Strawberry, Basil and Goat Cheese Panini

Strawberry, basil and goat cheese panini by Cookie and Kate

For once, I’m feeling really refreshed after the weekend. I tidied up my place yesterday morning and abandoned my to-do list for the afternoon, choosing instead to camp out on my bed with a book. Necessary! Later on, my friend and I rode our bicycles to a bar to watch the Oklahoma City Thunder game, because suddenly I care about basketball. I’m not quite sure why—maybe it’s because we’re in the playoffs, or because our players are cute, or because I’m turning into my mother. Please don’t say it’s the latter (sorry, Mom).

strawberry panini ingredients

Anyway, this strawberry panini is killer and I’d like for you to make it pronto, please. The word sandwich falls short as a descriptor; this is a panini, or more accurately a singular panino, regardless of the lack of grill marks. This panino consists of warm, jammy strawberries, tangy goat cheese and fresh basil sandwiched between golden brown, buttery whole wheat levain, served with a side of balsamic honey dipping sauce. You want to make it right now, right?

balsamic honey sauce on strawberry panini

I’m thankful that Margarita chose the chocolate and cherry panini for this week’s Food Matters Project recipe, because now I know how to make panini sandwiches at home without one of those newfangled panini cookers or grill pans. Basically, it’s as simple as making a grilled cheese and squishing it with something heavy (find more detailed instructions in the recipe below).

I knew I wanted to attempt a savory take on the chocolate and cherry panini recipe, so I first tried a goat cheese and cherry filling, but it wasn’t quite right. As much as I enjoy fresh cherries, they seem to be cloyingly sweet when cooked. Later, I spied the strawberries next to the basil in my fridge and this panini was born. It is, if I say so myself, perfect, especially with the addition of balsamic honey sauce.

The balsamic honey sauce is a super simple recipe from Alice Medrich’s new dessert cookbook, Sinfully Easy Delicious Desserts. I was walking out the door when I found this cookbook wrapped up on my doorstep, so of course I had to pause to flip through it. Then, entranced by the ingenious simplicity of the recipes and the unexpectedly stunning photographs by Sang An, I had to sit down and admire the pages more carefully. The balsamic honey sauce is only my first recipe to try from the book and it’s so simple it barely counts as a recipe, but I assure you there will be many more. Alice Medrich is known for producing foolproof, well-tested recipes, and this book is brilliant and inspiring. You should probably get a copy so we can obsess over it together.

strawberry panini with balsamic honey sauce

4.0 from 1 reviews

Strawberry, Basil and Goat Cheese Panini
Author: 
Recipe type: Main
 

A simple grilled sandwich with gourmet flavor, served with a side of balsamic honey sauce. No panini press required!
Ingredients
Panini
  • 2 slices of whole wheat levain bread, thinly sliced
  • 1.5 ounces goat cheese
  • 3 to 4 strawberries
  • a few basil leaves, whole or roughly chopped
  • black pepper, freshly ground
  • 1 tablespoon butter, or less
Balsamic Honey Sauce
  • 2/3 cup balsamic vinegar
  • 1/3 cup honey

Instructions
  1. Spread a layer of goat cheese over both slices of bread. Slice your strawberries relatively thinly by cutting off slices from the outside of the strawberries, leaving the center behind. Spread strawberries over one slice of bread, and basil on the other. Sprinkle both sides with black pepper, and lay the basil slice face down on top of the strawberry slice.
  2. Heat a small to medium skillet (cast iron is best) over medium heat. Melt one to two teaspoons of butter in the skillet, then add the sandwich. Cover it with a plate or appropriately sized dish and weigh it down with something heavy, like canned beans or a cast iron skillet. Cook until the bottom of the bread is lightly browned, about two to three minutes, then lift the sandwich from the pan, add another pat of butter, let it melt, and return the sandwich to repeat on the other side. Slice each sandwich in half and serve warm.
  3. To make the balsamic honey sauce, combine the balsamic vinegar and honey in a small saucepan over medium-low heat. Simmer, stirring constantly, until the liquid is reduced by about half (15 minutes or more). Pour the liquid into a small bowl to cool.

