Say goodbye to boring lunches with this Turkey Pesto Panini. Thanks to the panini press, achieving a flawlessly toasted crust and a gloriously gooey interior has never been simpler. With just 15 minutes or less on the clock, you'll be savoring a turkey sandwich that's delightfully crunchy on the outside and packed with savory goodness within.
s amazing how a panini maker can turn a simple sandwich into a gourmet delight. This turkey pesto panini recipe is the perfect example!
This isn't your average turkey sandwich; it's an explosion of flavors and textures that will make your taste buds dance. It will remind you of the Starbucks turkey pesto panini, but the flavors are so much fresher.
The secret behind the incredible flavor of this panini lies in the basil pesto. Fresh basil, garlic, nuts, and Parmesan cheese come together to create a sauce that's vibrant and full of life. When combined with the turkey, the pesto shines, making each bite a delightful experience.
Of course, what's a turkey and cheese panini without the perfect bread? I suggest using sturdy bread like Italian bread, sourdough, or ciabatta that can stand up to the grilling process.
And let's not forget the role of the panini press. This handy tool not only grills your sandwich to perfection, but also compresses it, allowing all the flavors to meld together beautifully.
In just about 15 minutes, you'll have a restaurant-quality pesto turkey panini right in your own kitchen. So grab your ingredients, and let's get cooking!
Ingredients
- Oil: I like olive oil for this turkey panini recipe, but feel free to us whatever oil you have on hand.
- Bread: Use your favorite type of bread here. I'm partial to a good Ciabatta roll and Italian bread, but even plain sandwich bread, slices of sourdough bread, or baguette slices will work great!
- Pesto: A store bought pesto will do, but I like to make this with my pesto without pine nuts.
- Mayonnaise: This is optional, but I love the creamy texture it adds to the sandwich.
- Turkey: Get some good quality deli turkey or use up leftovers from Thanksgiving.
- Provolone: I like to use slices of provolone cheese, but mozzarella cheese or American cheese also works great with this turkey pesto sandwich recipe.
- Spinach: Fresh baby spinach is best, but frozen spinach will do in a pinch. Just make sure it is well-thawed and that you drain off any excess moisture.
- Roasted red pepper: You can buy these in jars at the store or even roast them in your oven.
- Tomato: Slice a fresh tomato to add some juicy flavor to this sandwich.
Step by Step Instructions
For the full recipe with measurements, see the recipe card at the end of the post.
First, start by preheating your panini press.
Tips and Tricks
- Quality Bread: Choose a sturdy bread like sourdough or ciabatta that can hold up well under the pressure of a panini press and won't get soggy from the pesto.
- Fresh Pesto: While store-bought pesto works for panini recipes with pesto, homemade pesto will deliver a fresher, more vibrant flavor. Plus, you can adjust the garlic, salt, and cheese levels to your liking.
- Thinly Sliced Turkey: Opt for thinly sliced turkey for the best texture and even distribution of flavor in every bite.
- Cheese Choices: Provolone or mozzarella are classic choices that melt well, but feel free to experiment with different types, such as gouda or fontina for a unique twist.
- Preheat Your Panini Press: Use the 5 minutes of prep time this recipe takes to preheat your panini maker, grill pan, or cast iron skillet.
- Brush with Olive Oil: Lightly brushing the outside of your bread with olive oil will give your panini a beautiful golden color and add a hint of flavor.
- Don't Overstuff: While it's tempting to load up your panini, too much filling can make it difficult to eat. Aim for a balance of flavors in each bite.
FAQs
What is the secret to a good panini?
The secret to a great panini is making sure all the ingredients are balanced in flavor and texture. It's also important to preheat your panini press before adding the sandwich so that you get an even, crispy exterior. Lastly, don't forget to brush the outside of the bread with olive oil for added flavor and color.
Do you put oil or butter on a panini?
I prefer to use olive oil for panini sandwiches, but you can also use butter or other types of oil if desired. Just make sure your heat isn't too high so the outside of the bread doesn't burn before the interior is cooked through.
Tools
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- Panini Press
- Silicone Brush
More Sandwich Recipes to Try
- Caprese Chicken Panini: This sandwich takes the classic Italian Caprese salad components and combines them with succulent grilled chicken to create a lunchtime delight that's bursting with fresh flavors.
- Turkey Avocado Panini: Flavorful turkey meets creamy avocado in this panini, creating a wholesome yet indulgent sandwich that's perfect for a quick lunch or dinner.
- Brie Apple Sandwich: The luxurious creaminess of Brie cheese paired with the crisp sweetness of apples make this sandwich a gourmet treat, offering a delightful balance of textures and flavors.
- Slow Cooker French Dip: This recipe transforms a humble cut of beef into a mouthwatering, tender filling for your sandwich, all with the help of your slow cooker - it's the ultimate comfort food with a side of au jus for dipping.
Turkey Pesto Panini
Equipment
- Panini Press
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 4 slices bread
- ¼ cup pesto
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 6 ounces thinly sliced turkey breast either deli turkey or leftover turkey
- 3 ounces sliced provolone cheese
- 1 cup baby spinach
- ½ cup sliced roasted red pepper
- 1 medium tomato sliced
Instructions
- Preheat your panini press.
- Brush one side of each piece of bread with olive oil.
- Spread the pesto on the other side of two slices of bread. Spread the mayonnaise on the other side of the other two slices.
- Layer the turkey on top of the pesto and top with provolone, spinach, roasted red pepper, and tomato.
- Top with the remaining two slices of bread, mayo side down.
- Add the sandwiches to your preheated panini press and close the lid on top of them.
- Cook for about 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the sandwiches are golden brown.
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