Description
Sizzling Italian Panini brings Mediterranean flavors to life with crispy bread, melted cheese, and zesty salami. Layers of robust ingredients create a mouthwatering experience that transports you straight to a charming Italian street café.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 8 slices pepperoni
Cheese and Dairy:
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) shredded mozzarella cheese
Main Ingredients:
- 4 slices bread
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) marinara sauce
Vegetables:
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) sliced black olives
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) sliced red onion
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) sliced bell peppers
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F, ensuring a hot surface for optimal toasting and melting.
- Generously coat each bread slice with rich marinara sauce, creating a flavor-packed base.
- Layer pepperoni, mozzarella, sliced olives, thinly cut red onion, and diced bell peppers across two bread slices.
- Carefully place remaining bread slices on top, creating sealed sandwich units.
- Arrange sandwiches on a lined baking sheet, positioning them evenly for consistent heating.
- Bake for 12-14 minutes, watching for golden-brown edges and completely melted cheese.
- Remove from oven, let rest briefly to allow cheese to set, then slice diagonally.
- Serve immediately while hot and crispy, delivering a burst of Italian-inspired flavors.
Notes
- Transform sandwiches into crispy delights by brushing the exterior bread with olive oil for extra golden crunch.
- Customize ingredients for dietary needs by swapping pepperoni with plant-based alternatives or grilled chicken for protein variety.
- Elevate flavor profile by adding fresh basil leaves or dried Italian herbs before baking to enhance Mediterranean taste.
- Prevent soggy bread by lightly toasting bread slices before adding marinara sauce, ensuring a perfect crispy texture.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10-15 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2
- Calories: 365 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 920 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0.2 g
- Carbohydrates: 34 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 17 g
- Cholesterol: 35 mg