Brick Paninis: Turkey & Roasted Red Pepper, Pimento & Bacon
byJoanna Gaines
Total 45 mins, includes cooling time
Active 25 mins
Makes 8 sandwiches
Ingredients
8 slices (1/2 inch thick) rustic white bread, such as sourdough
1 loaf ciabatta, sliced in half lengthwise
1 large garlic clove, halved
4 tablespoons (1/2 stick) butter, melted
Turkey & Roasted Red Pepper
2 tablespoons pesto, homemade (see recipe below) or store-bought
1 pound sliced deli roast turkey
One 12-ounce jar roasted red peppers, drained and cut into 1/2-inch slices
8 slices Fontina or provolone cheese
Pimiento & Bacon
1 1/3 cups pimiento cheese
8 to 12 slices bacon, cooked
Pesto:
3 cups packed fresh basil leaves
2 garlic cloves
1/4 cup pine nuts
3/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (about 2 ounces)
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Directions
Heat a large skillet or panini press over medium-low heat.
Rub the raw garlic clove over both sides of the bread and lightly brush the bread with melted butter.
Turkey & roasted pepper panini: Spread 1/2 tablespoon of the pesto on each of the 4 slices of bread.
Layer on the turkey, roasted peppers, and cheese and top with remaining 4 slices of bread.
Wrap a brick tightly in foil. Place a single sandwich in the skillet and weigh down the sandwich with the brick while it cooks through, 3 to 4 minutes per side, returning the brick to the sandwich after you flip it.
Slice and serve the sandwiches.
Pimiento & bacon panini: Evenly spread about 1/3 cup pimiento cheese on 1 slice of buttered sourdough bread.
Top with 2-3 slices of cooked bacon.
Top with the remaining slice of buttered sourdough bread.
Wrap a brick tightly in foil. Place a single sandwich in the skillet and weigh down the sandwich with the brick while it cooks through, 3 to 4 minutes per side, returning the brick to the sandwich after you flip it.
Slice and serve the sandwiches.
Pesto:
In a food processor, combine the basil, garlic, and pine nuts. Pulse until roughly chopped, 10 to 15 seconds.
With the machine running, slowly drizzle in the olive oil until well combined, 1 to 2 minutes.
Add the Parmesan, salt, and pepper and mix until just incorporated.
Serve immediately, or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or in the freezer for up to 1 month.