Notes
  • Panini adapted from The Food Matters Cookbook by Mark Bittman. Balsamic honey sauce from Sinfully Easy Delicious Desserts by Alice Medrich.
  • I recommend making the balsamic honey sauce first. Save leftovers for drizzling over Greek yogurt, vanilla ice cream, pizza, peaches and berries.
  • If you’d like to make multiple sandwiches at once, you might try Bittman’s other cooking method: preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and butter your slices of bread on one side. Place the bread, butter side down, on a baking sheet and spread the topsides with goat cheese. Add fillings as directed below, and top with another slice of bread, spread with goat cheese on the underside and butter on the topside. Cover the sandwiches with another baking sheet and weigh the sheet down with something heavy, like a cast-iron skillet or canned goods, and let it sit for 5 minutes. Remove the weight and the top baking sheet and bake the sandwiches until the bottom of the bread is lightly browned, about 5 minutes, and then repeat on the other side.
  • The panini fillings would make for delicious whole wheat quesadillas or crostini as well. For more panini inspiration, check out the comments section at The Food Matters Project.

share by email
This entry was posted in appetizers, entrées, recipes, summer and tagged , , . Bookmark the permalink. Post a comment or leave a trackback: Trackback URL.

49 Comments

  1. Posted June 18, 2012 at 9:00 AM | Permalink

    YUM! I love your savory take on this week’s recipe and your dipping sauce looks divine! I think I’ll take your advice and find a way to make this for lunch today!

  2. Bec
    Posted June 18, 2012 at 9:01 AM | Permalink

    Mmmmm, this looks absolutely amazing. Can’t wait to try it! Anything with goat’s cheese and strawberries is a winner with me.

  3. Posted June 18, 2012 at 9:03 AM | Permalink

    That balsamic honey sauce sounds amazing; in fact, the whole sandwich sounds amazing! I love the freshness of using strawberries in more savoury dishes especially when there’s basil involved too!

  4. Posted June 18, 2012 at 10:03 AM | Permalink

    oh lovely! i enjoy the combination of strawberries + basil.

    i don’t have a panini press either, so i created the grill marks with a creme brulee torch.

  5. Posted June 18, 2012 at 10:27 AM | Permalink

    I keep meaning to tell you, isn’t it fun that our b-ball home teams are playing each other? I’m not so into it since Dan’s a Knicks fan so I’m not allowed to be much of a Heat fan anymore, but it makes me think of you! Also, I want to eat this. :)

    • Posted June 18, 2012 at 11:55 AM | Permalink

      It is funny! I was thinking I should tweet you about the game last night.

  6. Posted June 18, 2012 at 10:40 AM | Permalink

    These simple fruit and cheese (and of course lots and lots of basil) paninis have become my “thing” in the last few weeks. I’m on a mission to not let my basil plant bolt too early this year and this has become my strategy to accomplish that. :)

  7. Posted June 18, 2012 at 11:21 AM | Permalink

    This reminds me of goat cheese and strawberry bruschetta that my mom used to make for me! That balsamic dipping sauce really seals the deal. Can’t wait to try this one!

  8. Posted June 18, 2012 at 12:26 PM | Permalink

    Such a great idea for a warm weather lunch! On especially hot days I usually just make a salad but this seems almost as easy.

  9. Posted June 18, 2012 at 12:58 PM | Permalink

    I just fell over.

  10. Posted June 18, 2012 at 1:36 PM | Permalink

    Hummm !!! Great idea !

  11. Posted June 18, 2012 at 1:49 PM | Permalink

    I just got a new stack of pretty books in the mail…
    Strawberries and basil are in the fridge…
    This is happening to tonight! Not bad for a Monday ;)

  12. Posted June 18, 2012 at 1:50 PM | Permalink

    Oh, gosh. My bf is a HUGE fan of the OKC Thunder (and “huge fan” doesn’t even accurately describe it). These past few games have been stressful! Maybe I’ll make this sandwich to calm his nerves a bit. Thanks!

  13. Posted June 18, 2012 at 2:19 PM | Permalink

    Mmm I am making something very similar tonight for dinner but with apricot and ricotta… I love the basil idea and may use that!

  14. Posted June 18, 2012 at 3:09 PM | Permalink

    I love your version and that sauce …. Definitely making that here!

  15. Posted June 18, 2012 at 3:11 PM | Permalink

    I love everything about this, over and over again. Great flavors!!

  16. Posted June 18, 2012 at 3:20 PM | Permalink

    Most genius sandwich idea EVER!!

  17. Posted June 18, 2012 at 3:32 PM | Permalink

    Taking the weekend off is always a YES, especially if it involves a good book. Speaking of…any recommendations? Also, this panini certainly does look killer.

