Mediterranean Turkey Hummus Panini

Mediterranean Turkey Hummus Panini makes a great lunch packing your favorite Mediterranean flavors into a warm, flavorful sandwich. Garlic and Herb hummus is spread on your favorite bread and topped with smoked turkey, roasted red peppers, spinach, sliced tomatoes, artichokes and havarti cheese to create the ultimate sandwich.

Why You’ll Love This Mediterranean Turkey Hummus Panini

Fall is my favorite season and during the colder months we make a lot of warm panini style sandwiches. Whether it is a delicious grilled cheese, a BBQ Spiced Grilled Egg and Cheese Sandwich or this Mediterranean turkey hummus panini, there is something comforting about a warm, gooey sandwich.

I love the combination of ingredients in today’s Mediterranean turkey hummus panini. Use your favorite bread, spread hummus on both sides, and then tops it with smoked turkey, sliced tomatoes, roasted red peppers, spinach, artichokes and havarti cheese.

You know my love for hummus runs deep so any time that I can add it to my food, I do!  Forget those sandwiches that use plain mayo and spice it up with a little flavor. Once the filling is added the sandwich is then toasted into a warm, crisp and gooey sandwich. We make this sandwich a lot, and for good reason!

Here are more reasons it’s a must-try dish:

• Easy Preparation: It only takes 5 minutes to prepare the sandwich, then an another 5-6 minutes to toast it. So quick and easy!
• Versatile: You can use any variety of ingredients to fill the panini.
• Healthy: This easy sandwich makes a great lunch, or light dinner option. Serve it with a side of salad or a bowl of your favorite homemade soup.

If you love the flavors of the Mediterranean, try my Fattoush Salad, Balela Salad, Greek Hummus Pita Bites, Spiced Beef Hummus Pita Pizza, Lebanese Meat Stuffed Pitas.

Recipe Ingredients You’ll Need

• Bread: I used 4 slices of white crusty bread which made 2 toasted panini sandwiches.
• Butter: Butter is spread on the outside of the bread to stop it from sticking to the panini press or grill pan.
• Hummus: I used a garlic and herb hummus in this recipe for extra flavor, but you can use any flavor of hummus.
• Turkey: I opted for sliced of smoked turkey, you could also use unsmoked.
• Tomato: I used thin slices of fresh tomato in the sandwich.
• Peppers: I used roasted red peppers from a jar to fill the sandwich.
• Spinach: I used a handful of fresh spinach in each sandwich.
• Cheese: I opted for slices of Danish havarti cheese which melts really well when heated.
• Artichoke: I like to add some chopped artichoke hearts, this is entirely optional.

For exact ingredient amounts and instructions, see the full recipe card below. 

Recipe Variations

This recipe is versatile and easy to adapt:

• Bread: I used white crusty bread, but you can a granary, seeded or rye bread if you prefer. Just ensure it’s not too soft or it will fall apart when toasted.
• Turkey: I used sliced smoked turkey, but feel free to used smoked or unsmoked meat, swap turkey for chicken or ham.
• Hummus: Use any flavor or variety of hummus in this recipe, either homemade or store bought. If you want to make your own hummus try my Classic Hummus, Roasted Red Pepper Hummus or a Lemon Hummus.
• Other Spreads: I also think a White Bean Artichoke Dip or my Lemon Whipped Feta Dip would work in this panini.
• Cheese: I used Danish havarti cheese, but you could use Cheddar, Mozzarella, Swiss, Gruyere, Monterey Jack, Fontina or Provolone cheeses which all melt well.
• Leafy Greens: I opted for spinach, but you can use any salad green in this sandwich.
• Plant Based: For a plant based sandwich replace the butter and smoked turkey with plant based alternatives.

How to Make Mediterranean Turkey Hummus Panini

Step 1: Prepare the Bread for Toasting

Butter one side of each slice of bread. Lay the butter side down on a cutting board. Spread 1 Tablespoon of the hummus on the other side of each slice of bread.

Step 2: Add the Sandwich Filling

Layer the havarti cheese, spinach, tomato, roasted red peppers, artichokes and smoked turkey on one side of the bread and close the sandwich using the other slice of bread.

Step 3: Toast the Panini

Using a panini maker or a griddle toast each side of the sandwich for about 2-3 minutes, or until the bread becomes crispy and the cheese melts.

Expert Tips for the Perfect Mediterranean Turkey Hummus Panini

• When spreading the butter on the outside of the bread (to stop it from sticking to the panini press or griddle pan) don’t be too heavy handed as you want the outside to be crispy and not soggy.
• When using roasted red peppers, or artichokes from a jar, use some kitchen paper to pat dry. This will stop the sandwich becoming too wet and soggy.
• Don’t overload the sandwich, otherwise the filling can fall out making the sandwich difficult to eat.
• Use the right bread, something dense that won’t fall apart when being cooked.

Serving Tips

Enjoy this sandwich on it’s own, or you could serve it alongside your favorite soup, or a few simple vegetable sides that complement its fresh flavors:

• Soup: Serve the sandwich with your favorite soup, try my Roasted Butternut Squash Soup, or Easy Vegetable Bean Soup.
• Simple Salad: Try a Lemon Arugula Salad, Easy Kale Salad, Crunchy Kale Slaw, or a hearty Chickpea Salad.
• Potatoes: Paprika Roasted Potatoes or Spicy Lebanese Potatoes are excellent choices.

Storage Tips

This panini sandwich is best enjoyed fresh from the grill. However, you can make the sandwich up earlier in the day, then store in the refrigerator until you are ready to grill and serve.

Recipe FAQs

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