In my lifetime I’ve learned that there are some people, like my family, that think a sandwich sounds good pretty much anytime of the day and then there’s me. I can’t fathom the thought of having a sandwich for dinner. To me, sandwiches should be consumed at lunch and only at lunch. This has always been a set rule in my head until I made my Margherita Panini. The one and only sandwich that I will eat at lunch and dinner.
Picture this, the iconic taste of Italy (mozzarella cheese, fresh tomatoes, pesto, and basil from the garden) all melted together between a fresh hot pressed Ciabatta roll. My mouth is watering just thinking of this deliciousness. Serve it up with some potato chips (no sandwich worth eating can be served without potato chips) and you have yourself the perfect meal.
INGREDIENTS
- Ciabatta Rolls (usually a 4 pack)
- Fresh basil leaves (2-3 on each sandwich)
- Fresh tomatoes (sliced)
- Mozzarella cheese (sliced)
- Pesto
- 4 tbps of olive oil
- Panin Machine
DIRECTIONS
First start by preheating your panini machine, or whichever surface you’re using to press the sandwich. While the machine is preheating, cut your Ciabatta rolls in half and lather on pesto to one side of the ciabatta roll (you can put pesto on both sides if your heart desires). Next, you’re going to layer on your pre-sliced mozzarella cheese and tomatoes. Top off your sandwich with a couple of freshly picked basil leaves and voilà your panini is nearly ready. The last step before placing your panini in the machine is to brush both the top and bottom of the Ciabatta roll with a light layer of olive oil. Place the sandwich in the panini machine and watch as your sandwich goes from being good to being absolutely great (Pro Tip: I usually press my panini for 5-7 minutes or until cheese is slightly oozing out of the sides).
Once complete, slice, plate, pour some potato chips and you’re more than ready to eat one heck of a sandwich. Head over to my IGTV if you’d love to watch me explain my sandwich rule and make this perfect panini. Bon appétit!
