Sometimes, I find myself craving something that feels both fancy and comforting—a bit like wearing your favorite old sweater to a five-star restaurant. This asparagus prosciutto panini perfectly fits that vibe, with its crispy, golden bread and savory, melty core. It’s like taking a mini-vacation to Italy without leaving your kitchen, and honestly, who doesn’t need a little escape now and then?
Steps
- Preheat your panini grill. Lightly coat the asparagus with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Once the grill is ready, cook the asparagus for 3-4 minutes until it is tender yet crisp, then set aside.
- In a small bowl, mix the mayonnaise with crushed garlic. Spread this garlic mayo mixture onto the inside of the sliced ciabatta.
- Place a slice of cheese, prosciutto, and the grilled asparagus inside the ciabatta. Close the sandwich and lightly spray the top with cooking spray.
- Place the sandwich on a panini press and cook until the cheese is melted and the bread is golden and crispy. Cut the panini in half and serve immediately.
Ingredients
- 2 ounces of thin asparagus, with tough ends removed
- 1 tablespoon of light mayonnaise (such as Hellman’s)
- 1 clove of garlic, crushed
- 3 ounces of ciabatta bread, sliced open
- 1 slice of prosciutto ham, approximately 1/2 ounce
- 1 slice of low-fat Swiss cheese
- 1/3 cup of baby arugula
- Olive oil spray
- Salt and pepper to taste
Nutritional Values
Calories: 337.2 kcal | Carbohydrates: 45.9 g | Protein: 18.5 g | Fat: 9.2 g | Saturated Fat: 0.5 g | Sodium: 978 mg | Fiber: 1.2 g | Sugar: 0.2 g
FAQ
- Can I make this panini without a panini press?
- Absolutely, you can use a George Foreman grill or even a stovetop grill pan. Simply place an iron skillet on top to apply pressure while cooking.
- Is it possible to make this panini vegetarian?
- Yes, you can easily transform this into a vegetarian dish by omitting the prosciutto. The panini will still be delicious.
- Can I grill the asparagus without using additional pans?
- Certainly, you can grill the asparagus directly on the panini press, eliminating the need for extra pans and making cleanup easier.
- What can I serve with this panini?
- This panini pairs well with a side salad or a bowl of creamy asparagus soup for a complete meal.
- How should I prepare the garlic mayonnaise?
- Mix together one tablespoon of light mayonnaise with a clove of crushed garlic to create a flavorful garlic mayo for the panini.
Tips
- If you don’t have a panini press, try using a George Foreman grill or a stovetop grill pan with a heavy skillet placed on top to press the sandwich down as it cooks.
- Grill the asparagus directly on the panini press to avoid using extra pans and to simplify cleanup.
- For a vegetarian version, omit the prosciutto; the panini will still be flavorful and delicious.
- Mix the garlic into the mayonnaise before spreading it on the bread for a well-blended flavor.
Equipment
- Panini Press (or a George Foreman Grill)
- Grill Pan (for those who prefer using a stovetop method)
- Misto Olive Oil Sprayer (for spraying olive oil)
