Foodie Friday: Mozzarella & Garlic Spinach Panini
Happy Friday, all! :) Now that warm weather has hit, we are all about quick dinners that are fast, dirty very few dishes, and can be eaten outdoors or on the go! Last night, I procrastinated while dinnertime approached and all of a sudden we were all hungry and I had ZERO ideas on what to make! Ahhh! I quickly realized that I had half a log of fresh, soft mozzarella cheese, some frozen spinach, and a crusty baguette. Ooey, gooey panini coming right up! :) I sautéed the spinach with plenty of fresh garlic to add loads of flavor and seasoned it well, to balance out the creamy and mild cheese. Of course, you can always switch up the cheeses and veggie choices, but I know that this version will be a new summer staple in our house! Have a wonderful weekend and enjoy! xo
Mozzarella & Garlic Spinach Panini
Ingredients:
(Makes 2 sandwiches)
1 8 oz. french baguette (or 2 ciabatta rolls)
1 medium ball of soft, mozzarella cheese
3 cloves of garlic, minced
2 large handfuls of spinach
1 Tbsp. butter, plus more for bread
Salt & Pepper
Directions:
1. Melt butter in skillet over medium heat. Toss in minced garlic and cook until aromatic. Add spinach to pan and season with salt and pepper. Sauté until spinach has wilted. Remove from pan.
2. Slice baguette in half then cut those halves open, lengthwise. Butter outside of bread and place one side, butter side down in skillet on low heat. Build sandwich right in the pan, layering spinach then cheese and more spinach. Place second, buttered half on top and either close panini maker (you would be using that instead of pans if you have one! :)), or I used my cast iron skillet on top to weigh things down! Wait until you achieve a nice, brown crusty result and flip over, placing skillet back on top. Remove when cheese is completely melted. Repeat for second sandwich, or make two per pan! Wrap in wax paper to transport for a tasty picnic! Enjoy! :)
xo,
Mary
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