Teresa's Recipes
Grilled Eggplant and Smoked Mozzarella Panini
Savor the rich flavors of our Grilled Eggplant and Smoked Mozzarella Panini, where tender, smoky eggplant meets the creamy, melt-in-your-mouth goodness of smoked mozzarella. This delightful sandwich is elevated with a vibrant basil pesto, all nestled between crispy ciabatta bread. Perfect for a light lunch or a delicious dinner, each bite offers a burst of flavor that transports you to an Italian café. Enjoy this panini with a side of mixed greens or a hearty tomato soup for a complete meal experience.
Ingredients
- 1 medium, sliced into 1/2-inch rounds Eggplant
- 8 ounces, sliced Smoked mozzarella
- 4 slices Ciabatta bread
- 1/4 cup Pesto sauce
- 2 tablespoons, plus extra for brushing Olive oil
- to taste Salt
- to taste Pepper
Dietary Notes
- Servings: 2
- Dish Type: Sandwich
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Calories: 450
- Fat: 25g
- Carbs: 36g
- Protein: 18g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Sugar: 4g
Instructions
- Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium heat.
- Brush both sides of the eggplant slices with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
- Grill the eggplant slices for 2-3 minutes per side, until they are tender and have nice grill marks.
- Spread 1 tablespoon of pesto sauce on one side of each slice of ciabatta bread.
- Layer the grilled eggplant slices and smoked mozzarella on top of the pesto on two of the ciabatta slices.
- Top with the remaining ciabatta slices, pesto side down, to form sandwiches.
- Brush the outer sides of the sandwiches with olive oil.
- Grill the panini for 3-4 minutes per side, or until the bread is crispy and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Remove from the grill and let cool for a few minutes before slicing in half. Serve warm.
Tips
- For an extra kick, add sliced roasted red peppers or fresh basil leaves to the fillings.
- You can substitute the smoked mozzarella with fresh mozzarella for a different flavor profile.
- For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free ciabatta or another bread of your choice.