Tomato Jam and Mozzarella Panini Recipe

Enjoy a taste of Italy with this delectable panini recipe. The combination of fresh mozzarella and homemade tomato jam tucked between slices of whole grain sourdough bread is a treat for the taste buds. The sweetness of the tomato jam perfectly balances the richness of the cheese, while fresh basil adds an aromatic touch. The result is a satisfying sandwich that is perfect for lunch or a light dinner.

Photos of Tomato Jam and Mozzarella Panini Recipe

While most of the ingredients are staple items in many kitchens, the cherry tomato jam might be unfamiliar. It’s a simple jam made from cherry tomatoes, honey, and apple cider vinegar. If you can't find cherry tomatoes, feel free to substitute with any small, sweet tomato variety. Low-moisture part-skim mozzarella is the cheese of choice for its excellent melting quality.

Tomato Jam and Mozzarella Panini Ingredients

Cherry tomato jam: A sweet and tangy spread made from cherry tomatoes, honey, and apple cider vinegar.

Whole grain sourdough bread: A hearty and nutritious bread that holds up well under the panini press.

Low-moisture part-skim mozzarella: This cheese melts beautifully, making it perfect for paninis.

Parmesan cheese: This hard, granular cheese adds a sharp, nutty flavor to the panini.

Tomato jam: A thick, sweet and tangy condiment that adds depth of flavor to the sandwich.

Fresh basil leaves: These leaves add a touch of freshness and a peppery taste to the panini.

Olive oil: Used to brush the bread to achieve a crispy and golden exterior.

One reader, Lannie Kirkland says:

This tomato jam and mozzarella panini recipe is a game-changer! The sweet and tangy tomato jam perfectly complements the gooey mozzarella and fresh basil. The combination of flavors is simply divine. It's a must-try for anyone who loves a delicious, comforting sandwich.

Lannie Kirkland

Techniques Required for Making a Delicious Panini

How to make cherry tomato jam: Simmer halved tomatoes, honey, vinegar, water, salt, and pepper until the mixture is thickened and reduced, taking around 30 to 50 minutes.

How to assemble the panini: Spread a generous layer of tomato jam on one slice of bread, then top the other slice with a generous handful of mozzarella and parmesan cheese, followed by a sprinkle of torn basil. Press the slices together to make a sandwich.

How to grill the panini: Grill the assembled sandwich in a panini press, electric grill, or on the stovetop until both sides are crispy and golden brown.

How to serve: Slice the panini in half and serve immediately.

How To Make Tomato Jam and Mozzarella Panini

Enjoy a simple panini recipe that lets you experience an explosion of flavors. The sweetness and sourness are balanced by the creaminess of the cheese.

Preparation: 10 minutes

Cooking: 40 minutes

Total: 50 minutes

Serves:

Ingredients

Cherry tomato jam

4cupscherry tomatoes
2tbsphoney
2tbspapple cider vinegar
¼tspsalt
¼tspblack pepper

Panini or grilled cheese

8sliceswhole grain sourdough bread
2cupslow-moisture part-skim mozzarellagrated
1cupParmesan Cheesegrated
1tbsptomato jam
1cupfresh basil leaves
olive oil

Instructions

In a medium-sized pot over medium-high heat, combine the halved tomatoes, honey, vinegar, 2 tablespoons water, salt, and pepper.
Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook, stirring occasionally and reducing heat as necessary to avoid scorching as the jam condenses.
Simmer until the mixture is completely broken down, reduced, and thickened enough that you can scoop it on top of itself and it stays there, which will take somewhere between 30 to 50 minutes.
Use the jam immediately or let it cool and store it, covered, for up to 1 month in the refrigerator.
If you’re making panini, brush olive oil or melted butter on one side of each slice of bread. Place the oiled sides down on a plate. Mix the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese together.
Working in pairs, spread a generous layer of jam on one piece of bread and top the other with a generous handful of cheese, spread evenly down the bread.
Top the cheese with a sprinkle of torn basil and press the other slice of bread, tomato jam-side down against the cheese to make a sandwich. Repeat for remaining sandwiches.
Grill the sandwich in a panini press, electric grill, or in a pan on the stovetop until both sides are crispy and turning golden brown on the edges. Repeat for remaining sandwiches.
Slice the sandwich in half and serve!

