Roasted Caprese Paninis
I love my panini maker, it makes a boring old grilled cheese so much more exciting with it’s fun toasty lines. My kids love when we do grilled cheese, but the Mr. and I like to step it up a bit and we try different combos all the time. These Roasted Caprese Paninis are definitely one of my favorite ones we make.
This panini is especially good to make in the winter when the tomatoes aren’t great. You roast the tomatoes in the oven and marinate them so it really brings out the sweetness of a so – so winter tomato.
I like to use the cute little cherry tomatoes, but you could use any kind really. First toss them with olive oil, salt and pepper.
Roast them in the oven until slightly charred and yummy, (about 20 – 30 minutes)
Chop some fresh basil.
Put the tomatoes, basil, minced garlic, and balsamic vinegar in a bowl. Marinate for at least 30 minutes. I like to do all this during the kid’s nap time so I just have to assemble everything at dinner.
Fire up your panini maker, (or grill or frying pan if you don’t have a panini maker). Assemble your sandwiches: mozzarella, tomato mixture, more fresh basil. (Note: I normally use fresh mozzarella, but the grocery store was out, what??? I have a blog to write grocery store, get with the program! Actually the mozzarella slices were delicious too.)
Grill and enjoy! We had a game night with our friends this weekend (the girls won, thank you very much! We totally dominated some ultimate charades…at least that’s how I remember it :)) and I made these along with some other appetizers. I sliced each sandwich into 3 or 4 triangles and they were the perfect appetizer.
RECIPE : Makes approximately 6 sandwhiches
Loaf of ciabatta bread
2 containers of cherry tomatoes
2 balls of fresh mozarella or 2 packages sliced mozarella
fresh basil chopped
2 cloves of garlic minced
3 tbsp balsamic vinegar
2 tbsp olive oil
Toss tomatoes with olive oil, salt and pepper. Roast at 375 for 20 – 30 minutes. Put in a bowl and add garlic, basil, balsamic vinegar and allow to marinate at least 30 minutes. Layer mozzarella, tomato mixture, and more fresh basil between 2 pieces of ciabatta bread. Grill for 3-5 minutes until golden brown.
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Stone Gable
These look so delicious I’m making them right now! Caprese-anything is my favorite.
I hope you like them Adriana, I’m with you – Caprese is my fave!
This look completely amazing. I can’t turn down anything caprese, and I LOVE toasties! Yours look perfectly gooey and crispy!
Thanks Becca! LOVE your blog name, so fun!
This looks so delicious! it makes me think summer but right now. I really like your instructions to roast the tomatoes to bring out the sweet flavor. Tomatoes in winter are hardly worth eating though the cherry ones are the best. Pinning your recipe. Visiting from On the Menu Monday. Have a great week!
Thanks Wanda! So glad you stopped by :)
Anything with cheese and bread is a must pin for me so this went right into my Food & Drink board!
Thanks for sharing it!
Thanks Luci! I’m with you bread and cheese are my 2 favorite foods :)
Love these so much! And making them on the grill sounds even easier!
Thanks so much for the yummy recipe!
blessings,
karianne
Oh my yum! This makes me want to go out and get a panini maker! I suppose a pan would do. Just looks so good – thanks for sharing Kelly! xo, Kimberly
A pan works great, we have made them on the grill in the summer too!
Oh my… this looks amazing! I too love my panini maker!
Thanks Katie, they are so fun, I love paninis!
Those look amazing, Kelly! I pinned the recipe … I have to try them!
Thanks Randi, I hope you like them :)
oh my goodness! How yummy are these!?! Will be making for sure!
Heather
Oh my goodness, my mouth is watering! And I finally have learned how to roast tomotoes. I’ve pinned this recipe!
Oh..these look absolutely incredible Kelly. I always order these types of things when I am out..I need to make them at home! Love the recipe! Pinning!
Thanks, they are so easy :)
YUmmmm….I have foodie kids and they would LOVE these! What q quick eay meal, thanks!
um please teach me how to have foodie kids?!
These look awesome! I love the tomato combination – delish!
Thanks, they are so yummy!
My kind of pannini – although I have a confession to make – I hate tomatoes! I use roasted red peppers – but we could still share a bottle of wine!
Kelly
Say what?? I actually don’t like them raw either, part of the reason I roast them for this recipe :) Count me in on the wine!
These look so delirious!!
Thanks Alicia!
These look so good. I know both my husband and I would love them….I’ve toyed with the idea of a panini maker for awhile now and just can’t decide if I want another gadget to take up space…..this might push me to the “yes it’s worth it” side of the argument….have you ever added chicken?
I have to admit, ours collects dust for a few months at a time and then we go on a panini making spree! I haven’t added chicken, but now I will :)
Yum! I would love these! But I know my kids would turn up their noses and say ‘YUCK’! What is their problem anyway???
Ha, my kids say the same thing. They have plain mozzarella paninis with tomatoes on the side :)
Love the Panini sandwiches, its my kind of lunch, dinner or snack!!
Thanks Mary Lou!