Last year Joe (my husband) and I got a Panini press for Christmas. Once we started using it we realized it’s an amazing tool that helps you to make a quick diner with simple, real ingredients. We use it for sandwiches, quesadillas, and much more! We use the Panini maker at least once a week because it’s such a quick way to make diner! One of my favorite things to make on it is a Caprese sandwich. You have a whole meal done in 15 minutes tops!

First, I prep the ingredients as I wait for the Panini press to heat to a medium-high setting. I cut the bread (fresh ciabatta or sourdough are my favs), mozzarella ball, tomatoes, and basil.

Next, start to put your sandwiches together. I like to do mozzarella, tomato (I like mine sliced thick!), a few basil pieces, and then mozzarella again so they’re super cheesy.

Now they’re ready to throw on the Panini maker! I brush both sides with olive oil and put 3 or 4 on the press together at the same time for about 5 minutes. Adding the olive oil makes them nice and crispy on the outside without having to use butter. (hopefully your bread won’t have a giant hole in the middle like mine!) If you don’t have a Panini press I would do these on a skillet on the stove but put a second skillet on top to help get a crispier sandwich.

You can’t forget the secret ingredient (balsamic glaze) that takes these from yum to AMAZING. Even kids love this stuff! My 3 year old nephew likes it because it’s sweet and he calls it “chocolate sauce”.

Have fun drizzling the balsamic on your sandwich. You can do a boring glaze like mine below or you can make shapes.

The most important part is to enjoy your sandwich while its fresh off the grill!

Shopping List/Ingredients:

• 1 loaf of sourdough or ciabatta bread (or any you like)
• 1 ball of mozzarella
• 2 or 3 firm tomatoes
• fresh basil leaves
• balsamic glaze

If you have your own quick Panini recipes share them in the comments below! I would love to add in new sandwiched into the mix!