Turkey panini with cheese and red pesto

Experience the perfect blend of flavors with this turkey panini recipe, featuring fresh ingredients like tender turkey slices, melted cheese, and crisp vegetables, all sandwiched between perfectly toasted bread. This recipe is ideal for a delicious and satisfying lunch or dinner, with a the rich, savory taste and the delightful crunch in every bite!

If you’re searching for a deliciously satisfying meal that combines the heartiness of turkey breast with the creamy textures of mozzarella and avocado, look no further than the turkey panini. This versatile sandwich, filled with vibrant ingredients and mouthwatering flavors, is sure to become a staple in your culinary repertoire.

There’s something incredibly comforting about biting into a freshly made turkey pesto panini. The crispy exterior of the French bread, the melty goodness of the mozzarella, and the rich, savory taste of the turkey breast all come together to create a meal that’s both satisfying and wholesome. Plus, with the added crunch of cucumbers and the creamy indulgence of avocado, turkey and cheese panini offers a flavor explosion in every bite.

How to make turkey panini

Ingredients

• Olive Oil: Essential for achieving that flaky, crispy crust on your panini.
• French Bread: Provides the perfect base with its sturdy yet tender texture.
• Red Pesto: Adds a robust, tangy flavor that complements the turkey and cheese.
• Mozzarella: Melts beautifully, offering a creamy and slightly stretchy texture.
• Turkey Breast (sliced): The star protein, offering a lean yet flavorful base.
• Cucumbers (sliced): Adds a refreshing crunch that balances the richness of the other ingredients.
• Avocado (sliced): Introduces a creamy texture and subtle flavor, making the panini even more indulgent.

Substitutes

• Bread: Swap French bread for ciabatta or whole grain if preferred.
• Pesto: Basil or sun-dried tomato pesto can be an excellent alternative to red pesto.
• Cheese: Gouda or sharp cheddar can be used if mozzarella is unavailable.
• Turkey: Chicken breast or deli ham can serve as a good substitute.

Equipment

• Panini Press: This essential tool helps achieve the perfect golden-brown crust and ensures even melting of the cheese.
• Cutting Board: Provides a stable surface for easy chopping and assembling.
• Brush: A pastry brush for evenly spreading olive oil on the bread.

Instructions to make the sandwich

Preparations

1. Begin by slicing the French bread, cucumbers, avocados, and turkey breast. Ensure consistent thickness for even cooking.
2. Heat olive oil in a pan and turn heat to medium.

Cooking and assembling

1. Grill turkey for a couple of minutes
2. Add mozzarella. Grill until slightly melted.
3. Spread 1 tablespoon pesto over both sides of French bread and top with mozzarella, turkey, cucumbers, avocado and top half of bread. Repeat with remaining slices of bread.
4. Place the sandwich in a preheated panini press and cook until the bread is golden and crispy, and the cheese has melted.

Tips

• Bread Selection: Opt for day-old bread as it holds better during grilling and gives a crispier texture.
• Even Layering: Ensure even layering of ingredients for uniform cooking and flavor distribution.
• Preheat the Press: Always preheat your panini press to ensure even cooking from the first press.

Recipe Variations

• Turkey Pesto Panini: Replace red pesto with traditional basil pesto for a refreshing twist.
• Spicy Turkey Panini: Add jalapeños and pepper jack cheese for a spicy kick.
• BBQ Turkey Panini: Swap pesto with BBQ sauce and add pickles for a tangy delight.
• Veggie Turkey Panini: Add grilled bell peppers and onions for a nutritious boost.

What to Serve With

1. Salad: A light and refreshing option that pairs well with the richness of the turkey panini.
2. Basil tomato soup: A warm, comforting soup that complements the flavors of the panini.
3. Couscous with roasted vegetables: A healthy side packed with proteins and fresh veggies.
4. Sweet Potato Fries: A crispy, sweet counterpart to the savory panini.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use different types of bread? Yes, ciabatta and whole-grain breads are excellent substitutes.
2. What can I use instead of turkey breast? Chicken breast or deli ham work well in place of turkey.
3. Can I make this panini without a press? Absolutely, you can use a skillet and weight the sandwich down with another pan.

More leftover recipes you will love:

• Turkey stuffed sweet potatoes
• Leftover crescent rolls
• Turkey leftover cups
• Leftover mashed potato pancakes

Storing and Reheating

Store leftover turkey panini tightly wrapped in aluminum foil in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a panini press, skillet or oven to maintain crispiness.

More Sandwich Recipes You’ll Enjoy

1. Spicy ham and cheese sandwich
2. Vegetarian pita sandwich
3. Indian omelet sandwich
4. Omelet sandwich with sundried tomatoes
5. Philly Cheesestake grilled cheese

Serving Size

Typically, this recipe makes 4 servings, depending on the size of your bread. Easily scale the ingredients to make batch meals for larger gatherings.

With its crispy exterior, melty cheese, and flavorful ingredients like red pesto and sliced turkey breast, turkey panini offers a perfect balance of textures and flavors. Whether enjoyed with a side salad or some sweet potato fries, this panini is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Happy cooking!

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Thanksgiving leftover Turkey, cheese & pesto panini

Enjoy a delicious turkey panini with tender turkey, melted cheese, and crisp veggies on toasted bread. Perfect for a satisfying lunch or dinner!

Prep Time5 minutes mins

Cook Time5 minutes mins

Total Time10 minutes mins

Course: Dinner, lunch, sandwich

Cuisine: American

Keyword: turkey and cheese panini, turkey panini, turkey pesto panini

Servings: 4

Calories: 510kcal

Author: Petro Neagu

Cook ModePrevent your screen from going into sleep mode

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 loaf of French bread cut into 4 equal pieces of bread, then each cut in half lengthwise
• 4 tablespoons red pesto
• 1 cup mozzarella sliced
• 2 cups turkey breast sliced
• 2 cucumbers medium, thinly sliced
• 1/2 avocado halved, seeded, peeled and sliced

Equipment

• cutting board
• non stick skillet
• panini press

Instructions

• In a sandwich or panini press, lightly toast the bread pieces.
• Heat olive oil in a pan and turn heat to medium.
• Grill turkey for a couple of minutes.
  
• Then add mozzarella. Grill until slightly melted.
  
• Spread 1 tablespoon pesto over both sides of French bread
  
• and top with mozzarella, turkey, cucumbers, avocado
  
• Add the other half of bread. Repeat with remaining slices of bread.
  
• Place in the panini press again and leave until bread is golden and cheese is lightly melted..

Nutrition

Serving: 1g | Calories: 510kcal | Carbohydrates: 38g | Protein: 39g | Fat: 22g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 10g | Trans Fat: 0.01g | Cholesterol: 87mg | Sodium: 948mg | Potassium: 711mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 7g | Vitamin A: 454IU | Vitamin C: 8mg | Calcium: 262mg | Iron: 4mg

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