with olive oil to ensure a golden crisp finish when grilled.
  5. Grill the Paninis: Preheat a grill or panini press to medium-high heat. Grill the sandwiches until the bread is golden brown and toasted, and the cheese inside has melted, usually about 3-5 minutes per side. Remove from heat and slice each sandwich in half diagonally before serving.

Notes

  • You can substitute turkey with chicken or ham if preferred.
  • For a vegetarian option, omit turkey and add extra cheese or roasted vegetables.
  • Use a panini press or grill pan for the best crispy texture.
  • Fresh basil pesto is recommended for optimal flavor, but store-bought pesto works well too.
  • Serve immediately for the best taste and texture.

Nutrition

Keywords: Turkey panini, basil pesto sandwich, grilled panini, easy turkey sandwich, fontina cheese sandwich