Name: Smoked Turkey Club Panini
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: ItalianEurope
Ingredients: 8 slices bacon; 1/3 cup sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil, rinsed, patted dry, and minced, plus 2 tablespoons sun-dried tomato oil; 1/3 cup mayonnaise; 8 slices thick-cut crusty bread (see note); 1/2 pound thinly sliced deli Swiss cheese; 1/2 pound thinly sliced deli smoked turkey; 2 cups baby arugula

Why This Recipe Works

We used bold, flavorful sundried tomatoes both in the sandwich and mixed into the mayonnaise for a new twist on our Smoked Turkey Club Panini. Bacon, Swiss cheese, and arugula added additional bite, while grilling the sandwich under a heavy Dutch oven created perfectly pressed panini. We found that a thick, crusty boule (a rustic 8-inch loaf of bread) sliced 1/2 inch thick worked best.

Before You Begin

Buy a rustic 8-inch loaf (often called a boule) with a good crust and cut it into 1/2-inch slices. For easy cleanup, cover the bottom of the Dutch oven with aluminum foil.

Instructions

Arrange bacon in single layer on paper towel-lined plate. Cover with paper towels and microwave until crisp, about 5 minutes. Combine sun-dried tomatoes and mayonnaise in small bowl.

Brush sun-dried tomato oil over 1 side of bread. Place bread, oil side down, on cutting board. Spread each slice with flavored mayonnaise. Layer half of cheese on 4 slices bread, then top with turkey, bacon, arugula, and remaining cheese. Top with remaining bread, oil side up.

Heat grill pan or large nonstick skillet over medium heat for 1 minute. Place 2 sandwiches in pan and weight with Dutch oven. Cook sandwiches until golden brown and cheese is melted, about 5 minutes per side. Repeat with remaining sandwiches. Serve.