Introduction
If you’re a fan of the delightful Tomato Mozzarella Panini from Starbucks, you’ll love this easy copycat recipe you can make at home. This sandwich featuring roasted grape tomatoes, fresh mozzarella cheese, and zesty pesto is not only delicious but also simple to prepare. Perfect for a quick lunch or a comforting dinner, the combination of flavors and textures will surely satisfy your taste buds.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
1 pint grape or cherry tomatoes
2 Tbsp. olive oil
Sea salt and black pepper for tomatoes
16 oz. ciabatta or focaccia bread (take and bake is perfect)
8 oz. fresh mozzarella cheese
8 Tbsp. pesto (1/2 cup)
Prep Time
10 minutes
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: 6-8 minutes
Total Time: 18 minutes
Yield: 2 sandwiches
Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 425 degrees F.
2. Roast the grape tomatoes by drizzling them with olive oil and seasoning with sea salt and black pepper. Place them on a baking sheet and roast until blistered and tender.
3. While the tomatoes are roasting, prepare the bread. Spread pesto sauce generously on both sides of the ciabatta or focaccia.
4. Once the tomatoes are ready, layer them onto one side of the pesto-covered bread. Top with slices of fresh mozzarella cheese.
5. Close the sandwich and place it on a baking sheet.
6. Bake for 6-8 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
7. After baking, gently press both sides of the sandwich together. Cut in half and serve immediately for a warm, melty treat!
Enjoy your homemade Tomato Mozzarella Panini, a delightful taste of Starbucks right in your kitchen!
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Step 1: Preheat Oven
Preheat your oven to 425 degrees F (220 degrees C). This temperature is ideal for roasting the tomatoes and melting the cheese.
Step 2: Prepare Tomatoes
In a bowl, toss the pint of grape or cherry tomatoes with 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Season lightly with sea salt and black pepper. Spread the tomatoes out on a baking sheet in a single layer.
Step 3: Roast Tomatoes
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and roast the tomatoes for about 15-20 minutes, or until they are soft and slightly caramelized. Remove from oven and let cool for a few minutes.
Step 4: Prepare Bread
While the tomatoes are roasting, take 16 oz. of ciabatta or focaccia bread. Slice it in half lengthwise to create a top and bottom for your panini.
Step 5: Spread Pesto
Generously spread 8 tablespoons of pesto (1/2 cup) on both sides of the bread. Ensure an even layer to enhance the flavor of your panini.
Step 6: Assemble Sandwich
Once the tomatoes have cooled slightly, layer them evenly on one side of the bread. Then, add 8 oz. of fresh mozzarella cheese on top of the tomatoes.
Step 7: Top the Panini
Place the other half of the bread on top to complete the panini.
Step 8: Bake the Panini
Transfer the assembled panini to a clean baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for 6-8 minutes, or until the cheese is melty and the bread is golden brown.
Step 9: Serve
After baking, gently press both sides of the sandwich together. Remove from the oven, cut the panini in half, and serve while warm.
Notes
Note 1: Cheese Alternatives
If fresh mozzarella is unavailable, you can use shredded mozzarella or other melty cheeses for a different flavor.
Note 2: Storing Leftovers
If you have leftover panini, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in an oven or toaster oven to restore crispiness.
Note 3: Additional Ingredients
Feel free to add other ingredients like spinach, arugula, or grilled chicken to the panini for added nutrition and flavor.
Note 4: Serving Suggestions
This panini pairs well with a side salad or a bowl of soup for a complete meal.
Cook techniques
Roasting Tomatoes
Roasting tomatoes intensifies their flavor and adds a lovely sweetness. To roast, toss grape or cherry tomatoes with olive oil and season with sea salt and black pepper. Spread them on a baking sheet and bake in a preheated oven at 425 degrees F until they are blistered and tender.
Preparing the Bread
Ciabatta or focaccia bread works well for paninis. Slice the bread to your desired thickness and open it up to allow for the pesto and filling. This style of bread provides a chewy texture that holds up well under heat.
Applying Pesto
Evenly spread pesto sauce on both sides of the bread before adding fillings. This not only enhances flavor but also helps to keep the bread moist during cooking.
Layering Ingredients
After applying pesto, layer roasted tomatoes and slices of fresh mozzarella in between the two pieces of bread. Ensure that the ingredients are distributed evenly for balanced bites.
Pressing the Sandwich
When baking, gently press down on the sandwich with a spatula or the back of a baking sheet to promote melty cheese and cohesive flavors. This technique helps to meld the ingredients together.
Baking the Panini
Bake the assembled panini in the oven for 6-8 minutes or until the cheese is gooey and the bread is golden brown. Keep an eye on it to avoid over-browning.
FAQ
Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh?
Yes, you can substitute dried herbs for fresh when roasting tomatoes, but reduce the quantity as dried herbs are more concentrated in flavor.
What type of mozzarella is best for this recipe?
Fresh mozzarella is recommended for its creamy texture and ability to melt well. Look for buffalo mozzarella for a richer taste.
Can I make this panini with a different type of bread?
Absolutely! You can use any sturdy bread you prefer, such as sourdough or whole grain, though ciabatta or focaccia are optimal for texture and flavor.
How can I make this recipe vegetarian?
This recipe is already vegetarian. If you’re looking for additional protein, consider adding a plant-based protein source like hummus or sliced avocado.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the panini by assembling the ingredients and refrigerating them. Just bake them fresh when you’re ready to eat to ensure the best texture and flavor.
Conclusion
The Tomato Mozzarella Panini is a delightful combination of fresh, roasted flavors and creamy cheese, all encased in crispy bread. It’s a simple yet satisfying recipe that captures the essence of Mediterranean cuisine. Perfect for lunch or a light dinner, this panini can be easily made at home to replicate the Starbucks experience. Enjoy the vibrant tastes that come together in each bite.
Caprese Salad Skewers
Combine cherry tomatoes, fresh mozzarella balls, and basil leaves on skewers. Drizzle with balsamic glaze for a refreshing appetizer.
Pesto Pasta Salad
Mix cooked pasta with cherry tomatoes, diced mozzarella, and pesto for a quick and flavorful side dish.
Grilled Vegetable Panini
Layer grilled zucchini, bell peppers, and eggplant with mozzarella and pesto between bread for a hearty vegetarian sandwich.
Bruschetta with Tomato and Mozzarella
Top toasted baguette slices with a mixture of diced tomatoes, mozzarella, basil, and balsamic reduction for a classic Italian starter.
Tomato Basil Soup
Pair the panini with a warm bowl of creamy tomato basil soup for a comforting meal.
Olive Tapenade Crostini
Spread olive tapenade on toasted bread and top with fresh mozzarella and cherry tomatoes for a Mediterranean twist.
Stuffed Tomatoes
Hollow out tomatoes and fill with a mixture of mozzarella, herbs, and breadcrumbs, then bake for a delicious side dish.