Nutrition

Calories: 1219.82kcal
Fat: 37.07g
Saturated Fat: 16.07g
Trans Fat: 0.01g
Monounsaturated Fat: 13.26g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 4.01g
Carbohydrates: 165.90g
Fiber: 8.43g
Sugar: 29.42g
Protein: 57.39g
Cholesterol: 69.52mg
Sodium: 2547.80mg
Calcium: 898.68mg
Potassium: 851.71mg
Iron: 12.23mg
Vitamin A: 266.58µg
Vitamin C: 25.55mg

Pro Tip for Achieving the Perfect Panini Texture

When making your tomato jam, it's important to keep a close eye on the pot as it simmers. The sugars in the tomatoes and honey can easily burn if the heat is too high or if it's not stirred frequently. A good tip is to use a heat diffuser if you have one, which can help distribute the heat more evenly and prevent scorching. Also, remember that the jam will thicken more as it cools, so don't worry if it seems a bit runny while it's still hot.

Time-Saving Tips for Making This Panini Recipe

Prep ahead: Make the cherry tomato jam in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 1 month, so you can easily assemble the panini whenever you want.

Use pre-shredded cheese: Save time by using pre-shredded mozzarella and parmesan cheese, or prepare the cheese mixture in advance and store it in the refrigerator until ready to use.

Batch cooking: Consider making extra cherry tomato jam and freezing it in portions for future use, saving time on prep for your next panini creation.

Multi-task: While the cherry tomato jam is simmering, prepare the other ingredients and set up the panini press or grill to streamline the cooking process.

Pre-slice the bread: Slice the sourdough bread in advance and store it in an airtight container, ready to use for quick assembly when craving a delicious panini.

Substitute Ingredients For Tomato Jam and Mozzarella Panini Recipe

cherry tomatoes - Substitute with plum tomatoes: Plum tomatoes are slightly less sweet and have a firmer texture, which can work well for making jam.
honey - Substitute with maple syrup: Maple syrup can add a rich, sweet flavor similar to honey and complement the tomatoes.
apple cider vinegar - Substitute with balsamic vinegar: Balsamic vinegar can provide a slightly sweeter and more complex flavor to the jam.
whole grain sourdough bread - Substitute with multigrain bread: Multigrain bread can offer a similar hearty and nutty flavor, complementing the other ingredients in the panini.
low-moisture part-skim mozzarella - Substitute with provolone cheese: Provolone cheese has a mild flavor and melts well, making it a good substitute for mozzarella in a panini.
parmesan cheese - Substitute with pecorino Romano cheese: Pecorino Romano cheese has a similar salty and nutty flavor, which can work well in place of parmesan.
fresh basil leaves - Substitute with baby spinach: Baby spinach can provide a fresh and slightly earthy flavor, adding a different dimension to the panini.
olive oil - Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil has a mild flavor and a high smoke point, making it suitable for grilling the panini.

How to Beautifully Present Your Tomato Jam and Mozzarella Panini

Elevate the panini with a drizzle of aged balsamic vinegar: Aged balsamic vinegar adds a touch of sweetness and complexity to the dish, enhancing the flavors of the tomato jam and mozzarella.
Garnish with micro basil and edible flowers: Delicately place micro basil leaves and edible flowers on the plate to add a pop of color and a hint of freshness to the dish.
Create a decorative smear of tomato jam: Use a small spoon to create an artistic smear of the homemade cherry tomato jam on the plate, adding a visual element to the presentation.
Serve on a wooden cutting board: Present the panini on a rustic wooden cutting board to create a warm and inviting visual appeal, adding a touch of homeliness to the dish.
Accompany with a side of arugula salad: Serve the panini with a side of arugula salad lightly dressed in a lemon vinaigrette to provide a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of the sandwich.
Sprinkle with sea salt flakes: Just before serving, sprinkle a few flakes of sea salt over the panini to enhance the overall flavor and add a subtle crunch.
Use a branded stamp on the bread: For a unique touch, use a branded stamp to lightly mark the bread with a decorative pattern, adding a professional and personalized touch to the presentation.
Present on a slate platter: Serve the panini on a sleek slate platter to create a modern and sophisticated presentation, allowing the colors of the dish to stand out.

Essential Tools for Making a Tomato Jam and Mozzarella Panini

Medium-sized pot: A medium-sized pot is essential for making the cherry tomato jam. It allows for even heating and simmering of the ingredients.
Panini press: A panini press is ideal for grilling the panini sandwiches, creating those classic grill marks and ensuring even toasting.
Electric grill: An electric grill can also be used to grill the panini sandwiches if a panini press is not available. It provides a similar grilling effect.
Mixing bowl: A mixing bowl is needed for combining the mozzarella and parmesan cheese, ensuring they are evenly mixed before adding them to the panini sandwiches.

