{Today’s post is sponsored by Mezzetta – a brand whose products I have been using for years. I thank them for their support of Panini Happy.}
Around this time of year is when the gardens of green-thumbed people (that would not be me) become a bit overrun with zucchini. If this predicament sounds familiar to you, I’ve got a recipe you’re sure to love: Grilled Zucchini, Crispy Prosciutto and Red Pepper Panini.
My challenge with these panini actually wasn’t to use up zucchini (I wish I were that skilled as a gardener!) but to make an incredible sandwich using at least two of the products that Mezzetta makes (I used the roasted red peppers, basil pesto and Italian olive oil), to help spread the word about their “Make That Sandwich” contest that’s currently underway. I’m not eligible to enter, but perhaps a Panini Happy reader will take home the $25,000 grand prize??! Find out more information about the contest here.
Read on for today’s Grilled Zucchini, Crispy Prosciutto and Red Pepper Panini recipe and details on how to win a selection of Mezzetta products in today’s reader giveaway (you can use them to compete for the $25,000)! [THE GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED]
Summer zucchini, which tastes almost meaty in these sandwiches, is the star here but the supporting lineup isn’t far behind. I matched it with roasted red peppers, Manchego cheese (my favorite!), pesto and crispy prosciutto on a baguette. Let me tell you about this prosciutto – when you crisp it up it comes out like super-light, melt-in-your-mouth bacon. I swear, a bowl of these little curled up strips could be an appetizer on their own, they’re so addictive.
** WIN A SELECTION OF CONDIMENTS FROM MEZZETTA! ** [THE GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED]
Mezzetta would like to send one lucky Panini Happy reader a selection of their condiments to help you make your own flavor-packed panini at home (or to enter the Make That Sandwich contest!).
- To enter: Leave a comment on this post, telling us your best memory from this summer so far.
- For an optional bonus entry: Sign up for my Panini Happy e-mail list, and leave a comment to let me know. (Existing subscribers, just leave a comment letting me know you’ve already subscribed)
The giveaway will close on Monday, August 5, 2013 at 12:00 PM PDT. I will use random.org to select one winner and announce the winner in this post. I will contact the winner via e-mail – if I don’t receive a response within 5 days I will draw another name. My apologies to my international readers, the prize can only be shipped to U.S. addresses.
** UPDATE 8/7/13: Congratulations to our winner, #35 Madeline!
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Grilled Zucchini, Crispy Prosciutto and Red Pepper Panini
By Kathy Strahs, PaniniHappy.com
Prep time: 15 minutes | Cook time: 20 minutes | Total time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 panini
INGREDIENTS:
- 2 tablespoons Mezzetta Extra Virgin Italian Olive Oil, divided
- 3 ounces sliced prosciutto, cut into 1/2-inch strips
- 2 medium zucchini, sliced either crosswise into medallions or lengthwise, 1/2-inch thick
- 1/4 teaspoon coarse salt
- 1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 French baguette, cut into 4 portions, or 4 mini baguettes
- 1/3 cup Mezzetta Homemade Style Basil Pesto
- 8 ounces Manchego cheese, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup Mezzetta Deli-Sliced Roasted Bell Pepper Strips
DIRECTIONS:
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the prosciutto strips and cook them, stirring occasionally, until they’re lightly browned and crisp, 2 to 3 minutes. Transfer the prosciutto to a paper towel-lined plate to drain.
- Place the sliced zucchini into a large, resealable plastic bag. Add in the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil, salt and pepper. Seal the bag and roll the zucchini around inside until it’s well coated in the oil and seasonings.
- Heat the panini press to medium-high heat. If your panini press comes with a removable drip tray, make sure it is in place.
- Arrange the zucchini slices on the grill and close the lid. Grill the zucchini until it’s tender and grill marks appear, 4 to 6 minutes.
- For each sandwich: Slice off the domed top of a baguette portion to create a flat grilling surface. Split the baguette to create top and bottom halves. Spread a few teaspoons of pesto inside each baguette half. On the bottom baguette half, layer a little bit of cheese, zucchini slices, roasted peppers, a handful of crispy prosciutto and more cheese. Close the sandwich with the top baguette half.
- Grill two panini at a time, with the lid closed, until the cheese is melted and the baguettes are toasted, 4 to 5 minutes.
