For all of my fellow lemon lovers out there, this one is for you. Lemon zest and fresh basil make these about the most fresh-tasting grilled cheese sandwiches you’re going to find.
I don’t know about you, but cheese is the reason I could never be a vegan. In fact, the only thing I’ve craved more during this pregnancy is hearty, bakery-style bread. This Lemon-Basil Grilled Cheese Panini from my friend Kathy Stahs’ new cookbook, The Ultimate Panini Press, is pretty much heaven on a plate. Filled with fresh basil, bright lemon zest and a tangy combination of feta and mozzarella cheeses, it hits the spot on every level.
Since I don’t own a panini press, my friend let me borrow her panini pan which is essentially a grill pan with a heavy lid. The panini cooked up in less than 5 minutes with a golden crust and perfectly melted cheese. With recipe ideas for breakfast, lunch, dinner and dessert, I quickly discovered why my friend told me she would miss her pan while I used it!
It looks like I will be adding a panini press to my Christmas wish list….Kathy’s Greek Lamb Panini with Feta, Tapenade and Sun-Dried Tomatoes is next on my list!
No fork required.
Lemon-Basil Grilled Cheese Panini
Ingredients
- 4 ounces shredded mozzarella (about 1 cup)
- 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)
Instructions
- 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.
Nutrition:
Girish
Nice twist to the classic grilled cheese sandwich. Didn’t had the panini press, but turned out fine on a non stick pan.
Thanks for new breakfast idea
Liz DellaCroce
So glad you enjoyed!!
Susan
I made this for lunch a couple of days ago, and it was wonderful! Even my husband who is usually lacking in enthusiasm for new things really enjoyed it. I ended up making them in pita breads (my real bread turned out to be moldy) in a frying pan with a large plate to hold them down. Maybe not as elegant as a real panini, but definitely worth making. I’ll be doing this often.
Liz DellaCroce
Oh I’m so glad to hear everyone enjoyed it!!!
Erin @ Texanerin Baking
Oooh. I love lemon basil goodies! And with mozzarella?! And olive oil? Hmm. Yeah.
I want a panini press. :(
Kathy - Panini Happy
Thanks a lot, Liz! I hope Santa brings you a panini press this year. :-)
Liz DellaCroce
I hope you’re right Kathy!!
Nicole @ Young, Broke and Hungry
What a great twist on a classic grilled cheese!
Liz DellaCroce
You would love this Nicole!!
Susan
A panini press is too specialized for my small kitchen, so I’m working on figuring out how to do this without either a grill pan or a panini press. Definitely worth trying, however I do it, because the flavor mix sounds absolutely wonderful. I do love lemons and am also a huge fan of feta cheese. Maybe this would be a good way to use some of the sheep’s milk feta I bought last week… :-)
Liz DellaCroce
I completely understand Susan!! Honestly, you could use a frying pan or griddle, place tin foil on top of the sandwich and top it with a brick or another heavy item. :) Let me know if you try it!!
Corry oosterhouse
Liz, this sounds so awesome!! I think it would be great with my homemade sour dough/whole wheat/ flax meal bread!! It’s made with a sour dough starter that I’ve had for years!! Need to put feta cheese and fresh basil on my grocery list!!!:-)
Liz DellaCroce
Oh my gosh it would DEFINITELY be great with your homemade bread!!!!!! So jealous of your baking skills, Corry!
Corry Oosterhouse
Well, I’ve been at it for over 52 years, Liz!! That’s how long my dear husband and I have been married!! I started out by copying his mother’s recipes. (Smart, don’t you think???:-)) “the way to a man’s heart….”, right?:-) We always had a huge garden, so I needed lots of recipes!! Nowadays websites like yours give me lots of new ideas for making fresh, healthy meals!! Thanks, Liz!!
Jennifer @ Peanut Butter and Peppers
Yum! The sandwich looks amazing! I just love lemon basil!!
Liz DellaCroce
You and me both!!! Let me know if you try it!!
Norma | Allspice and Nutmeg
Mmmmm. Grilled cheese is always a winner. I like the lemon and basil combination. I too have a panini pan and love it. Maybe a panini press will be in my future. Thanks!
Liz DellaCroce
Ok I really need to get one! I think I’m the last not to have one!!
Lail | With A Spin
I can never have too many paninis. Love all the ingredients in the crunchy panini. A must try.
Liz DellaCroce
The crunchiness is the best part isn’t it?
Chung-Ah | Damn Delicious
I love Kathy’s new book! I actually can’t even figure out what to make first – they all look amazing, and this is no exception. Great choice – definitely need to make this for dinner tomorrow night!
Liz DellaCroce
I want to make the lamb pita next!! I love anything Greek. :)
Gaby
Love this sandwich! I could go for one right now!!
Jeanette
This looks so good Liz! I love Kathy’s new Panini cookbook – it’s packed with so many ideas I can’t wait to try.
Liz DellaCroce
Her book is incredible!! You would love this lemon basil panini, Jeanette!!
Claire
Would never ever of thought of using lemon zest in a Panini! Never tried it with feta either but love the idea, so original! I’m with you on the cheese love, that and butter! Could never be vegan. Adding this one to the must make pile!
Liz DellaCroce
I would never have thought to use the lemon zest either but I’m so glad I tried it because now I’m hooked!!
Cookin Canuck
I agree…I could never give up cheese, either. The touch of lemon in this sandwich would add the perfect level of brightness. Loving the vertical photos, Liz! :)
Liz DellaCroce
haha – So sad that it took me so long to realize I could do vertical photos!!!!! Thank you again. :) PS: The lemon is incredible in this panini!! And yes, I’m biased. :)
Kelli @ The Corner Kitchen
Totally wish I had this for lunch today! Love the lemon-basil combo!
Liz DellaCroce
I do, too!! I had to give my friend back her panini grill. :(
Lauren @ Climbing Grier Mountain
I want this for breakfast right now! Kathy’s book looks amazing. Can’t wait to get my mitts on it!
Liz DellaCroce
Your mitts need these!!! Seriously – it’s perfect for savory-food lovers like us!
Erin | The Law Student's WIfe
Oh how I love grilled cheese night! What a bright flavor combo. If I didn’t have a panini press, I think I’d buy one just to make this baby!
Liz DellaCroce
Bright is the perfect word. It was so nice eating a grilled cheese that wasn’t heavy. :) I need to buy one!!
Ali @ Inspiralized
Yummmmmm!! Nothing beats a grilled cheese, and this is a couple steps up! Great recipe, I’m gonna have to check out that cookbook!
Liz DellaCroce
You’d love it Ali!! Amazing how many ideas there are for one cooking appliance!!
ashley - baker by nature
I love this!!!! Might just have to be lunch today ;)
Liz DellaCroce
I think it should be. ;-) And ps: the cheese/basil mixture tastes good on it’s own – lol.
Rachel @ Baked by Rachel
I need a panini press! I’m craving that crispy crust. Also… cheese is definitely one reason I couldn’t be vegan but let’s not forget bacon ;) lol
Liz DellaCroce
I NEED ONE TOO!! I had to borrow one to review this book and I’m officially sold. lol good call on the bacon. I ate it twice yesterday…..