Pear and Bacon Panini with Basil Aioli
Inspired by a delicious sandwich I had at Kerbey Lane Café here in Austin on their seasonal menu a few years ago, I’ve got the lunch sandwich of your dreams: a Pear and Bacon Panini with a Basil Aioli. While the components of this recipe are simple, together they form a masterpiece that your whole family will love. The way the crispy bacon balances out the sweet pears, and the way the aged white cheddar complements the garlicky and herby aioli sauce results in a combo you’ll want again and again.
Servings
4sandwiches
Servings
4sandwiches
Ingredients
Instructions
  1. Blend together the mayonnaise, basil, garlic, lemon juice, and lemon zest in a blender or food processor. Place in the fridge while preparing the rest of the ingredients so the flavors of the aioli fully incorporate.
  2. While the aioli is chilling, cook the bacon strips and slice the pears and cheese.
  3. Spread a healthy amount of the aioli on each slice of sourdough bread, then layer two pieces of bacon, some pear slices, and sliced aged white cheddar cheese on four of the pieces of bread (as you are making four sandwiches). Place the other four pieces of sourdough with aioli on top of the sandwich toppings to close the sandwich (with the aioli inside the sandwich).
  4. After closing the sandwich butter both sides of the bread. Optional: sprinkle a little garlic salt and parmesan cheese on the top of the sandwich to taste.
  5. On a panini press, a George Foreman grill, or similar grilling pan or device, press and grill the sandwich until the cheese is melted and the bread is toasted to your liking. If desired, cut in half before serving.