Chef Fabrizio Bottero Recipes Chef Fabrizio Bottero Recipes
Grilled Fresh Mozzarella, Tomato & Basil Panini Sandwiches
Makes 2 servings
Ingredients
4 slices crusty artisan bread* (½-inch thick) or individual focaccia sliced horizontally
1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
4 ounces sliced fresh mozzarella (or fresh smoked mozzarella)
4 to 6 thin tomato slices (to fit across bread)
kosher or sea salt and freshly ground pepper
8 large basil leaves, shredded
Directions:
  1. Preheat the Cuisinart® Griddler™ on high heat. Lightly brush one side of each slice of bread with olive oil. Place two slices on a clean work surface oiled side down.
  2. Layer the slices with cheese and tomato and season lightly with salt and pepper if desired. Sprinkle the tomato with the basil shreds. Top with the other slice of bread, oiled side up.
  3. Place the sandwiches on the preheated grill plates and close the griddle. Press down lightly on the top griddle plate for 30 seconds and bake for 3 to 4 minutes. The bread will be grill-marked and crispy and cheese is melted when the sandwich is done.
  4. Serve hot.

*You can use plain artisan country bread or a flavored bread such as roasted garlic or rosemary bread, if desired. Slices should be about 7 x 3½ x ½-inches each.

Nutritional information per serving:
Calories 365 (49% from fat) carb. 29g pro. 17g fat 20g sat. fat 9g chol. 44mg sod. 579mg calc. 9mg fiber 1g