This vegetarian panini combines fresh spinach, sliced tomatoes, and melted cheese between crisp, toasted bread. Sourdough or ciabatta gives the sandwich a sturdy base, while an optional layer of pesto or mayonnaise adds flavor. Italian seasoning brings the filling together without needing a separate sauce.
A panini press heats both sides while compressing the sandwich. You can also use a grill pan, turning the sandwich so both sides brown. Dry the spinach and blot excess moisture from the tomatoes before assembling to help keep the bread crisp. Serve warm while the cheese is melted.
Start with the Vegetable Cooking Guide:
https://www.letsveg.com/vegetable-cooking-guide
Video
Vegetarian Panini
Vegetarian panini with spinach, tomatoes, and melted cheese on crisp toasted bread. An easy café-style sandwich ready in 20 minutes.
Ingredients
Equipment
panini
Cooking Instructions
- Preheat a panini press or grill pan over medium heat.
- Spread pesto or mayonnaise on one side of each bread slice, if using.
- Place one cheese slice on each of two bread slices. Divide the tomatoes and spinach between them, add the seasoning, then top each sandwich with another cheese slice and the remaining bread
- Sprinkle with Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper.
- Add another layer of cheese and top with the remaining bread slices.
- Brush the outside of the bread with olive oil or butter.
- Grill in the panini press for 5-7 minutes until the bread is golden and the cheese has melted.
- Slice in half and serve immediately while warm.
Nutrition
Notes
• Dry the spinach thoroughly and blot excess juice from the tomato slices before assembling.
• If using fresh mozzarella, drain and pat it dry to reduce moisture in the filling.
• Divide the four cheese slices between the two sandwiches, placing one below and one above each vegetable filling.
• Spread the optional pesto or mayonnaise inside the sandwich. Apply the olive oil or softened butter to the outside of the bread.
• Taste your cheese and spread before adding salt, as both may already provide enough seasoning.
• Serve immediately for crisp bread and melted cheese. Tomato soup or a simple salad makes a useful accompaniment.