Tomato, Mozzarella & Pesto Panini

Total Time: 18 mins Preparation Time: 15 mins Cook Time: 3 mins

Ingredients

• 2 large beefsteak tomatoes (or other large tomatoes)
• 1 (16 ounce) ball fresh mozzarella cheese
• 12 slices whole wheat bread, sliced 1/2-inch thick (or whole grain or )
• 1 cup pesto sauce (homemade or storebought)
• kosher salt (optional)
• butter, unsalted, room temperature

Recipe

• 1 preheat a panini grill machine or a heavy skillet.
• 2 core the tomatoes and slice tomatoes and mozzarella 1/4" thick.
• 3 place the bread slices on a cutting board(or work surface). spread each slice evenly with pesto. place a layer of mozzarella(about 2 slices) on half of the bread and cover with a layer of tomato. sprinkle the tomato with a little kosher salt.
• 4 place the remaining slices of bread, pesto side down, on top. spread the top and bottom of each sandwich with sotened butter.
• 5 grill the sandwiches in batches on the panini grill for 2-3 minutes, until the mozzarella starts to ooze out. if using a skillet, place a weight on top(i usually use another heavy cast iron skillet, or use a foil coverd brick, or other flat, heavy object. cook 2-3 minutes, turn and cook other side 1-3 minutes.).
• 6 cut the sandwiches in half and serve warm. enjoy!
• 7 note:.
• 8 this is also excellent with a slice of roasted red bell pepper in it!