Spicy Roasted Cottage Cheese Panini – A Fusion of Flavors with Pepper Pesto & Thousand Island Dressing

 🥪 Spicy Roasted Cottage Cheese Panini with Pepper Pesto, Jalapeños & Thousand Island Dressing

Introduction

If you love paneer sandwiches that taste like something straight out of a gourmet café, this one’s for you! 💛

This Spicy Roasted Cottage Cheese Panini is a delicious fusion of smoky, herby, and creamy flavors.

Chunks of roasted cottage cheese (paneer) are tossed with a flavorful pepper pesto, layered with jalapeños, topped with gooey cheese, and finished with a creamy Thousand Island dressing — all pressed between golden, crispy bread.

It’s indulgent yet wholesome, and every bite bursts with texture, spice, and cheesy satisfaction!

🧺 Ingredients

For the Spicy Roasted Cottage Cheese Filling

200 g cottage cheese (paneer), cut into cubes or thin slices

1 tablespoon olive oil or butter

1 teaspoon garlic, finely chopped

½ teaspoon chili flakes

½ teaspoon smoked paprika or red chili powder

¼ teaspoon black pepper

Salt to taste

1 teaspoon lemon juice

For the Pepper Pesto

(Makes about 4 tablespoons — you can refrigerate leftovers for up to a week.)

1 red bell pepper, roasted or grilled until soft and slightly charred

2 tablespoons roasted peanuts or almonds

1 garlic clove

1 tablespoon olive oil

½ teaspoon chili flakes

Salt & pepper to taste

1 teaspoon lemon juice

Blend everything into a slightly coarse paste — rich, smoky, and vibrant red.

For the Panini

2 ciabatta or focaccia rolls (or any thick sandwich bread)

4–5 jalapeño slices (fresh or pickled)

½ cup grated mozzarella or processed cheese

2 tablespoons Thousand Island dressing

Butter or olive oil for grilling

👩‍🍳 How to Make Spicy Roasted Cottage Cheese Panini

Step 1: Roast the Cottage Cheese

Heat olive oil or butter in a non-stick pan.

Add chopped garlic and sauté until fragrant.

Add cottage cheese cubes or slices and toss lightly.

Sprinkle chili flakes, smoked paprika, black pepper, and salt.

Roast on medium flame until golden and slightly crisp on the edges.

Squeeze in a little lemon juice for freshness and turn off the heat.

Tip: Don’t overcook — you want the paneer to be soft inside but lightly charred on the outside.

Step 2: Make the Pepper Pesto

Roast or grill the red bell pepper directly on flame or in the oven until its skin blisters.

Peel off the charred skin and blend with garlic, nuts, olive oil, chili flakes, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.

The pesto should be creamy yet slightly coarse in texture.

Taste and adjust seasoning — it should be slightly tangy and smoky.

Step 3: Assemble the Panini

Slice your ciabatta or focaccia rolls horizontally.

Spread pepper pesto generously on both inner sides of the bread.

Arrange the spicy roasted cottage cheese evenly on one side.

Add jalapeño slices for a hint of heat.

Drizzle Thousand Island dressing over the filling.

Top with grated cheese.

Close the sandwich and gently press.

Step 4: Grill the Panini

Preheat your panini press, grill pan, or tawa.

Brush the outer sides of the bread with butter or olive oil.

Grill until both sides are golden brown and crisp, and the cheese melts beautifully inside — about 2–3 minutes per side.

Slice diagonally and serve hot!

🍴 Serving Suggestions

Serve with extra Thousand Island dressing, peri-peri fries, or herbed potato wedges.

Pair it with iced coffee, mint cooler, or cold brew for that café vibe.

For a lighter option, serve with fresh salad or tomato soup.

🌱 Tips & Variations

Make it spicier: Add a few drops of hot sauce or extra chili flakes in the pesto.

Add veggies: Toss in roasted bell peppers or onions for more crunch.

Vegan option: Use tofu instead of paneer, vegan cheese, and vegan Thousand Island dressing.

Prep ahead: Roast paneer and make pepper pesto beforehand for quick assembly later.

✨ Why You’ll Love This Panini

A perfect mix of spicy, smoky, tangy, and creamy flavors.

Loaded with protein-rich cottage cheese and fresh ingredients.

Has that gourmet café-style taste, made easily at home.

Works for brunch, evening snacks, or a quick comfort dinner.