Storing and Freezing Your Homemade Panini

To store the tomato jam, let it cool completely to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container or jar. The jam can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 1 month.
If you want to freeze the tomato jam, pour it into a freezer-safe container, leaving about 1/2 inch of headspace to allow for expansion. Label the container with the date and freeze for up to 6 months. Thaw the jam in the refrigerator overnight before using.
For the best quality, assemble and grill the panini just before serving. However, if you need to make them ahead of time, you can assemble the sandwiches, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap, and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Grill the sandwiches when you're ready to serve them.
If you have leftover grilled panini, let them cool completely before wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Store the wrapped sandwiches in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, unwrap the sandwiches and place them in a preheated oven or toaster oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, or until heated through and the cheese is melted.
It's not recommended to freeze assembled or grilled panini, as the bread may become soggy and the texture of the cheese can change upon thawing. However, you can freeze the individual components (bread, cheese, and tomato jam) separately for later use.

How To Reheat Leftover Panini

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the leftover panini on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or aluminum foil. Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the bread is crispy and the cheese is melted. This method will help restore the crispiness of the bread while evenly heating the filling.
If you have a panini press or sandwich maker, reheat the leftover panini using the appliance. Preheat the press and place the panini inside for 3-5 minutes, or until the bread is crispy and the cheese is melted. This method will give you results similar to when the panini was freshly made.
For a quick and easy option, use a toaster oven. Preheat the toaster oven to 350°F (175°C) and place the leftover panini inside. Toast for 5-7 minutes, or until the bread is crispy and the cheese is melted. Keep an eye on the panini to ensure it doesn't burn.
If you're in a hurry, you can use a microwave to reheat the leftover panini. Place the panini on a microwave-safe plate and heat it on high power for 30-60 seconds, or until the cheese is melted and the panini is heated through. However, keep in mind that the bread may become soggy in the microwave.
For a stovetop option, heat a skillet or griddle over medium heat. Place the leftover panini in the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until the bread is crispy and the cheese is melted. Press down on the panini with a spatula to ensure even heating and to help restore the crispiness of the bread.

Interesting Trivia About Panini Sandwiches

Tomato jam is a versatile condiment that can be used in various dishes, such as sandwiches, burgers, and even as a topping for grilled meats. It adds a sweet and tangy flavor that complements the richness of mozzarella cheese in this panini recipe.

Is Making Tomato Jam and Mozzarella Panini at Home Cost-Effective?

This tomato jam and mozzarella panini recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. The main ingredients, such as cherry tomatoes and mozzarella cheese, are generally affordable and readily available. The addition of honey and apple cider vinegar may slightly increase the cost, but these ingredients are versatile and can be used in various other recipes. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people would be around $15-20. Overall, this recipe offers a delightful combination of flavors and textures, earning a solid 9 out of 10 for its taste, simplicity, and budget-friendly nature.

Is This Panini Recipe Healthy or Unhealthy?

The tomato jam and mozzarella panini recipe is a delicious combination of flavors, but it may not be the healthiest option. While the recipe includes some nutritious ingredients like whole grain sourdough bread, cherry tomatoes, and fresh basil, it also contains a significant amount of cheese and honey, which can contribute to high calorie and sugar content.

The use of low-moisture part-skim mozzarella is a step in the right direction, as it has less fat than regular mozzarella. However, the addition of parmesan cheese increases the overall fat and sodium content of the dish. The honey in the tomato jam also adds extra sugar, which may not be ideal for those watching their sugar intake.

To make this recipe healthier, consider the following suggestions:

Reduce the amount of cheese used or opt for a lower-fat cheese alternative
Use a whole grain bread with a higher fiber content to increase the nutritional value
Experiment with sugar alternatives in the tomato jam, such as stevia or monk fruit sweetener, to reduce the overall sugar content
Add more vegetables to the panini, such as spinach or roasted red peppers, to increase the fiber and nutrient content
Use a healthier cooking method, such as grilling the panini without added oil or butter

By making these adjustments, you can enjoy the delicious flavors of the tomato jam and mozzarella panini while also making it a more nutritious and well-balanced meal. Remember, moderation is key, and even with healthier modifications, it's essential to enjoy this dish as part of a varied and balanced diet.

