I don’t generally like grilled cheese. Don’t ask me why, I’ve just never chosen “grilled cheese” over any other sandwich on a menu … or at home …
I also don’t love an American style panini. I mean who wants a thin smashed sandwich, that’s generally not even served hot?
I like bread people! Big slabs of bread! Isn’t that the point of eating a sandwich?
But, I put two and two together and thought of a new idea … an Italian style grilled cheese! The heat of a panini with the crunch of a grilled cheese, but filled with Italian ingredients.
Two pieces of stiffer whole grain bread lined with fresh mozzarella, roasted red peppers, tomatoes, basil, salt and pepper, and a splash of balsamic vinegar. Instead of coating the pan with butter (as in a traditional grilled cheese) I used a little olive oil.
And to create that “crunch” I used a cast iron skillet to create pressure and insure melted cheese. It was delicious! Give it a whirl.
