Grilled panini layering melted mozzarella, fresh tomatoes, basil pesto, and a crisp golden crust.
# What You Need:
→ 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
04 - 1 large ripe tomato, sliced
05 - 2 tablespoons basil pesto
06 - Handful of fresh basil leaves
→ Seasoning
07 - Pinch of sea salt
08 - Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
# Directions:
01 - Spread basil pesto evenly on one side of each bread slice.
02 - Layer half of the mozzarella slices onto two of the bread slices, on the pesto-coated side.
03 - Top mozzarella with sliced tomato, fresh basil leaves, and sprinkle with sea salt and black pepper.
04 - Place remaining mozzarella slices over tomatoes and cover with remaining bread slices, pesto side down, forming two sandwiches.
05 - Butter the exterior sides of each sandwich evenly.
06 - Preheat a grill pan or skillet over medium heat.
07 - Place sandwiches in panini press or skillet and cook 3 to 4 minutes per side, pressing down gently if using a skillet, until bread is golden and cheese is melted.
08 - Remove sandwiches, let rest for one minute, then slice and serve warm.
