Father's Day is approaching, and if you're like me, you're probably wracking your brain trying to find the perfect way to show Dad how much you care. Store-bought gifts are okay, but nothing beats a homemade meal crafted with love. So, this year, I’m ditching the usual tie and socks and heading straight to the kitchen. My mission? To create a dish that's both impressive and deeply satisfying—something that captures the essence of summer with every bite. I remember one Father's Day when my dad surprised us all by attempting to make sushi, which turned into a hilarious culinary disaster, but the effort was what counted! Now, I’m aiming for a recipe with slightly higher odds of success, hahaha.
Enter the Griddle Caprese Panini. This isn't just any sandwich; it's an experience. Imagine layers of creamy, fresh mozzarella mingling with juicy, sun-ripened tomatoes and fragrant basil, all drizzled with a tangy balsamic glaze and pressed between slices of crusty bread until golden and perfectly griddled. The idea came to me after a recent trip to Italy, where I indulged in the most incredible Caprese salad. I thought, 'Why not transform this classic into a warm, comforting sandwich?' And so, the Father's Day Griddle Caprese Panini was born. This dish is perfect because it's simple enough to make with the kids (making it a fun family activity!) but sophisticated enough to impress even the most discerning palate. The result? A delicious, heartfelt expression of gratitude that Dad will absolutely love. Trust me, this is a gift that truly keeps on giving, especially if he shares.
Required Equipments
- Griddle or Panini Press
- Small Saucepan
- Knife
- Cutting Board
- Spatula
Father's Day Griddle Caprese Paninis: Frequently Asked Questions
Father's Day Griddle Caprese Paninis
Show Dad some love this Father's Day with gourmet Griddle Caprese Paninis! Fresh mozzarella, ripe tomatoes, basil, and a balsamic glaze, grilled to perfection—a flavorful tribute he'll adore.
⏳ Yield & Time
Yield: 2 servings
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Total Time:
🍽 Ingredients
📖 Instructions
- Prepare the Balsamic Glaze (Optional): In a small saucepan, combine 1 cup of balsamic vinegar and 2 tablespoons of brown sugar. Bring to a simmer over medium heat. Reduce heat to low and let it simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until the glaze has thickened to a syrupy consistency. Watch closely to prevent burning. Once done, remove from heat and let it cool. The glaze will thicken further as it cools, and it's alright if you skip this.
- Prepare the Ingredients: Slice the tomatoes into 1/4-inch thick rounds. Slice the fresh mozzarella into similar sized pieces. Wash the fresh basil leaves and pat them dry with paper towels.
- Butter the Bread: Lightly butter one side of each slice of bread. This will help achieve a golden-brown and crispy exterior when grilled.
- Assemble the Paninis: Place the buttered side of one slice of bread down on a clean work surface. Layer with a few slices of mozzarella, then tomato slices, and fresh basil leaves. Drizzle with a little bit of the balsamic glaze (if using) or a touch of olive oil. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Top with the Second Slice of Bread: Place the second slice of bread on top, buttered side up.
- Griddle the Paninis: Preheat your griddle or panini press to medium heat. If using a griddle, you may want to lightly grease it with cooking spray or a bit of olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Grill the Paninis: Place the assembled paninis on the preheated griddle or panini press. If using a griddle, press down gently with a spatula. Grill for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until the bread is golden brown and the mozzarella is melted and gooey. If using a panini press, follow the manufacturer's instructions.
- Check for Doneness: Make sure the bread is nicely toasted and the cheese is fully melted. Adjust grilling time as needed to achieve the desired level of doneness.
- Slice and Serve: Remove the grilled paninis from the griddle or panini press. Let them cool slightly before slicing in half. Serve immediately while the cheese is still warm and melty. I like to add a side of potato chips myself!
- Garnish (Optional): For an extra touch, garnish the paninis with a few fresh basil leaves or a drizzle of balsamic glaze before serving.
📝 Notes
🍎 Nutrition
Calories: 450 kcal
Protein: 25 g
Fat: 22 g
Carbohydrates: 45 g
Fiber: 3 g
Calcium: 300 mg
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