Crispy Caprese Panini Recipe with Easy Zesty Pesto Mayo Sauce
A quick and easy panini featuring fresh mozzarella, ripe tomatoes, basil, and a creamy zesty pesto mayo, grilled to crispy perfection. Perfect for a satisfying lunch or casual meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 minutes
- Total Time: 16 minutes
- Yield: 1 sandwich (1 serving) 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 slices ciabatta or sourdough bread (about 1/2 inch thick)
- 4 oz fresh mozzarella, sliced
- 1 medium ripe tomato, sliced thin
- 6–8 fresh basil leaves, washed and patted dry
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise (light or vegan mayo optional)
- 2 tablespoons prepared basil pesto (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 small garlic clove, minced
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Olive oil for brushing bread (extra virgin preferred)
Instructions
- Prepare the zesty pesto mayo: In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, basil pesto, lemon juice, and minced garlic. Whisk until smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Set aside for 5-10 minutes.
- Slice the bread, mozzarella, and tomato thinly. Wash and dry basil leaves.
- Spread a generous layer of pesto mayo on one side of each bread slice.
- On one slice, layer mozzarella, then tomato slices, and top with basil leaves. Cover with the second bread slice, pesto mayo side down.
- Preheat panini press or grill pan to medium-high (about 375°F). Brush the outside of the sandwich with olive oil.
- Place sandwich in the panini press and grill for 4-6 minutes until bread is crispy and golden and cheese is melted. If using a grill pan, press with a weighted lid and flip halfway through.
- Check doneness to ensure crispy bread and gooey cheese. Adjust heat if necessary.
- Remove panini and let rest for 1 minute to set cheese.
- Slice diagonally and serve warm.
Notes
Use room temperature mozzarella for better melting. If no panini press, use a weighted lid or heavy skillet on a grill pan. Pesto mayo can be made ahead and refrigerated. For dairy-free, substitute vegan cheese and mayo. For gluten-free, use gluten-free bread sturdy enough to hold fillings.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 4
- Sodium: 600
- Fat: 28
- Saturated Fat: 8
- Carbohydrates: 32
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 18
Keywords: Caprese panini, pesto mayo, grilled sandwich, mozzarella, basil, tomato, quick lunch, easy panini