Caprese Grilled Cheese Sandwich

*Adapted from here.

Serves: 2 (but easily multiplied)
Prep: 15 minutes

INGREDIENTS
4 slices bread
2 Tbsp olive oil
4 Tbsp basil pesto (I used prepackaged.)
1 ball fresh mozzarella, room temperature, sliced 1/4" thick, set on a paper towel to remove excess liquid
1 large ripe tomato, room temperature, sliced 1/4" thick

DIRECTIONS
1. Heat a nonstick pan (or panini press or George Foreman grill) over medium heat.
2. Brush the outside of each slice of bread with oil and spread the pesto on the inside. Place the mozzarella on the pesto on one slice of bread, top it with the tomato slices, and finally top with the other slice of bread pesto side in.
3. Place the sandwich on the pan and cook until golden brown and cheese has melted, about 2-4 minutes per side. (Or, place in press or grill and cook for 3-5 minutes.)

Jan's Ham & Cheese Sliders

*My aunt Jan shared this recipe with me and it's similar to this recipe by Kraft.

Serves: 12 (2 sliders each)
Prep:

INGREDIENTS
24 dinner rolls
24 pieces of honey ham (cut to fit rolls)
24 slices of swiss or Provolone cheese (cut to fit rolls)
mayo
Poppy Seed Sauce
1 Tbsp poppy seeds
1 1/2 Tbsp yellow mustard
1/2 cup butter, melted
1/2 tsp Worchestershire sauce
1 Tbsp minced onion

DIRECTIONS
1. Spread mayo on both sides of rolls. Place ham and cheese inside each roll. Close rolls and place them close together in a large baking dish.
2. In a medium bowl whisk together all the ingredients for the poppy seed sauce. Pour sauce (or use pastry brush--Jan's preference) over rolls. Be sure to cover tops and sides of sandwiches well. Let sit 10 minutes until butter sets slightly.
3. Cover with foil and bake at 350 degrees for 12-15 minutes. Uncover and cook 2 more minutes or until tops are slightly brown. Best served warm, but good anytime!

Note: Someone suggested a sassier version with roast beef and cheddar here.

Tequila Lime Grilled Chicken Club Sandwich

*Adapted from closetcooking.

INGREDIENTS
tequila lime chicken breast
sandwich bread/kaiser roll
bacon
tomato slice
leaf lettuce
jalapeno mayo
monterey jack cheese (grated) or queso fresco (crumbled)
guacamole

DIRECTIONS
Layer and serve.

Turkey Bacon Bravo(ish) Wrap

This recipe is inspired by the Turkey Bacon Bravo sandwich at Panera Bread and a Turkey & Applewood Smoked Bacon Ciabatta sandwich at one of our favorite local restaurants.

Serves: 1
Prep: 5 minutes

INGREDIENTS
2 slices applewood smoked bacon
1 sun-dried tomato sandwich wrap or 2 slices Ciabatta bread
mayonnaise or special sauce*
4 oz. roasted turkey breast deli meat
1 slice smoked gouda cheese
tomato slices
spring mix lettuce or romaine lettuce

DIRECTIONS
1. Cook bacon until crispy. Set aside to cool.
2. Meanwhile, spread mayonnaise or special sauce on bread of choice.
3. Combine the rest of the ingredients to make the sandwich, including bacon.
4. Enjoy!


Panera's special sauce recipe:
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup ketchup
1 Tbsp lemon juice
1/4 tsp dried mustard
1/2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
dash of Tabasco (or Cholula)
Combine, mix well, and refrigerate. This will make 3/4 - 1 cup sauce.