Creamy goat cheese, wild blueberries, and fresh basil combine into this irresistibly easy Blueberry Basil & Goat Cheese Panini Sandwich.
this post was first published in 2016, but has since then been updated.
It's no mystery that 98.5% of the time, I am a salad girl. AKA pile leftovers, full on meals, the kitchen sink over a bed of greens...salad. Ever since I started dating married a guy that had dreams of opening a deli, sandwiches have since become our thing. Whenever we go exploring, or out for lunch, we're looking for the place with the fattest, most impressive looking sandwiches. The best kind of all? Pressed sandwiches. WITH GOAT CHEESE.
What makes this panini sandwich delicious and healthy
- whole wheat bread
- goat cheese
- frozen blueberries
- fresh basil
How to make this sandwich
On two slices of whole wheat bread, spread an ounce of softened goat cheese on each. Top one slice with ½ cup frozen blueberries that have been thawed and drained, and sprinkle the other slice with 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh basil.
Sandwich the slice with chopped basil on top of the slice topped with blueberries. Heat a panini press or large skillet to medium-high heat. Add sandwich, and cook for 5-7 minutes in a panini press (or 1-2 minutes per side in skillet) until golden brown. If cooking in a skillet, you can weigh down the sandwich with a heavy skillet, or plate topped with a large can to get the pressed effect.
Pro Tips:
- Make sure goat cheese is softened to help it spread easier onto the bread.
- You can also make this with fresh blueberries. I would smash ½ cup of fresh blueberries in small bowl before adding to bread.
- To make vegan-friendly, use a vegan bread (not made with any eggs, dairy, or honey) and swap out goat cheese for a plant-based cream cheese.
FAQs
Can I make this panini sandwich with fresh blueberries?
Yes! Use the same amount of fresh blueberries as you would frozen. I would simply smash down in a small bowl before adding to your bread.
Can I make this without a panini press?
Yes! Most of the time, I don't take the effort to break out my panini press to make this. Use a large skillet over medium-high heat, and cook each side for 1-2 minutes. To get the "press" I simply press down the sandwich with a cast iron skillet, but you can also do it with a plate and a heavy can.
Can I make this vegan-friendly?
Certainly. Make sure you are using a vegan-friendly bread (made without any dairy, eggs, or honey), and swap out the goat cheese with a plant-based cream cheese.
Money-Saving Tips for this Panini Sandwich:
- Buy in bulk. Bigger bags of frozen blueberries, as well as whole goat cheese (non-crumbled) are more cost effective options.
- Purchase a bunch. Pre-packed basil tends to be more expensive because of packaging. If you can buy a loose bunch, they tend to be less expensive.
Did you make this recipe? Leave me a comment & a rating to let me know how it came out!
more sandwich recipes:
The Ultimate Vegan Cheesesteak Sandwich
Grilled Apple and Cheddar Sandwich
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Blueberry Basil and Goat Cheese Panini Sandwich
- Total Time: 10 mins
- Yield: 1 sandwich 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Creamy goat cheese, wild blueberries, and fresh basil combine into this irresistibly easy and vegetarian-friendly Blueberry Basil & Goat Cheese Panini Sandwich.
Ingredients
- 2 slices whole wheat bread
- ½ cup frozen wild blueberries, thawed and drained (or fresh blueberries)
- 2 ounces goat cheese, softened
- 2 tablespoons fresh chopped basil
Instructions
- Preheat panini press or skillet to medium heat.
- Spread both slices of bread evenly with goat cheese.
- Top one slice with thawed and drained blueberries.
- Sprinkle with basil, and top with remaining bread.
- Spray skillet or press with cooking spray, and add sandwich.
- Cook for 1-2 minutes. If using skillet, flip sandwich and cook an additional 1-2 minutes, or until sandwich is golden brown.
- Remove from heat and serve.
Notes
* nutrition information estimated.
