Go Back
–+ servings

Video

Panini cheese sandwich with avocado, tomato, and cilantro,2 half on top of each other, serve on a wooden board. close up side view.
Olivia

Grilled Cheese Panini with Avocado, Tomato, and Cilantro

No ratings yet
Make this grilled cheese panini in under 20 minutes with creamy avocado, fresh tomato, and cilantro. A quick, satisfying vegetarian sandwich perfect for lunch or a simple weeknight meal.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 8 minutes
Total Time 18 minutes
Servings: 2
Course: Breakfast, Snack
Cuisine: American
Calories: 533
Ingredients Equipment Cooking Instructions Nutrition Video Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 4 slices ciabatta sourdough, or whole-grain bread
  • 1 ripe avocado sliced
  • 1 medium tomato sliced
  • 4 slices mozzarella provolone, or Monterey Jack cheese
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves roughly chopped
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil or softened butter
  • 1 teaspoon fresh lime juice
  • Salt to taste
  • Black pepper to taste

Equipment

Best Value
Panini Press
Panini Press
$49.95
Buy Now
08/25/2026 08:00 am GMT
panini

Cooking Instructions
 

  1. Preheat a panini press or grill pan over medium heat.
  2. Arrange the cheese over two slices of bread.
  3. Add the sliced tomato and season lightly with salt and black pepper.
  4. Layer the avocado slices over the tomatoes.
  5. Sprinkle the avocado with lime juice and fresh cilantro.
  6. Add another layer of cheese if you prefer an extra-cheesy panini.
  7. Top with the remaining bread slices.
  8. Lightly brush the outside of the bread with olive oil or softened butter.
  9. Grill for 5-8 minutes until the bread is golden and crispy and the cheese is melted.
  10. Let rest for 1 minute, slice in half, and serve warm.

Nutrition

Calories: 533kcalCarbohydrates: 39gProtein: 20gFat: 35gSaturated Fat: 11gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 19gCholesterol: 45mgSodium: 641mgPotassium: 690mgFiber: 8gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 1178IUVitamin C: 20mgCalcium: 306mgIron: 1mg

Notes

Use a firm but ripe avocado so the slices hold their shape while grilling.
Mozzarella provides a mild creamy flavor, while Monterey Jack melts especially well.
Add jalapeños or pickled red onions for extra flavor.
Serve with tomato soup, a green salad, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!