Mozzarella, Roasted Pepper and Pesto Panini
with Herby Fries and Balsamic Rocket
- Cereals containing gluten
- Milk
- Sulphites
- May contain traces of allergens
- Celery
Our Mozzarella, Roasted Pepper and Pesto Panini is a delicious veggie option that makes it easy to eat more veg in your diet and try something new!
Ingredients
1
Bell Pepper
(May be present: Celery)
450
Potatoes
1
Mixed Herbs
2
Ciabatta
(Contains: Cereals containing gluten)
50
Fresh Pesto
(Contains: Milk)
1
Mozzarella
(Contains: Milk)
30
Mature Cheddar Cheese
(Contains: Milk)
20
Wild Rocket
12
Balsamic Glaze
(Contains: Sulphites)
Nutrition Values
Utensils
Cooking Steps
Preheat your oven to 220°C/200°C fan/gas mark 7.
Halve the pepper lengthways and discard the core and seeds. Lay the pepper halves, cut-side down, onto a small baking tray. Drizzle with oil, then season with salt and pepper.
When the oven is hot, roast on the middle shelf until soft and slightly charred, 18-20 mins. Turn halfway through.
Chop the potatoes lengthways into 1cm slices, then chop into 1cm wide fries (no need to peel).
Pop the fries onto a large baking tray. Drizzle with oil, season with salt and pepper, then sprinkle over the mixed herbs. Toss to coat, then spread out in a single layer. TIP: Use two baking trays if necessary.
Bake your herby fries on the top shelf until golden, 30-35 mins. Turn halfway through.
While everything roasts, halve the ciabatta. Spread each cut side evenly with pesto.
Drain the mozzarella and pat it dry with kitchen paper, making sure you squeeze out as much liquid as possible. Tear it into pieces.
Grate the Cheddar.
Lay your mozzarella on the bottom half of each ciabatta followed by the grated Cheddar. Season well with pepper.
Once your peppers are roasted, place each roasted pepper half on top of the cheeses.
Sandwich on the other half of ciabatta and firmly press all the ingredients inside.
Heat a drizzle of oil in a large frying pan on medium-high heat.
Once hot, add the panini, pressing down with a spatula or heavy-bottomed pan.
Cook, pressing occasionally, until the bread is golden and toasted and the cheese has melted, 2-4 mins per side.
Slice your panini diagonally, then divide between your plates with the herby fries alongside.
Share the rocket between your plates and drizzle the balsamic glaze over the leaves to finish.
Enjoy!
Customer reviews
Review summary
Updated on Aug 2026- Flavour: The pesto, roasted pepper, and melted cheese combination wins plenty of praise, though some found the overall flavour mild without mozzarella. A few felt the pesto was too dominant, so use it sparingly if you prefer a more balanced taste.
- Ease of prep: Most found this straightforward and quick to pull together, though the combined oven time for the pepper and fries means it takes around 40 minutes in total.
- Suggestions: Press the panini firmly and keep the heat at medium rather than medium-high to avoid burning the bread before the cheese melts; some found finishing it in an air fryer gave better results. Patting the mozzarella very dry before assembling helps prevent a soggy ciabatta, and tucking the rocket inside the sandwich with a drizzle of balsamic glaze adds extra flavour.
- Next-day meals: Several reviewers noted this works well as a lighter lunch option, and some enjoyed using leftovers in a toasted sandwich the following day.
- Portions: A few felt the fries portion was on the small side; cutting potatoes a little thicker helps them stay substantial rather than turning too crispy.
