No Press Panini with Mozzarella Roasted Red Pepper and Basil

Elevate your sandwich game with this No-Press Panini featuring fresh mozzarella, roasted red pepper, and fragrant basil, all nestled between golden, crispy slices of ciabatta bread. This quick and easy recipe doesn't require a panini press—just a skillet and a little creativity! The creamy mozzarella melts perfectly into the smoky sweetness of roasted red peppers, while fresh basil adds a classic touch of herbaceous flavor. A hint of garlic, brushed onto the bread, enhances every bite, and a drizzle of olive oil ensures a perfectly crisp crust. Ready in just 20 minutes, this Italian-inspired panini is a delicious option for lunch or a light dinner. Enjoy this gourmet-level sandwich that’s simple to prepare and packed with flavor!

Nutriscore Rating: 63/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:10 mins

Total Time:20 mins

Servings: 2

Ingredients

• 2 pieces Ciabatta bread or sandwich rolls
• 200 grams Fresh mozzarella cheese
• 1 large Roasted red pepper
• 10 leaves Fresh basil leaves
• 2 tablespoons Olive oil
• 0.25 teaspoons Salt
• 0.25 teaspoons Black pepper
• 1 piece Garlic clove (optional, for rubbing bread)

Directions

Step 1

Slice the ciabatta bread or sandwich rolls in half horizontally to create a top and bottom piece.

Step 2

Optional: Rub the cut sides of the bread with the cut side of a garlic clove to add extra flavor.

Step 3

Slice the fresh mozzarella cheese into thin rounds.

Step 4

Cut the roasted red pepper into thin strips and pat dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture.

Step 5

Layer the bottom half of each piece of bread with the mozzarella slices, followed by the roasted red pepper strips, and then the fresh basil leaves. Sprinkle a pinch of salt and black pepper over the filling.

Step 6

Place the top piece of bread on each sandwich. Press gently to hold everything in place.

Step 7

Heat a large skillet over medium heat and brush the outer sides of the bread with olive oil.

Step 8

Place the sandwiches in the skillet. Use a heavy skillet, pot, or another flat object to press down on the sandwiches gently to mimic a panini press. Cook for 3-4 minutes, or until the bottom is golden brown.

Step 9

Flip the sandwiches over carefully, press them down again, and cook for another 3-4 minutes, or until the second side is golden brown and the cheese has melted.

Step 10

Remove from the skillet, let rest for 1-2 minutes, then slice each panini in half and serve immediately.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(356.1g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	779.1

Total Fat 32.5g	0%
Saturated Fat 5.5g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 1994.5mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 104.9g	0%
Dietary Fiber 6.7g	0%
Total Sugars 10.9g
Protein 18.2g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 66.2mg	0%
Iron 5.3mg	0%
Potassium 510.3mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 37.3%

Protein: 9.3%

Carbs: 53.5%