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Panini Happy, online since 2008, is more than just a sandwich blog. Here, you'll find hundreds of my original 
i had one of the best meals ever at a mexican-californian restaurant in asheville, nc. i still have fond food memories of it, plus my date was (and still is) an amazing guy! 🙂
I’ve heard such great things about the food scene in Asheville!
So far this year, my best summer memory is spending a day at a local amusement park with the whole family – haven’t done that in years. Perfect weather, yummy treats and seeing my kids whiz by on roller coasters was tons of fun!
Sounds like a blast! 🙂
Already an email subscriber – thanks!
Playing baseball with my nephew for the first time!
That’s sweet. 🙂
I get your emails 🙂
My best memory of summer so far is trying on my wedding dress!
Oh wow…that’s so exciting! Congrats to you!!
I am an email subscriber
Best Memory so far – tubing down the river with my partner and friends!
That sounds so fun!
My niece was born almost a week ago
Congratulations, Auntie!! 🙂
Making Plum Barbecue sauce with my boys, it was so much fun..
I am an email subscriber for a while now.
How fun – I love to cook with my kids too. 🙂
My best summer memory thus far had to be taking my son out to blow bubbles when it was just too hot to stay indoors and him saying his first word. (Bubbles.) He has a hard time with speech so this was a HUGE deal, something that I will never forget.
I also subscribed!
What a special memory! 🙂
My best summer memory so far was learning to swim!
Congrats on that achievement! I’ve had my kids in lessons this summer, but I really need to get some myself.
already an email subscriber
blessienelson(at)gmail(dot)com
Great post! I love grilled veg sandwiches and often order them at restaurants.
I think maybe my best day so far this summer was just this past Monday when we found out for sure we’re selling my husband’s house this week. It has been a doozy of a summer trying to sell that danged thing but it will finally be gone in two more days. Yay!
Congratulations on the sale!
I also have an e-mail subscription.
My friends and I had a Nashville-style hot chicken (http://s.shr.lc/15cgSZ1) festival.
That definitely sounds memorable (and tasty)!
Hi,
My greatest memory for the summer, thus far, was being at the filming of the new and upcoming movie “Blended” starring Adam Sandler, Drew Barrymore, Bella Thorne and Shaquille O’Neal. My daughter and I met and took pictures with Shaq, Bella and Adam. The film will air May, 2014. It was filmed in our town.
Have a great foodie day! I am an Italian who loves Mezzetta products!
Thanks.
How fun!
Hello,
I just subscribed to the email list.
Thank you!
Trip to California with the whole family was so fun. The highlight would be paddleboarding in Newport Beach, and Catalina Island!
That sounds fantastic. I haven’t been to Newport or Catalina in years, and I need to – so beautiful up there (and only an hour or so from us!).
My favorite memory so far is my vacation where I spent a week at the beach with my husband and family. Sleeping in, playing in the waves, eating fresh fish for dinner – perfect!
Perfect indeed – sounds wonderful. 🙂
And I already subscribe to your emails!
Wow. My favorite summer memory (so far, summer’s not over!) is going on a last-minute road trip to Jacksonville, Florida with a new friend. Aaand… This panini looks GREAT. I’d love to win some of those Mezzetta items. Pickled anything rocks my world. As do bread, cheese and meat!
I went to visit my friend in another state!
I subscribe via email.
Riding waterslides with my son at the local waterpark.
We had some friends over for a barbeque. It wasn’t big; just six of us, but it was good times.
I subscribe via email
Ah, so many memories this summer but the best was probably my trip to San Fran. So much good food 🙂
Already subscribed, and btw, this sandwich looks too good!
My best summer memory is taking a ride to Niagara Falls with family.
Lovely panini recipe. I loved the grill marks on the bread. The filling is surely delicious, with the prosciutto!
Wandering the farmer’s market and watching the children try yoga
So far this summer has been uneventful.
Going on a fourth of July roadtrip with my hubby!
Incredible! I love the flavor combination here 🙂 prosciutto is my favorite!
Delicious sandwich!!
The best so far was being by the lake and watching my niece feed the ducks; I gave her an entire loaf of my french bread!
I am already a subscriber
Hi Kathy,
Has a winner been chosen yet?
Thanks….
Yes – please see the update at the end of the post. Thanks!
Those are some really tasty looking paninis!