Parmesan Grilled Cheese Panini with Basil Pesto Dip

Name: Parmesan Grilled Cheese Panini with Basil Pesto Dipping Sauce
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 4 slices Fresh Bakery Italian Bread; Butter Spray (like Olivio Or If You Prefer Spread Bread Lightly With Regular Butter Or Brush With Extra Virgin Olive Oil); 2 Tablespoons Grated Parmesan Cheese; 4 slices Provolone Cheese (or If You Prefer Mozzarella Or Cheddar); Salt And Pepper; 2 cups Fresh Basil Leaves; 1 clove Garlic, Double This Amount If Desired; 1/2 cups Grated Parmesan Cheese; 1/4 cups Walnuts Or Pine Nuts; 1/2 cups Extra Virgin Olive Oil; Salt And Pepper, to taste

Servings: persons

4 slices Fresh Bakery Italian Bread
Butter Spray (like Olivio Or If You Prefer Spread Bread Lightly With Regular Butter Or Brush With Extra Virgin Olive Oil)
2 Tablespoons Grated Parmesan Cheese
4 slices Provolone Cheese (or If You Prefer Mozzarella Or Cheddar)
Salt And Pepper
2 cups Fresh Basil Leaves
1 clove Garlic, Double This Amount If Desired
1/2 cups Grated Parmesan Cheese
1/4 cups Walnuts Or Pine Nuts
1/2 cups Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Salt And Pepper, to taste

1
For the sandwiches: Spray non-stick cooking spray on your panini maker or non-stick skillet and preheat over medium heat.
2
Lay out bread slices on a large platter, cutting board or plate.
3
Spray butter flavored cooking spray or spread butter onto one side of each piece of bread.
4
Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese and a dash of salt and pepper on each slice.
5
Place two slices of cheese on two of the slices of prepared bread.
6
Top with remaining slices of bread.
7
Place sandwiches on preheated panini or skillet and cook until bread is toasted and cheese is melted.
8
Sprinkle top of sandwiches with a little more Parmesan cheese.
9
Serve warm with a side of basil pesto.
10
For the basil pesto: Combine the basil, garlic, cheese and nuts in your food processor.
11
Stream in olive oil.
12
Season with salt and pepper.
13
Process to desired consistency.
14
Add more extra virgin olive oil if pesto is thick.

600

kcal

Calories

Fat

Carbs

Protein

Fat Carbs Protein

* Per serving · 4 servings · Values may vary.

Tips for the best results

Read through all the steps once before you start and measure out your ingredients first — it makes everything go more smoothly.
Taste as you go and adjust the seasoning before serving.
Avoid overcrowding the pan — cook in batches if needed for the best texture.
Let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving so the flavors settle.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and enjoy within a few days.

Variations & substitutions

Use a neutral oil or a plant-based spread in place of butter for a dairy-free version.
Leave out the nuts to make it nut-free, or swap in seeds for a similar crunch.

No specific allergen information. Please check the ingredient list for possible allergens.

My Personal Notes

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How did you like this recipe?

This recipe makes 4 servings. You can adjust the portion size directly on this page.

You need 11 ingredients. The key ingredients include: 4 slices Fresh Bakery Italian Bread, Butter Spray (like Olivio Or If You Prefer Spread Bread Lightly With Regular Butter Or Brush With Extra Virgin Olive Oil), 2 Tablespoons Grated Parmesan Cheese, 4 slices Provolone Cheese (or If You Prefer Mozzarella Or Cheddar), and more.

Yes, Parmesan Grilled Cheese Panini with Basil Pesto Dipping Sauce falls under the Snacks & Appetizers category and is a great choice for this type of meal.

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. Reheat gently before serving.

That's it — enjoy your meal!

Parmesan Grilled Cheese Panini with Basil Pesto Dipping Sauce

Tips for the best results

Variations & substitutions

My Personal Notes

How did you like this recipe?

Frequently Asked Questions