Sizzling Turkey Basil Pesto Panini Recipe for Lunch Delight

Melted cheese and warm, crusty bread combine in this irresistible easy turkey basil pesto panini that promises pure comfort on a plate.

Layers of tender turkey nestle between golden-brown bread slices, creating a mouthwatering sandwich experience.

Fresh basil pesto adds a vibrant, herbal punch to every delectable bite.

The combination of crisp bread and savory ingredients makes this panini a quick lunch solution for busy days.

Restaurants charge premium prices for sandwiches like these, but you can craft this gourmet delight right in your own kitchen.

Each ingredient is carefully selected to deliver maximum flavor with minimal effort.

Sandwich lovers will fall head over heels for this simple yet spectacular meal that comes together in mere minutes.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 20 minutes

Calories: 480 kcal

Servings: 5

Easy Turkey Basil Pesto Panini Ingredient List

• Bread Slices: Sturdy base that creates a crispy, golden exterior for the sandwich.
• Basil Pesto: Vibrant green sauce that adds intense herbal flavor and creamy texture to the panini.

• Turkey Slices: Lean, tender protein that provides a light and satisfying meat option.
• Fontina Cheese: Creamy, mild cheese that melts beautifully and adds rich, smooth consistency.

• Tomato Slices: Juicy ingredient that brings brightness and subtle acidity to balance the rich flavors.
• Olive Oil: Helps achieve a perfectly crisp, golden-brown exterior and enhances overall sandwich flavor.

Tools to Toast Turkey Basil Pesto Paninis

• Panini Press or Griddle: Perfect for creating crispy, golden-brown sandwiches with melted cheese.
• Cutting Board: Essential for slicing tomatoes and preparing ingredients.
• Sharp Knife: Needed to slice ingredients and cut panini in half after grilling.
• Pastry Brush: Used to evenly coat sandwich exterior with olive oil for a crispy finish.
• Spatula: Helps transfer and flip sandwiches during grilling.

Making Turkey Pesto Paninis Without the Fuss

• Bread Base

Arrange slices on a clean, flat workspace for easy sandwich assembly.

• Pesto Magic

Spread a generous layer of vibrant basil pesto across each bread slice, creating a flavorful foundation.

• Cheese Layer

Sprinkle fontina cheese evenly, allowing it to create a creamy canvas for the remaining ingredients.

• Turkey Placement

Layer tender sliced turkey on top of the cheese, covering the surface with delicious protein.

• Fresh Tomato Accent

Add juicy tomato slices to introduce a bright, fresh element to the sandwich.

• Sandwich Closure

Cap the creation with remaining bread slices, gently pressing to marry the flavors.

• Olive Oil Preparation

Lightly brush both exterior sides with rich olive oil to ensure a golden, crispy finish.

• Grilling Perfection

Cook on medium-high heat until the bread turns a beautiful golden brown and cheese melts into a luxurious texture.

• Serving Style

Remove from heat, slice diagonally, and present the panini on a rustic plate, ready to enjoy.

Turkey Panini Add-Ons for a Fresh Spin

• Swap turkey with roasted chicken or prosciutto for a flavor twist.
• Replace fontina with mozzarella, provolone, or gouda to match your taste preferences.
• Layer in roasted red peppers, spinach leaves, or arugula for added nutrition and crunch.
• Try sun-dried tomato pesto, roasted garlic pesto, or cilantro pesto to create unique sandwich profiles.

Serve Turkey Pesto Paninis for Any Meal

• Picnic Perfect Companion: Pack these paninis in a cooler for an outdoor lunch that screams summer freshness and convenience.
• Elegant Appetizer Twist: Cut paninis into small triangles for a delightful party finger food that looks sophisticated and tastes amazing.
• Wine Pairing Delight: Complement these paninis with a crisp white wine like pinot grigio or sauvignon blanc to enhance the basil and fontina flavors.
• Salad Side Suggestion: Serve alongside a light mixed green salad with a tangy vinaigrette to balance the rich, cheesy sandwich profile.

Store Turkey Paninis for Quick Lunches

• Smart Meal Prep: Slice turkey and cheese in advance to streamline sandwich assembly during busy weekdays. Refrigerate prepared ingredients separately in airtight containers for quick grab-and-go lunches.
• Refrigerator Storage Strategy: Keep assembled paninis wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil for up to 2 days. Place in the coldest section of your refrigerator to maintain freshness and prevent bread from becoming soggy.
• Freezer-Friendly Option: Wrap individual uncooked paninis in parchment paper, then place in freezer-safe bags. Freeze for up to one month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before grilling for best texture and flavor results.
• Portable Lunch Companion: Pack paninis in insulated lunch containers with ice packs to keep them cool and crisp. Consider using a compact sandwich container that prevents crushing during transportation, maintaining the sandwich's delightful structure.

Crispy Turkey Basil Pesto Panini

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4.7 from 28 reviews

• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

Print Recipe

Description

Mediterranean-inspired turkey basil pesto panini delivers a perfect harmony of flavors between crisp bread and juicy protein. Melted cheese and herbal notes create a satisfying sandwich experience you will savor with each delicious bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 8 pieces sourdough bread
• 1.5 pounds (680 g) turkey, sliced
• ½ pound (227 g) fontina cheese, sliced
• 1 cup pesto
• 2 Roma tomatoes, sliced
• olive oil

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Lay bread slices on a clean surface, creating a strategic panini assembly workspace.
2. Pesto Application: Spread basil pesto comprehensively across each bread slice, ensuring complete, edge-to-edge coverage for maximum flavor infusion.
3. Cheese and Protein Layer: Distribute fontina cheese uniformly, then strategically place turkey slices to create a harmonious protein and dairy foundation.
4. Tomato Enhancement: Position fresh tomato slices over the turkey, introducing a vibrant, moisture-rich component to the sandwich composition.
5. Sandwich Construction: Crown the layered ingredients with remaining bread slices, gently pressing to compact the filling and create a cohesive structure.
6. Exterior Preparation: Delicately brush olive oil on both sandwich exteriors, promoting an optimal golden-brown crust and enhancing overall texture.
7. Cooking Process: Preheat grill pan or panini press to medium-high temperature, then carefully position the sandwich and cook until cheese melts and exterior transforms into a crispy, caramelized golden shell.
8. Serving: Remove from heat, slice diagonally to reveal intricate layers, and serve immediately while temperature and texture are at their peak.

Notes

• Cheese Melting Tip: Use room temperature fontina for smoother, faster melting and more even distribution across the sandwich.
• Pesto Spreading Technique: Apply pesto generously but not too thickly to prevent soggy bread and maintain crisp texture.
• Oil Application Trick: Use a pastry brush for thin, even olive oil coating to achieve uniform golden-brown crispiness on panini exterior.
• Pressing Pressure Point: Apply gentle, consistent pressure while grilling to create perfect grill marks and compress sandwich layers without squeezing out fillings.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Snacks
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 480
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 950 mg
• Fat: 24 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 37 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg