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.
- 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
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Heat the panini press to medium-high heat.
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Toss together the mozzarella, feta, lemon zest, and basil in a medium-size bowl.
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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.
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Grill two panini at a time, with the lid closed, until the cheese is melted and the bread is toasted, 4 to 5 minutes.
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.
Oh I’m so glad to hear everyone enjoyed it!!!
Oooh. I love lemon basil goodies! And with mozzarella?! And olive oil? Hmm. Yeah.
I want a panini press. :(
Thanks a lot, Liz! I hope Santa brings you a panini press this year. :-)
I hope you’re right Kathy!!
What a great twist on a classic grilled cheese!
You would love this Nicole!!
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… :-)
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!!
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!!!:-)
Oh my gosh it would DEFINITELY be great with your homemade bread!!!!!! So jealous of your baking skills, Corry!
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!!
Yum! The sandwich looks amazing! I just love lemon basil!!
You and me both!!! Let me know if you try it!!
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!
Ok I really need to get one! I think I’m the last not to have one!!
I can never have too many paninis. Love all the ingredients in the crunchy panini. A must try.
The crunchiness is the best part isn’t it?
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!
I want to make the lamb pita next!! I love anything Greek. :)
Love this sandwich! I could go for one right now!!
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.
Her book is incredible!! You would love this lemon basil panini, Jeanette!!
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!
I would never have thought to use the lemon zest either but I’m so glad I tried it because now I’m hooked!!
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! :)
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. :)
Totally wish I had this for lunch today! Love the lemon-basil combo!
I do, too!! I had to give my friend back her panini grill. :(
I want this for breakfast right now! Kathy’s book looks amazing. Can’t wait to get my mitts on it!
Your mitts need these!!! Seriously – it’s perfect for savory-food lovers like us!
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!
Bright is the perfect word. It was so nice eating a grilled cheese that wasn’t heavy. :) I need to buy one!!
Yummmmmm!! Nothing beats a grilled cheese, and this is a couple steps up! Great recipe, I’m gonna have to check out that cookbook!
You’d love it Ali!! Amazing how many ideas there are for one cooking appliance!!
I love this!!!! Might just have to be lunch today ;)
I think it should be. ;-) And ps: the cheese/basil mixture tastes good on it’s own – lol.
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
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…..