Pesto For Prosciutto Panini Recipes

PROSCIUTTO AND PESTO PANINI

Steps:

• Preheat a grill pan over medium-high heat or a panini press.
• Spread one cut side of ciabatta with the pesto and the other with olive oil. Layer one side of ciabatta with prosciutto, tapenade, if desired, red pepper, and arugula or basil, if desired; top with cheese. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Top with remaining bread.
• Brush top and bottom of the sandwich with olive oil. Place on grill pan and weight top of sandwich with a heavy skillet or a foil-wrapped brick. If using a panini press, grill according to manufacturer's instructions. Grill 3 to 4 minutes on first side, turn, weight down, and continue cooking until sandwich is golden and cheese is melted, 3 to 4 minutes.
• Cut sandwich into quarters. Serve immediately.

PROSCIUTTO AND PROVOLONE PANINI SANDWICHES

Steps:

• Heat a panini grill or waffle iron. Brush oil over bread slices. Turn 4 slices over; spread pesto evenly over bread. Top with half of the cheese, tearing to fit if necessary, all of the prosciutto and pepper strips and remaining cheese. Close sandwiches with remaining bread oiled sides up.
• Cook (in batches) in panini maker* or waffle iron 3 to 4 minutes or until golden brown and cheese is melted.

PESTO FOR PROSCIUTTO PANINI

Steps:

• In a food processor, combine the oil, cheese, pine nuts, and butter. Process until smooth. Add basil, and pulse to desired texture. Season with salt and pepper. Store, refrigerated, in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks.