Ah, the grilled cheese—simple, classic, comforting. But what if we take it up a notch? Imagine biting into a sandwich where gooey mozzarella meets vibrant walnut pesto, each bite a dance of flavors. It’s like a culinary symphony in the midst of a chaotic kitchen concert, where every ingredient finds harmony.
Steps
- Prepare the Pesto: Combine basil, garlic, walnuts, and Parmesan cheese in a food processor, adding salt and pepper to taste. As the processor runs, slowly drizzle in olive oil until the mixture emulsifies into a smooth pesto.
- Assemble the Sandwiches: Take four slices of sourdough bread and spread pesto on each one. Arrange fresh mozzarella slices, tomato slices, and roasted red peppers on two of the pesto-covered bread slices.
- Grill the Sandwiches: Place the two loaded bread slices onto a panini maker or grill pan, allowing the cheese to start melting. Then, top with the remaining pesto-covered bread slices, pressing gently to close the sandwiches.
- Cook Until Golden: Close the panini maker and cook until the bread is crispy and golden brown, and the mozzarella is fully melted. If using a skillet, cook for about 2 minutes per side while pressing down with a spatula.
- Serve Immediately: Once the sandwiches are done, remove them from the heat, slice in half, and serve hot for the best flavor and texture.
Ingredients
- 4 slices sourdough bread
- 4 oz mozzarella cheese, sliced
- 1 large tomato, sliced
- 2 oz roasted red peppers, jarred
- Fresh basil leaves
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1/4 cup walnuts
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/3 cup olive oil
Nutritional Values
Calories: 1796kcal | Carbohydrates: 164g | Protein: 64g | Fat: 100g | Saturated Fat: 24g | Cholesterol: 96mg | Sodium: 2968mg | Potassium: 1208mg | Fiber: 8g | Sugar: 12g | Vitamin A: 3840IU | Vitamin C: 64.4mg | Calcium: 896mg | Iron: 12mg
FAQ
- Is a grilled mozzarella sandwich considered healthy?
- While not low in calories, with each sandwich containing under 450 calories, it is a healthier option than many store-bought sandwiches. Making your own pesto at home is also healthier as it avoids preservatives and unnecessary additives. To further lighten the sandwich, consider using whole wheat bread and low-fat mozzarella.
- Can I make walnut pesto at home easily?
- Yes, making walnut pesto at home is simple. Combine fresh basil, garlic, walnuts, and Parmesan cheese in a food processor, seasoning with salt and pepper. Slowly add olive oil while blending to emulsify. Freshly made pesto is a great addition to pasta and sandwiches.
- What can I use if I don’t have a panini maker?
- If you don’t own a panini maker, a toaster oven, grill pan, or regular skillet can be used to make the sandwich. Although you might miss out on the grill lines, these alternatives can still provide similar results.
- How should I store leftover pesto and sandwiches?
- Leftover pesto can be stored in the refrigerator, covered, for up to one week. However, it’s not recommended to store the sandwiches for more than a couple of hours. If you have leftovers, reheat them using a toaster oven or panini maker.
- Can I substitute any ingredients in the recipe?
- Yes, you can make substitutions if needed. Instead of whole mozzarella, shredded mozzarella can be used, though it will alter the sandwich’s texture and flavor. For the pesto, walnuts can be replaced with other nuts like pine nuts, almonds, or pecans.
Tips
- If you don’t have a panini maker, consider using a toaster oven, grill pan, or even a regular skillet to make your grilled mozzarella sandwich. A skillet can achieve a similar result by cooking each side for about 2 minutes while pressing down with a spatula.
- For the best flavor, use the freshest ingredients available, particularly when it comes to basil for the pesto and mozzarella cheese. Fresh ingredients elevate the taste of the sandwich significantly.
- Opt for thick, sturdy sourdough bread to ensure the sandwich holds its shape when pressed in the panini maker. Avoid using bread that is too airy inside, as it might collapse under pressure.
- Consider making a double batch of the homemade walnut pesto. Not only will it enhance the sandwich, but it can also be used in other dishes throughout the week, like pasta or as a dip.
Equipment
- Panini Maker – Used for grilling the sandwich and achieving those desirable grill lines.
- Food Processor – Necessary for making the homemade walnut pesto. Consider options like the Kitchen Aid 7-Cup or 11-Cup Food Processor.
- Grill Pan (if not using a panini maker) – An alternative option for grilling the sandwich.
