Classic Italian Panini: Fresh Mozzarella & Basil Recipe

INGREDIENTS

1/2 cup prepared vinaigrette 1 loaf (16 ounces) Italian bread, cut in half lengthwise 6 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese, cut in 12 slices 8 ounces thinly sliced oven-roasted deli turkey 12 to 16 fresh whole basil leaves 1 large tomato, thinly sliced 1/2 cup thinly sliced red onion (optional) 1/8 teaspoon red pepper flakes

PREPARATION:

1. Preheat indoor grill. Spoon vinaigrette evenly over both cut sides of bread.
2. Arrange cheese evenly over bottom half of bread; top with turkey, basil, tomato and onion. Sprinkle evenly with red pepper flakes. Cover with top half of bread and press down firmly. Cut crosswise into 4 sandwiches.
3. Place sandwiches on grill (family-size grill will cook two sandwiches at a time); close lid and cook 5 to 7 minutes or until cheese melts.
4. Place on serving platter and cover lightly with foil. Repeat with remaining sandwiches.

This recipe appears in: Italian