  18. Posted June 18, 2012 at 4:51 PM | Permalink

    Strawberries with basil and balsamic is my idea of heaven. Love this!

  19. Posted June 18, 2012 at 4:53 PM | Permalink

    Mmm can’t wait to try this out. Looks super fabulous!

  20. Posted June 18, 2012 at 8:15 PM | Permalink

    I love afternoons spent with a good book…and the combination of strawberries/basil in the summer. This panini looks amazing!

  21. Posted June 18, 2012 at 10:57 PM | Permalink

    This sounds great Kate! Oh…unbelievable basketball this series!

  22. Posted June 19, 2012 at 12:25 AM | Permalink

    As always, Kathryn, your recipe is to die for. Nice work!

  23. Christina
    Posted June 19, 2012 at 2:43 AM | Permalink

    I’m usually not a huge fan of goat cheese because it’s too overpowering for me but I think I’m going to have to give this a try! I don’t know how you keep coming up with these recipes that always sound amazing but keep it up! :)

  24. Posted June 19, 2012 at 7:22 AM | Permalink

    Oh my gosh, yum! This panini looks amazing, and better yet, there’s a delicious balsamic sauce to go with it.

  25. Posted June 19, 2012 at 7:23 AM | Permalink

    I think I could probably drink that balsamic honey sauce! It sounds so good!

    • Posted June 20, 2012 at 9:42 AM | Permalink

      It is SO good! It’s good on everything, seriously. Yogurt, ice cream, pizza…

  26. Posted June 19, 2012 at 11:14 AM | Permalink

    Yum! Very easy and vibrant panino! Love it.

  27. Posted June 19, 2012 at 11:40 AM | Permalink

    wow the flavor combinations you have here are exquisite!
    xo

  28. Posted June 19, 2012 at 6:01 PM | Permalink

    The little tang of goat cheese and the sweet strawberries in basil together sounds amazing!

  29. Posted June 19, 2012 at 7:54 PM | Permalink

    These look absolutely AMAZING! Love it. Mouth-watering photography too!

  30. Posted June 20, 2012 at 8:54 AM | Permalink

    Wow, I just found your blog and I absolutely love it! Amazing photographs, and the recipes look equally as awesome. I love this sandwich too–thanks so much for sharing!

    • Posted June 20, 2012 at 9:38 AM | Permalink

      Glad you found me! Thanks for saying hello. :)

  31. Posted June 20, 2012 at 7:00 PM | Permalink

    LOVE the idea of dipping this in a honey balsamic sauce! Makes me think of a goat cheese/strawberry salad…but with carbs, so obviously better. :)

  32. Posted June 21, 2012 at 1:38 PM | Permalink

    I chanting ‘want want want’ in my head. That’s the only thing I can think about looking at this panini.

  33. Samantha
    Posted June 21, 2012 at 8:34 PM | Permalink

    I LOVE this recipe!!! I ended up adding some lightly sautéed vidalia onions and it was perfect! Even my husband loved it…and trust me, that is saying a lot! I am also making an uncooked version for lunch at work tomorrow. I plan to just drizzle a little leftover balsamic honey glaze inside the sandwich. I know it will be great though!

    • Posted June 22, 2012 at 11:35 AM | Permalink

      That’s terrific, Samantha! So glad you and your husband enjoyed the panini. Vidalia onions sound like a great addition!

  34. Posted June 22, 2012 at 1:24 PM | Permalink

    Wow, this looks amazing! I love all elements of this idea, but would have never have thought to combine them! Delicious!

  35. Posted June 23, 2012 at 5:58 AM | Permalink

    Yes, yes, yes! Vegan goat cheese shall now soon be pouring out of my kitchen, so I can have one of these! I’ve never had strawberries on a sandwich before, but this looks quite intruiging…

  36. Posted June 26, 2012 at 1:27 PM | Permalink

    Hey Kate! I’ve been reading your blog for a while now, and finally decided to make these. I LOVED them! I hope you don’t mind, but I blogged about them, too. I linked to you so you get all the credit :)

    http://tryitandseeblog.wordpress.com/2012/06/26/strawberry-basil-and-goat-cheese-paninis/

    Thanks for all the good ideas!

