Prime Rib Panini with Pesto & Mozzarella is a great sandwich to enjoy for dinner or as a snack. With leftover prime rib and staple pantry ingredients, I couldn’t resist sharing this mouthwatering pressed sandwich.
“I’d pay fifteen bucks for this sandwich,” Lucy said. (Now there’s an endorsement!)
When I asked the fellas what they’d dole out, their response – “Ten bucks for the sandwich – fifteen if you throw in some chips and a drink.”
Okay….so you can tell who’s accustomed to paying New York City prices and who’s from Upstate. So really, they’re saying the same thing – the sandwich was a hit! Ha! 😉
My family spoiled me with a homemade prime rib dinner for Mother’s Day. And because we barely made a dent in the roast, I was able to get creative with the leftovers.
Is there anything better than a pressed sandwich?
Only one that is filled with the kind of flavors that comfort!
For me, those flavors include:
- Crusty Italian bread
- Thinly sliced prime rib
- Homemade marinara
- Creamy fresh mozzarella
- Basil pesto
- Fried hot peppers
- Leafy greens
- Sun-dried tomatoes
- Balsamic caramelized onions
- Cherry pepper hoagie spread
The lovely thing about panini is that it’s customizable.
I grabbed a bunch of pantry items to be sure that there was something for everyone.
For this sandwich – I used homemade marinara as the spread for the bottom, and basil pesto for the top.
And can I just say – soooooo Italian-tasting. Soooooo Italian-tasting! Like…….Roman-street-food-Italian-tasting.
You know what I mean – table for two in a bustling piazza, nibbling on olives and a warmed panini, sipping ice cold Peroni while taking in the sights Italian-tasting.
Excuse me while I take a minute for this daydream….feel free to join me….
You can use a cast iron grill pan on the stovetop or a panini press to achieve those lovely grill impressions.
If you go the stovetop route, it helps to place a heavy piece of cookware over the top of the sandwich to encourage that golden crunchy finish.
Nothing like making the most of our leftovers! Who’s with me?! 🙂
Buon Appetito!
PrintPrime Rib Panini with Pesto & Mozzarella
- Yield: 4 sandwiches 1x
Description
Prime Rib Panini with Pesto & Mozzarella is a great sandwich to enjoy for dinner or as a snack. With leftover prime rib and staple pantry ingredients, I couldn’t resist sharing this mouthwatering pressed sandwich.
Ingredients
1 lb. thinly sliced cooked prime rib
1/2 cup marinara sauce, homemade or your favorite store-bought
8 thick slices of Italian bread, or 4 rolls
1 cup leafy greens (arugula, baby chard, dandelion)
hot fried peppers, to taste
8 oz. fresh mozzarella, sliced or grated
1/3 – 1/2 cup basil pesto
caramelized onions, optional
sun-dried tomatoes, optional
cherry pepper hoagy spread, optional
Instructions
Brush olive oil on one side of a slice of bread. Place on the skillet or panini press.
Smooth 1 Tbsp. of marinara on the bread.
Top with greens, hot fried peppers, thinly sliced prime rib, and mozzarella.
Brush the top slice of bread with pesto. Place it face down on the sandwich.
Brush olive oil on the top.
Cook until cheese is melted and bread is toasted on both sides.
Slice and serve.
Katherine | Love In My Oven says
I would pay a lot of denero for one of these for lunch 😉 Warm and toasty, just the way a sandwich should be!!!
Annie says
Why thank you, Katherine! I agree – warm and toasty all the way!
Mary Ann | The Beach House Kitchen says
I’d pay $15 too Annie! Love all the delicious toppings. Panini sandwiches are always so good!
Annie says
Hehehe! Thanks, pal! Maybe I should start a panini food truck! 😉
Jennifer @ Seasons and Suppers says
I saw this on FB and immediately wanted it that very moment 🙂 I haven’t made a panini in such a long time and now it’s all I can think about. Love his combination of flavours and my beef-loving husband would love it even more!
Annie says
I’m the huge beef lover in the family – so I can attest that you guys will love this! 🙂
Alex says
I would be happy to enjoy this any time of day – how delicious!!
Annie says
It’s a keeper! 🙂
Marissa says
I’m with Lucy, $15 sounds like a bargain for this beauty! I wish this was my lunch today!
Annie says
Hahaha! Thanks, pal!
Leanne says
I would score some major brownie points if I made these paninis for dinner tonight! They look incredible Annie!
Annie says
You likely will! I did! 🙂
Dawn - Girl Heart Food says
Lol! I’d definitely pay for that sandwich!! Looks incredible, my friend, and absolutely love everything going on! Seriously delicious and can’t wait to try! Pinned! Have a wonderful weekend ahead. XO
Annie says
Nothing beats a good steak sangwich! Thanks, Dawn! xo
Chef Mimi says
This is fabulous. I’m not a huge sandwich eater, but this is gorgeous. I’d pay lots o money for it!
Annie says
hahaha! Thanks, Mimi!