Elevate your sandwich game with the irresistible Panini Florentine, a Mediterranean-inspired creation bursting with fresh, wholesome flavors. This quick and easy recipe layers velvety melted mozzarella, sautéed garlic-infused spinach, juicy tomato slices, and optional aromatic basil inside perfectly golden ciabatta bread. A drizzle of olive oil and a touch of butter ensure each bite is crisped to perfection, while simple seasonings of salt and pepper allow the fresh ingredients to shine. Ready in just 20 minutes, this vegetarian panini is an ideal choice for a satisfying lunch or a light dinner. Pair it with a side salad or soup for a complete meal that’s as delicious as it is elegant!
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
Finely mince the garlic clove and add it to the skillet. Sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
Add the fresh spinach to the skillet, season with 1/4 teaspoon of salt and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper, and cook until wilted (about 2 minutes). Remove from heat and set aside.
Slice the tomato into thin rounds and lightly season with the remaining salt and pepper.
Preheat a panini press or grill pan over medium heat. If using a grill pan, place a heavy skillet on top for pressing.
Brush one side of each ciabatta slice with the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
Assemble the panini by layering one slice of mozzarella cheese, sautéed spinach, 2–3 tomato slices, and an optional basil leaf on the un-oiled side of two ciabatta slices. Top with the second slice of ciabatta, oiled side facing out.
Melt 1 tablespoon of butter on the panini press or grill pan.
Place the sandwiches onto the press or pan and cook for 3–4 minutes per side (if using a grill pan), or 5–6 minutes total (if using a press), until the bread is golden and the cheese is fully melted.
Remove the panini from the heat, slice in half, and serve warm.
Calories |
1423 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 70.7 g | 91% | |
| Saturated Fat | 23.9 g | 119% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 4.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 106 mg | 35% | |
| Sodium | 5102 mg | 222% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 149.5 g | 54% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 11.6 g | 41% | |
| Total Sugars | 17.0 g | ||
| Protein | 54.3 g | 109% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.5 mcg | 3% | |
| Calcium | 872 mg | 67% | |
| Iron | 11.6 mg | 64% | |
| Potassium | 474 mg | 10% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.