  37. Posted June 29, 2012 at 11:58 PM | Permalink

    i have been reading your blog for a while now and i finally am getting around to saying your pictures are awesome, your recipes are inspiring, and your pup is adorable. this recipe looks especially delicious and i dont think i am going to make it one day without trying it myself!

  38. Alicia
    Posted June 30, 2012 at 8:35 AM | Permalink

    Just finished eating this and I think I’m in love! Next time (which will be soon) I think I’ll chop the basil. I found myself pulling it out with each bite and ran out before I ran out of sandwich. And that sauce… I want it with every meal.

    • Posted July 6, 2012 at 2:34 PM | Permalink

      So glad you enjoy the sandwich, Alicia! I think I’ll chop the basil next time, too.

  39. Posted July 6, 2012 at 1:35 PM | Permalink

    Wow….Strawberry paninis!! We might try this for when we cook lunch for our Dad :o)
    Maybe a sandwich version? Such a great idea!

    P.S Beautiful photographs on your blog…

  40. Melissa
    Posted July 8, 2012 at 6:49 PM | Permalink

    Love this. A good variation is pumpernickel with laughing cow creamy swiss light.

  41. Srikar
    Posted September 22, 2012 at 11:16 PM | Permalink

    My sister and I just made these after stumbling upon your blog earlier today. Best. Decision. Ever.

    I’m already addicted and will be trying out a few more recipes within the week!

    • Posted September 25, 2012 at 8:17 PM | Permalink

      Happy to hear it, Srikar! Happy cooking to you both. :)

  42. Posted January 31, 2013 at 11:18 PM | Permalink

    Thank you for this awesome recipe! I’m so glad I found your blog, and really, really appreciate your blogging and photography tips, as I’m starting a blog as well and welcome the help.

    • Posted February 1, 2013 at 1:35 PM | Permalink

      You’re welcome, Amani. I’m so glad you appreciate the blogging tips. Best of luck with your blog!

8 Trackbacks

  • By Friday favorites + a giveaway « Seeking Style on June 22, 2012 at 4:31 PM

    [...] This: Strawberry, Basil, and Goat Cheese Panini. Um, BRB, drooling right now. Strawberry, basil, and goat cheese? Yes, please. Sometimes I feel [...]

  • [...] his new found toy, Dan, Katie, Patrick and I got busy in the kitchen. I got this recipe for Strawberry, Basil and Goat Cheese Panini from a great blog I read, Cookie and Kate. I hope she doesn’t mind me reblogging with my [...]

  • [...] Left: Paris bohemian apartment via Elle Deco.| Strawberry, basil and goatcheese panini via Cookie and Kate. [...]

  • [...] a simple dessert of vanilla bean Greek yogurt topped with balsamic honey sauce (also seen on my strawberry basil panini), fresh cherries and toasted pistachios. I suspect those toppings would be even better on vanilla [...]

  • [...] 1. Fragole, basilico, formaggio spalmabile Li ha postati Cookie and Kate qualche tempo fa e ce ne siamo subito innamorati. Per replicarli basta l’immagine, ma se volete approfondire, il post originale è qui. [...]

  • By Honey Balsamic Sauce « Kate Can Bake on July 31, 2012 at 5:57 PM

    [...] Greek yogurt. It’s incredible on ice cream. Kate suggests using it as a dipping sauce for a strawberry, basil, and goat cheese panini. [...]

  • By In the kitchen – Panini on September 24, 2012 at 11:07 AM

    [...] be specific – strawberry, basil and goat cheese panini. Delicious. And so easy. I’d been wanting to try this recipe for a while and finally got [...]

  • By The Peppered Berry | a subtle dish on December 17, 2012 at 4:30 PM

    [...] I found a great little recipe for a Strawberry, Goat Cheese, and Basil Panini from Cookie and Kate.  I thought I’d share it with you. Mostly because like the unexpected berry slope of my [...]

Your comments make my day. Thank you!

Your email is never published nor shared. Required fields are marked *

*
*

You may use these HTML tags and attributes <a href="" title=""> <abbr title=""> <acronym title=""> <b> <blockquote cite=""> <cite> <code> <del datetime=""> <em> <i> <q cite=""> <strike> <strong>

Rate this recipe:  

  • archives

  • Most Recent Comment

      These are nothing short of amazing! I was skeptical at first but decided to give them a try and man am I happy!! thanks!!
      by Jenn, Banana Oat Pancakes
  • 2012 Finalist for Saveur's Best Cooking Blog Award - View More Press