Smoked Turkey, Pepper Jack Cheese, and Basil Panini is a crispy panini stuffed with flavor. Inspired by Oprah’s Love Sandwich.
Have you heard of the 5-second rule about dropping food on the floor?
I made it up. I didn’t realize it at the
As a teenage girl, I spent many summer days driving a tractor by myself in the fields of our Indiana farm. Either Mom would bring me
Sometimes, I would accidentally drop my sandwich on the ground. Since it was all I had to eat, I wasn’t about to throw it away. I figured if I rescued it and brushed the dirt off faster than the germs could hop on (less than 5 seconds), I was safe.
A hot lunch is so much better, when possible…
While I never got sick from this immunity-building exercise, I did get tired of bologna sandwiches. In fact, I pretty much avoid cold sandwiches altogether, especially now that I can make a warm and crusty panini instead.
Discovering the “Love Sandwich”…
A few years ago, Oprah published the recipe for her “Love Sandwich” which is the basis for this recipe. I use smoked turkey instead of plain, roasted turkey and add tomato slices (dried by pressing between paper towels). Basil is the unique calling card of this sandwich. Substitute spinach or another green if you prefer.
Looking for more ideas and information about panini? I’m not an expert but I know someone who is. Check out Panini Happy. Kathy’s blog is full of creative recipes and helpful hints about making panini. She also gives advice for buying a panini maker, or you can read about making one using two skillets.
If you make this and enjoy the recipe, it would help me and others if you would return to this post and leave a rating (on the recipe card itself underneath the picture). Although always appreciated, no comment is required. Thanks so much! Paula
Smoked Turkey, Pepper Jack Cheese, and Basil Panini
Ingredients
- 2 slices sourdough bread
- Olive oil (I use olive oil spray)
- Olive oil mayo
- Pepper Jack Cheese, thinly sliced
- Smoked turkey or rotisserie chicken, thinly sliced
- Tomato, thinly sliced and patted dry between paper towels
- Basil leaves, whole
Instructions
- Brush one side of each slice of bread with olive oil.
- Spread light coating of mayo on reverse side of bread.
- Stack slices of cheese, turkey, tomato, basil and more cheese on top of mayo-covered side of bread. Cover with remaining slice of bread--mayonnaise side to the top layer of cheese.
- Cook on a panini grill preheated to HIGH or use a heavy skillet with another skillet placed on top of sandwich--in which case you will need to flip the sandwich after a couple of minutes. Allow to grill until cheese melts and bread is golden brown and toasty.
Notes
If you prefer, add basil or spinach to sandwich after cooking.
Recommended Products
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. But don't worry. This doesn't change the price you pay.
Kiran @ KiranTarun.com
October 19, 2011 at 3:45 pmI am fine with the 5 second rule – so long, it’s on MY kitchen floor 😀
That panini looks droolicious and dare i say, better than the ones served in Panera Bread? 😀
Piper
October 19, 2011 at 3:14 pmI wish you would come make this for me right now. Smoked Turkey, pepper jack (maybe habanero jack?) with tomatoes- – -perfect for a panini.
How’d your quinoa experimenting turn out?
Yudith @ Blissfully Delicious
October 17, 2011 at 8:30 pmI am with you! I eat cold sandwiches pretty much when I have no time to eat lunch at work, but I LOVE paninis. Yours look fantastic 🙂
Sylvie @ Gourmande in the Kitchen
October 17, 2011 at 7:43 pmI still follow that 5 second rule sometimes, lol. I know, I know it doesn’t really work but it makes me feel better to think it does.
Betty @ scrambled hen fruit
October 16, 2011 at 4:17 pmYay! I still have basil! 🙂 This sandwich looks scrumptious. I don’t have a panini press, but I do have iron skillets in all shapes and sizes. I agree that a nice warm toasted sandwich is better than a cold one any day!
sis
October 15, 2011 at 4:30 pmWow, looks good. I believe Chris was talking about this only today – something about photo-op before eating??? :+)
Suzanne
October 13, 2011 at 10:34 pmLove all of this…panini’s are a favorite! Basil in a panini is a must too. The fall favorites on your side bar look amazing especially those pumpkin pancakes, I need to give those try.
Paula
October 13, 2011 at 1:55 pmMy Thanksgiving turkey was roasted but some of the leftovers are still going to make it into this awesome looking sandwich.
TheKitchenWitch
October 13, 2011 at 8:37 amLooks awesome! I’m grabbing my basil while I still can!
Paula
October 13, 2011 at 9:10 amAs a matter of fact, I moved the publication of this post up because of your last post about your basil and the impending frost. I need to make some serious pesto myself.
Kathy - Panini Happy
October 12, 2011 at 7:53 pmLove the Love Sandwich! I’ve tried it before, it’s a great one – I’m sure smoked turkey makes it even better. And thanks for the kind words about my blog (Panini Happy, actually :-))!