- Prep Time: 5 mins
- Cook Time: 5 mins
- Category: Sandwich
- Method: Grill
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 18
- Sodium: 379
- Fat: 13
- Saturated Fat: 8
- Unsaturated Fat: 5
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 38
- Fiber: 6
- Protein: 16
- Cholesterol: 40
Keywords: Sandwich, Panini, Blueberry, Goat Cheese, Basil, Vegetarian, Lunch
Sarah @ BucketListTummy
Can I just live in your kitchen pleeeease?
Emily Cooper
It might get a little tight, but my kitchen is your kitchen. 🙂
Dietitian Jess
This is definitely unpredictable, and intriguing! I could eat goat cheese slathered on just about everything- sounds like an interesting combo I must try!
Emily Cooper
Thanks Jess! I'm all about the interesting around here, but I am so glad I gave it a go!
Jenny Shea Rawn
This panini is calling me! We've been eating tons of wild bberries in our our house lately. This sandwich looks amazing! I just need to grab some basil.
Emily Cooper
Perfect! Let me know what you think if you give it a try!
Jessica @ Nutritioulicious
omg this looks amazing! I absolutely love goat cheese and could this sandwich be any prettier?! Delish!
Emily Cooper
Thanks Jessica! It looked even prettier when it was coming towards my mouth. 🙂
Jodi @ The Average RD
This is such an interesting combo! It makes a beautiful sandwich that I will have to try out:)
MJ
Oooo my mouth is wartering just dreaming of a bite of that tasty blueberry treat! Sinfuilllly delicious...Thanks for sharing
Serena
I've had goat cheese sammies...but never grilled. YUM! What a killer combo with fresh herbs and sweet berries!
Melanie
This looks amazing! I love all sandwiches, so this is definitely going to be on my "to make right now" list! 🙂
Christina Bauer
I am sooooo on board for a sweet and savory grilled cheese!!! Great idea 🙂
Emily Cooper
Thanks Christina! Sweet and savory is definitely my jam (and cheese).
Beverley @ Born to Sweat
this just looks so amazing! goat cheese would be great in a panini, it's so creamy! plus with the blueberries - that's just so smart! going to try this out next time i stock up on some bloobs
Emily Cooper
A creamy panini indeed! 😀 Goat cheese makes my world go round.
Kim
Oh man this looks so good!
anne
This looks deliciuos! I love the combination of blueberries and goat cheese.
Maria
This looks amazing! And surprisingly simple! I love this combination!!!
Michaela
Such a beautiful recipe! Those blueberries look incredible
Aliah
You have basically married all of my favorite things! I would have never thought to put blueberries on a sandwich but this looks incredible. Mmmm!
★★★★★
Emily Cooper
It was definitely a game changer. Berries on ALL my sammies now! ...Well maybe not every one, but you get where I'm goin. 😉
jennifer
That is a thing of beauty! Bravo!
Tara | Treble in the Kitchen
Blueberry, basil and goat cheese?! Now there is a flavor combo I can get behind!
Rosey Rebecca
Excuse me while I drool all over my keyboard. I'll probably need about 12 of these.
Sarah @ The Fit Cookie
That panini looks absolutely fantastic!
Alexandra Caspero
I love the combo of blueberry and basil! looks amazing, the perfect sandwich for spring!
Caitlin
This was amazing=p Definitely adding it to my list of weekend summer lunches!
Emily Cooper
Thanks so much Caitlin! Glad you enjoyed! 😀
Abbey Sharp
Mmm blueberry and goat cheese is the best combo! Need to try this for lunch ASAP!
Deborah Brooks
Ooh yes please! Perfect dinner for me. I love goat cheese
Angela Cardamone
I make paninis at least once a week for the family, the love a good soup and sandwich combo! I can not wait to try this recipe, love the blueberry & basil combo!!
Stephanie McKercher
This sounds like the BEST sandwich! I love the combination of sweet and savory flavors. So good!!
★★★★★
Natalie
I just must give this a try. It looks fantastic. I love goat cheese and curious to know how it pairs with blueberries. Sounds amazing.