We’ve eaten too much, we’ve shopped too much…it’s time to lighten things up a little, don’t you think? I’ve got just the thing: Lemon-Basil Grilled Cheese Panini. Lemon zest and fresh basil make these about the most fresh-tasting grilled cheese sandwiches you’re going to find.
As grilled cheese sandwiches go, these are actually a little lighter than most. You might recall this post from a few years ago where I mentioned that feta and mozzarella are a bit lower in fat than other cheeses. I’m fighting the urge to say “tastes great, less filling”…but yeah, pretty much. 🙂 Normally, I butter the bread before grilling, but I do love how well olive oil pairs with lemon and feta, so that’s what I use for these panini.
Whole Foods served this beautiful platter of my Lemon-Basil Grilled Cheese Panini at a cookbook party they hosted for me in their Del Mar store a few months ago. It makes terrific party food, and also makes a great accompaniment to soups, such as roasted red pepper or tomato.
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Lemon-Basil Grilled Cheese Panini
Prep time: 15 minutes | Cook time: 10 minutes | Total time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 panini
INGREDIENTS:
- 4 ounces (about 1 cup) shredded mozzarella
- 2 ounces crumbled feta cheese
- 2 teaspoons grated lemon zest
- 2 teaspoons chopped fresh basil
- 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
- 8 slices Italian or sourdough bread, sliced from a dense bakery loaf
DIRECTIONS:
- Heat the panini press to medium-high heat.
- Toss together the mozzarella, feta, lemon zest, and basil in a medium-size bowl.
- For each sandwich: Brush olive oil on two slices of bread to flavor the outside of the sandwich. Flip over one slice and top the other side with a layer of the cheese mixture. Close the sandwich with the other slice of bread, oiled side up.
- Grill two panini at a time, with the lid closed, until the cheese is melted and the bread is toasted, 4 to 5 minutes.
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One of my favorite recipes from your book. Love it!
Yum! This panini sounds perfect right now! 🙂
Don’t know why I haven’t tried this one yet. It has all the flavors I love.
Great flavor combo, Kathy! 🙂
This looks AMAZING!!!!
Yummy! Thinking this will be our dinner menu tonight!
Can’t believe I’ve never been to your blog before. I’ve sure been missing out! I am in love with paninis. They are by far my all time favorite lunch. Happy to have found your blog. 🙂
This looks crazy good. I am such a lemon fanatic so this is a must try.
Um… I’m drooling… Oh my gosh, I LOVE THIS!
I seriously love everything about this!
Made this last night- whole family loved it. Unbelievably delicious .