Grilled panini with mozzarella, basil pesto, ripe tomato, and a crispy golden crust.
# What You Need:
→ Bread & Dairy
01 - 4 slices country-style or sourdough bread
02 - 4 oz fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced
03 - 2 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
→ Vegetables & Condiments
04 - 1 large ripe tomato, sliced
05 - 2 tbsp basil pesto
06 - Handful fresh basil leaves
→ Seasoning
07 - Pinch sea salt
08 - Freshly ground black pepper
# How-To Steps:
01 - Spread basil pesto evenly over one side of each bread slice.
02 - Place half of the mozzarella slices onto two bread slices on the pesto-covered side.
03 - Arrange tomato slices, fresh basil leaves, and season with salt and pepper over the mozzarella.
04 - Top with the remaining mozzarella slices and cover each with the remaining bread slices, pesto side down.
05 - Spread softened butter on the exterior sides of each sandwich.
06 - Preheat a grill pan or skillet over medium heat.
07 - Cook sandwiches in the panini press or skillet for 3 to 4 minutes per side, pressing down if using a skillet, until bread is golden and cheese is melted.
08 - Remove sandwiches, allow to rest for 1 minute, then slice and serve warm.
