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Ingredients
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Bread & Butter
Cheese Filling
Method
Prepare Sandwiches
Assemble cheese mixture
In a medium bowl combine grated cheddar, shredded mozzarella and softened cream cheese. Add Dijon mustard and black pepper. Stir until evenly combined; the cream cheese should bind the mixture so it can be spread easily.
Lay out 4 slices of bread. Evenly spread the cheese mixture over each slice, leaving a 1/4-inch border. If using tomato and/or basil, place 2 tomato slices and 2 basil leaves on top of the cheese mixture for each sandwich. Top each with the remaining bread slices to form 4 sandwiches.
Butter the outside of each sandwich: spread about 1 tablespoon of softened butter on the top and bottom slices (butter side out). Press gently to seal.
Cook Panini
Preheat a panini press or a heavy skillet/griddle over medium heat. If using a skillet, you can weigh the sandwiches with a heavy pan or foil-wrapped brick to get good contact.
Place the sandwiches on the hot press or skillet, buttered side down. If using a press, close and cook for 3–4 minutes until bread is golden brown and cheese is melted. If using a skillet, cook 2–3 minutes per side, pressing down with a spatula or weighted pan, until golden and cheese is fully melted. Adjust heat as needed to avoid burning.
Remove sandwiches and let rest 1 minute. Slice each sandwich diagonally and serve immediately.