Irresistible Grilled Vegetable Panini Recipe You’ll Love

Nothing says “I love you” like a Grilled Vegetable Panini. Imagine sinking your teeth into crispy, golden-brown bread, filled with a medley of perfectly grilled vegetables that are bursting with flavor. The warmth of roasted bell peppers mingles with the creaminess of fresh mozzarella, and each bite is a delightful crunch followed by a savory explosion. Honestly, if happiness had a taste, it would be this panini.

I remember the first time I made this dish—my friends were over for game night, and I wanted something delicious but easy to whip up. Little did I know that this panini would steal the show! The aroma wafting through my kitchen was so enticing that even the pizza delivery guy paused at the door to ask what I was making. Spoiler alert: he left empty-handed!

My friends still rave about that night, claiming the panini turned them into veggie lovers overnight!

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Ciabatta Bread: Choose a fresh loaf for the best texture; its crusty exterior holds up beautifully when grilled.

• Zucchini: Opt for firm zucchini; it adds subtle sweetness and texture once grilled.

• Red Bell Peppers: Sweet and vibrant, they provide rich color and flavor; look for shiny, firm peppers.

• Mushrooms: Use cremini or portobello for an earthy depth; clean them well before grilling.

• Fresh Mozzarella Cheese: Choose high-quality cheese for melting goodness; slice it thick for gooey bites.

• Basil Pesto: Homemade or store-bought works great; it adds an aromatic punch that elevates the entire dish.

• Olive Oil: Use extra virgin olive oil for drizzling; it enhances the flavors of your veggies.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it together

Prepping this Grilled Vegetable Panini is as simple as pie—if pie involved lots of grilling and delicious veggies!

Grill Your Veggies: Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium heat. Slice your zucchini, bell peppers, and mushrooms to about half an inch thick. Drizzle them lightly with olive oil and sprinkle some salt before placing them on the grill.

Create Flavorful Layers: Grill those veggies until they soften and develop lovely char marks—about 4-5 minutes per side should do it! Keep an eye on them so they don’t become mushy; we want that perfect al dente feel.

Prepare Your Bread: While your veggies are grilling away, slice your ciabatta bread horizontally. Spread basil pesto generously on both cut sides of the bread—this will be the flavor bomb you never knew you needed!

Add Cheese and Veggies: Layer fresh mozzarella slices on one half of the ciabatta followed by those glorious grilled veggies. Then top off with more cheese because… why not?

Grill to Perfection: Close your sandwich and brush the outside with olive oil again. Place it back on the grill or in the panini press until golden brown and crispy—around 3-4 minutes per side should give you dreamy results!

Enjoy your Grilled Vegetable Panini while it’s warm! Savor every crunchy bite filled with gooey cheese and flavorful veggies that will leave you craving more.

Now go ahead and impress everyone around you with this delightful creation—they won’t believe how easy it was to make!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by grilling the vegetables first until they’re tender. While they cool, prepare your bread and cheese to ensure everything melts together beautifully.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out vegetables based on what you have. Try adding pesto or different cheeses for an extra flavor boost that will make your taste buds dance.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftover paninis in an airtight container in the fridge. To reheat, pop them in a skillet over medium heat until crispy and warm.

Cooking grilled vegetable paninis brings back memories of sunny picnics with friends, where laughter filled the air and delicious food made everything better.

FAQ

Can I use frozen vegetables for grilled vegetable paninis?

Fresh vegetables provide better texture and flavor than frozen options, but you can use them if necessary.

What type of bread works best for grilled vegetable paninis?

Sourdough or ciabatta bread adds great flavor and holds up well when grilling.

How do I prevent my panini from getting soggy?

Ensure veggies are well-drained before assembling your panini to avoid excess moisture while grilling.

Print

Grilled Vegetable Panini

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• Author: Mark Taylor
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: Serves 2

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Description

Savor the vibrant flavors of a Grilled Vegetable Panini, where crispy ciabatta bread is filled with a delicious medley of grilled zucchini, bell peppers, mushrooms, and fresh mozzarella. Each bite delivers a satisfying crunch complemented by aromatic basil pesto, making this dish a delightful choice for lunch or dinner. Perfect for entertaining or a quick family meal, this panini is customizable based on your favorite veggies!

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 ciabatta loaf
• 1 medium zucchini (sliced into 1/2-inch pieces)
• 1 red bell pepper (sliced)
• 1 cup cremini mushrooms (sliced)
• 8 oz fresh mozzarella cheese (thickly sliced)
• 1/4 cup basil pesto
• 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• Salt to taste

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Instructions

1. Preheat the grill or grill pan over medium heat.
2. Toss zucchini, bell peppers, and mushrooms with olive oil and salt. Grill for 4-5 minutes per side until tender and charred.
3. Slice the ciabatta loaf horizontally and spread basil pesto on both sides.
4. Layer mozzarella slices on one half, followed by grilled vegetables, then top with more mozzarella.
5. Close the sandwich and brush the outside with olive oil. Grill for an additional 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy.
6. Serve warm and enjoy each crunchy bite bursting with flavor.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch/Dinner
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 panini (250g)
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 53g
• Fiber: 4g
• Protein: 18g
• Cholesterol: 40mg

Keywords: Customize the panini by using seasonal veggies or different cheeses like goat cheese or cheddar. For added flavor, try marinating the vegetables in balsamic vinegar before grilling.