Easy Turkey Pesto Panini Sandwich
This turkey pesto panini recipe is a step above your typical turkey sandwiches, grilled cheese sandwiches, or PB&J sandwiches. It’s easy to get tired of eating the same sandwiches every day for lunch, but this delicious turkey pesto panini will be a new twist on a turkey sandwich that the whole family will love!
These sandwiches are easy to make and come together quickly for an easy dinner or lunch!
Everyone loves delicious turkey panini sandwiches once they taste them, and it’s a great way to come up with a quick lunch for guests after church on a Sunday morning, a patio dinner in the summertime, or a make-ahead freezer meal.
Each of the ingredients are easily obtained at your local grocery store, and you can use store-bought pesto instead of making homemade pesto.
Try one of my delicious side dishes to eat along with your flavorful sandwich, such as my Easy Bacon Wrapped Asparagus or serve some veggies with my Easy Dill Pickle Dip!
What is a Turkey Pesto Panini?
Turkey pesto panini sandwiches are loaded with smoked deli turkey, provolone cheese slices, and basil pesto, on either ciabatta rolls or sourdough bread slices.
This hot savory turkey sandwich has a delicious blend of textures and flavors!
My recipe uses a cast iron skillet, however, you can use a sandwich grill such as a George Foreman grill or panini press.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- You can customize this sandwich with different ingredients that your family loves!
- If you want a light dinner then this is the perfect quick and easy recipe that you can top off with fruit and chips!
- You can even use turkey leftovers from your Thanksgiving dinner.
Tell Me About Turkey Pesto Panini Sandwiches
- Taste– These panini sandwiches have a savory and zesty flavor.
- Texture– Melted cheese with grilled turkey and flavorful pesto, combined with crusty golden brown bread provides a variety of textures.
- Ease– These are super easy to make and require little prep work, as most of the work can be done next to the stove as you layer the side of each slice of bread with butter, then pesto, turkey, and cheese.
- Time– It only takes about 20 minutes to prepare and grill your sandwiches.
Ingredients for Turkey Pesto Paninis
- Ciabatta Rolls or Sourdough Bread Slices– Ciabatta rolls are similar to the taste of sourdough and are a type of artisan bread.
- Butter– Butter is spread on one side of each of the rolls or bread slices. As it cooks with the butter side down in the skillet, it causes the bread to become a crunchy golden brown.
- Basil Pesto– Basil pesto is made with basil, garlic, olive oil, pine nuts, and parmesan cheese. It’s texture is that of a thick sauce or paste.
- Provolone Cheese– Provolone has a mild taste and doesn’t overpower the taste of the turkey or other ingredients.
- Smoked Deli Turkey Breast Slices– The smoky flavor of turkey is perfect for this grilled panini sandwich.
Make Turkey Pesto Panini Sandwiches in 3 Easy Steps
- Butter each slice of bread and toast– While your cast iron skillet heats up over medium-high heat, spread butter on each roll or slice of bread and then toast them butter side down for one minute.
- Add sandwich ingredients– Remove the bread and add pesto to one roll or slice. Then add the turkey and a slice of cheese. Top with the other roll or slice.
- Cook the paninis– Cook each panini sandwich on both sides in the skillet. Once they are golden brown they are ready to eat!
Variations for Turkey Pesto Paninis
- Leftover Turkey– Leftover Thanksgiving turkey would be delicious in a turkey panini.
- Cheddar, Jalapeño, Mozzarella, or Swiss Cheese– Any of these cheeses would work instead of or in addition to the provolone cheese.
- Ham– Ham is a good substitute for turkey if you don’t have turkey available.
Tips for the Best Turkey Pesto Panini Sandwiches
- Make sure that your cast-iron skillet is preheated before cooking your panini.
- Be careful when you turn the sandwich over to grill the second side so that all the ingredients don’t fall out.
- Make sure you grill each side of the sandwich to a golden brown, but be careful that the heat isn’t too high so that the cheese has a chance to melt inside.
Add-Ins for Turkey Pesto Paninis
- Roasted Red Peppers– Roasted red peppers have a deliciously mild sweet flavor.
- Fresh Tomato Slices– Tomatoes always taste good on a turkey sandwich.
- Bacon– Everything tastes better with salty and savory bacon!
- Marinated Artichokes– Not only are they good for you, but they have a salty, vinegary taste which pairs well with the other ingredients in the panini.
- Sliced Avocado– Delicious and creamy avocados elevate the taste of a turkey sandwich.
- Cream Cheese– Cream cheese is so creamy and so good!
- Cranberry Sauce– Cranberries and turkey were meant for each other, especially around Thanksgiving!
- Sliced Red Onion– Sliced raw or grilled onions add an extra zing to the hot sandwich.
How to Store Leftover Turkey Pesto Paninis
Leftover turkey pesto paninis can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the refrigerator. Make sure you wrap them in plastic wrap first to help them not get dried out.
How to Reheat Turkey Pesto Paninis
The best way to reheat the paninis is to reheat them in your cast iron skillet, or in the oven on a sheet pan for about 5-7 minutes at 350 degrees F.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, you can! Cool them completely and wrap them in plastic wrap and then store them in an airtight container for up to 3 months. You may also put them in a ziplock for easy storage.
If you add in tomatoes, roasted red peppers, or marinated artichokes, make sure that you first dry them well with paper towel to absorb the extra moisture. This should help avoid soggy paninis.
Easy Turkey Pesto Panini Recipe
Easy Turkey Pesto Panini
Equipment
- 1 cast iron skillet
- 1 spatula
Ingredients
- 4 ciabatta rolls or 8 slices sourdough bread
- 6 tbsp butter (4 for bread, 2 for pan)
- 4 tbsp basil pesto store-bought
- 4 slices provolone cheese
- ¾ lb smoked deli turkey breast sliced
Instructions
- Preheat your cast iron skillet over medium-high heat.
- While your skillet heats up, spread tablespoon of butter on the inside of each roll or slice of bread. Toast the rolls, butter side down, for 1 minute.
- Next, remove your rolls from the cast iron and add 1 tablespoon of pesto on the inside of your rolls. Add deli turkey, then a slice of cheese. Top with the other half of the roll.
- Add 2 tablespoons of butter to your cast iron and then add your sandwiches.
- Cook the outside of your panini in your cast iron, pressing it down into the pan to get a good toasting. Flip and cook the other side. About 2 minutes on each side or until they are toasted and the cheese is melted.
- Once they are golden brown, remove and put on a plate. Slice in half and enjoy.
Notes
- Make sure that your cast-iron skillet is preheated before cooking your panini.
- Be careful when you turn the sandwich over to grill the second side so that all the ingredients don’t fall out.
- Make sure you grill each side of the sandwich to a golden brown, but be careful that the heat isn’t too high so that the cheese has a chance to melt inside.