Editor's Opinion on the Tomato Jam and Mozzarella Panini

This tomato jam and mozzarella panini recipe is a delightful combination of sweet and savory flavors. The homemade cherry tomato jam adds a burst of tangy sweetness, complementing the gooey mozzarella and fragrant basil. The use of whole grain sourdough bread adds a rustic and wholesome element to the dish. The grilling process creates a crispy exterior while ensuring the cheese melts to perfection. Overall, this recipe offers a satisfying and comforting dining experience, perfect for a casual lunch or a cozy evening meal.

Enhance Your Tomato Jam and Mozzarella Panini Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:

Roasted Garlic Parmesan Asparagus: Tender asparagus spears roasted to perfection and topped with a savory garlic parmesan crust.

Grilled Peach and Arugula Salad: Juicy grilled peaches paired with peppery arugula, drizzled with a tangy balsamic vinaigrette.

Balsamic Glazed Brussels Sprouts: Crispy Brussels sprouts coated in a sweet and tangy balsamic glaze, perfect for a flavorful side dish.

Honey Sriracha Roasted Carrots: Tender roasted carrots tossed in a spicy-sweet honey sriracha glaze for a burst of flavor.

Similar Recipes to Try If You Love This Panini

Creamy Butternut Squash Soup: This creamy butternut squash soup is the perfect comfort food for a chilly day. It's velvety smooth and bursting with the flavors of roasted butternut squash, onions, and a hint of nutmeg.

Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken: Grilled lemon herb chicken is a simple and flavorful dish that's perfect for a summer barbecue. The chicken is marinated in a zesty lemon herb marinade and then grilled to perfection, resulting in juicy, tender, and delicious chicken.

Mango Coconut Chia Pudding: Mango coconut chia pudding is a refreshing and healthy dessert that's perfect for a light and satisfying treat. The combination of sweet mango, creamy coconut milk, and nutritious chia seeds creates a delightful pudding that's great for breakfast or dessert.

Appetizers and Desserts That Complement This Panini Recipe

Appetizers:

Stuffed Mushrooms: Create a savory and indulgent appetizer by stuffing mushrooms with a flavorful mixture of cheese, herbs, and breadcrumbs. Bake until golden and serve hot for a crowd-pleasing starter.

Bruschetta: Elevate the classic bruschetta by topping crispy toasted bread with a variety of fresh and vibrant toppings such as diced tomatoes, basil, garlic, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze. Serve as a light and refreshing appetizer option.

Desserts:

Chocolate Mousse: Indulge in a decadent and velvety smooth chocolate mousse, topped with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of cocoa powder. The rich and creamy texture will melt in your mouth, leaving you craving for more.

Berry Parfait: Layer juicy and vibrant mixed berries with creamy Greek yogurt and crunchy granola for a refreshing and satisfying berry parfait. The combination of sweet, tart, and crunchy elements creates a delightful symphony of flavors and textures in every spoonful.

Why trust this Tomato Jam and Mozzarella Panini Recipe:

This recipe offers a delightful combination of flavors and textures, making it a must-try for any panini enthusiast. The homemade cherry tomato jam adds a sweet and tangy element, perfectly complementing the gooey mozzarella and fragrant basil. The step-by-step instructions ensure that the jam is prepared to perfection, guaranteeing a delicious outcome. With the use of wholesome ingredients such as whole grain sourdough bread and quality parmesan cheese, this recipe promises a satisfying and wholesome dining experience. Trust in the expertise behind this recipe and indulge in a delightful culinary creation.

Want to share your experience making this delicious Tomato Jam and Mozzarella Panini? Head over to the Recipe Sharing section of our forum and let us know how it turned out!

FAQ:

How long does it take to make the cherry tomato jam?

It takes approximately 30 to 50 minutes to make the cherry tomato jam. The jam should be thickened enough to scoop on top of itself and stay there.

Can I store the cherry tomato jam for later use?

Yes, you can store the cherry tomato jam for up to 1 month in the refrigerator. Just make sure to cover it properly.

Can I use regular white bread instead of whole grain sourdough for the panini?

Yes, you can use regular white bread if you prefer. The whole grain sourdough adds a nice nutty flavor and texture, but any bread will work for the panini.

Can I use a regular skillet to grill the panini if I don't have a panini press?

Absolutely! You can use a regular skillet to grill the panini. Just make sure to press the sandwich down with a spatula while grilling to achieve that crispy texture.

Can I add other ingredients to the panini, like sliced turkey or ham?

Of course! Feel free to customize your panini with additional ingredients like sliced turkey or ham. The cherry tomato jam and mozzarella provide a delicious base, and you can get creative with your additions.