4 slices of thick-cut bread (sourdough or Italian bread)
1 tablespoon olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1 cup cooked shrimp, peeled and deveined
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
Prepare the garlic butter: In a small bowl, mix the softened butter with minced garlic, garlic powder, oregano, salt, and pepper. Spread this garlic butter mixture generously on both sides of the bread slices.
Cook the shrimp: In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, until they turn pink and are cooked through. Remove from heat and set aside.
Assemble the sandwich: Place a slice of bread, buttered side down, onto a hot skillet. Layer with shredded mozzarella cheese, cooked shrimp, and chopped parsley. Top with another slice of bread, buttered side up.
Grill the sandwich: Cook on medium heat for about 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown and the cheese is melted. Flip carefully to avoid spilling shrimp.
Serve: Remove from the skillet and cut the sandwich in half. Serve immediately, and enjoy the gooey, shrimp-filled goodness!
2. Pizza Panini
Ingredients:
4 slices of Italian bread or ciabatta
1 cup marinara sauce
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup pepperoni slices (or your favorite pizza toppings)
1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
Prepare the bread: Preheat your panini press or grill pan. Brush each side of the bread slices with olive oil and sprinkle with garlic powder.
Assemble the panini: Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the inside of each bread slice. Layer with mozzarella cheese, pepperoni slices, and fresh basil. Top with the second slice of bread.
Grill the panini: Place the sandwich in the preheated panini press and cook for 4-5 minutes, or until the bread is golden and the cheese is melted. If using a grill pan, press down with a spatula and cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side.
Serve: Remove from the panini press and cut in half. Serve hot with extra marinara sauce on the side for dipping.
3. Turkey Basil Pesto Panini
Ingredients:
4 slices of whole wheat or ciabatta bread
1/4 cup basil pesto (store-bought or homemade)
1/2 pound deli-sliced turkey breast
1 cup fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced
1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (optional)
1 tablespoon olive oil
Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
Prepare the bread: Preheat your panini press or grill pan. Brush one side of each slice of bread with olive oil.
Assemble the panini: Spread pesto on the non-oiled side of each bread slice. Layer with turkey slices, fresh mozzarella, and sun-dried tomatoes if using. Top with the second slice of bread, pesto side down.
Grill the panini: Place the sandwich on the panini press and cook for about 4 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted. If using a grill pan, press down with a spatula and cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side.
Serve: Remove from the panini press, slice, and serve immediately. This panini is perfect for a quick lunch or dinner.
4. Deliciously Cheesy Italian Stromboli
Ingredients:
1 package pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
1/2 cup marinara sauce
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup sliced pepperoni or salami
1/2 cup sliced bell peppers
1/2 cup sliced mushrooms
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Instructions:
Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Prepare the dough: Roll out the pizza dough on a floured surface to form a large rectangle. Spread marinara sauce in the center of the dough, leaving about 2 inches on each side.
Assemble the stromboli: Layer the mozzarella cheese, pepperoni, bell peppers, and mushrooms on top of the sauce. Sprinkle Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning over the top.
Roll and seal: Carefully roll the dough into a log, pinching the edges to seal. Brush the top with olive oil and sprinkle with additional Italian seasoning.
Bake: Place the stromboli on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown. Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before slicing.
Serve: Slice and serve with extra marinara sauce for dipping.
5. Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes
Ingredients:
1 lb ground beef
1 medium onion, chopped
1 bell pepper, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup beef broth
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon ketchup
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
4 sandwich buns
2 cups provolone cheese, shredded
Salt and pepper, to taste
Olive oil for cooking
Instructions:
Cook the beef: In a large skillet, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spoon, and cook until browned. Remove any excess fat.
Add vegetables: Add the chopped onion, bell pepper, and garlic to the pan. Cook for 3-4 minutes, until the vegetables soften.
Prepare the sauce: Stir in the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, ketchup, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Let it simmer for 5-7 minutes, or until the sauce thickens.
Assemble the Sloppy Joes: Toast the sandwich buns and then spoon the Philly cheesesteak mixture onto the bottom half of each bun. Top with shredded provolone cheese.
Melt the cheese: Place the sandwiches under the broiler for 1-2 minutes, just until the cheese melts and the buns are slightly toasted.
Serve: Serve immediately, and enjoy these cheesy, savory sloppy joes!
6. Grilled Cheese with Gouda, Roasted Mushrooms, and Onions
Ingredients:
4 slices sourdough or white bread
1 tablespoon butter, softened
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 cup Gouda cheese, shredded
1/2 cup Swiss cheese, shredded
1 cup mushrooms, sliced
1 medium onion, sliced
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 teaspoon fresh thyme (optional)
Instructions:
Roast the vegetables: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a bowl, toss the sliced mushrooms and onions with olive oil, salt, pepper, and thyme (if using). Spread them on a baking sheet and roast for 15-20 minutes, or until tender and caramelized.
Prepare the sandwich: Butter one side of each slice of bread. Place the buttered side down and layer with Gouda cheese, Swiss cheese, and a generous amount of roasted mushrooms and onions.
Grill the sandwich: Heat a skillet over medium heat and cook the sandwich for 3-4 minutes on each side, until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted.
Serve: Remove from the skillet, cut the sandwich in half, and serve hot for a savory, cheesy treat!
