Vegetarian Breakfast Panini Recipe

Panini assembly

1. 1

   Prepare tomato

   Slice the tomato into 1/4-inch (6 mm) thick rounds. Lay slices on paper towel and lightly press with another towel to remove excess moisture. Set aside.

2. 2

   Season eggs

   Crack the eggs into a small bowl, add 1/4 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, and beat lightly with a fork until slightly combined but not fully frothy (you want a tender fried/scrambled texture).

3. 3

   Cook eggs

   Heat a nonstick skillet over medium-low and add olive oil. When shimmering, pour in the beaten eggs. Let sit 10–15 seconds, then gently stir with a spatula, pushing eggs from edge to center to create soft curds. Cook until mostly set but still slightly glossy (about 1–2 minutes). Remove from heat — eggs will finish setting in the panini.

4. 4

   Butter and toast bread

   Spread butter on the outside faces of each bun half (or one side of each slice of bread). If using a panini press, preheat it to medium. If using a skillet, heat it over medium. Optionally spread mayonnaise or softened cream cheese on the inside faces of the bread for extra moisture and flavor.

5. 5

   Assemble sandwich

   Place the bottom bun half (or one slice of bread) buttered-side down on a plate. Layer: 1 slice of cheddar, all cooked eggs (divide evenly if making two sandwiches), tomato slices (season tomato lightly with remaining 3/4 teaspoon salt and remaining 1/4 teaspoon pepper), fresh basil leaves if using, and finish with the second slice of cheddar. Top with the bread top, buttered-side up.

6. 6

   Grill panini

   Place the assembled sandwich on the preheated panini press and close; grill until bread is golden brown and cheese is melted, about 3–5 minutes. If using a skillet, place sandwich buttered-side down in the skillet, press with a heavy skillet or a foil-wrapped brick, and cook 2–3 minutes until golden, then flip carefully, press again and cook another 2–3 minutes until cheese melts and both sides are crisp.

7. 7

   Rest and serve

   Remove the panini from heat and let rest 1 minute. Slice in half on the diagonal and serve immediately.