Roasted Bell Pepper & Zucchini Panini Recipe | Herby Spicy Veg Panini with Jalapeños & Gherkins

 

🥪 Herby Spicy Roasted Bell Pepper & Zucchini Panini with Jalapeños, Gherkins & Chipotle Cheese Dressing

Introduction

If you’re a fan of bold flavors and café-style sandwiches that look as good as they taste, this Herby Spicy Roasted Bell Pepper & Zucchini Panini is about to become your new favorite.

It’s got everything — colorful exotic bell peppers, tender roasted zucchini, fiery jalapeños, and tangy gherkin slices — all tucked inside crisp grilled bread with melty cheese and a smoky chipotle dressing.

Every bite delivers a perfect balance of heat, creaminess, and herby freshness. It’s a restaurant-worthy panini you can whip up at home in under 30 minutes!

🧺 Ingredients

For the Roasted Vegetable Filling

½ red bell pepper, sliced into thin strips

½ yellow bell pepper, sliced

½ green bell pepper, sliced

1 small zucchini, thinly sliced (lengthwise or into half-moons)

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 teaspoon garlic, finely chopped

½ teaspoon red chili flakes

½ teaspoon smoked paprika (or use chipotle powder for deeper flavor)

½ teaspoon mixed Italian herbs (oregano, basil, thyme)

Salt & black pepper to taste

1 teaspoon lemon juice or vinegar

For the Panini

2 ciabatta or focaccia rolls (or use any rustic sandwich bread)

4–5 jalapeño slices

4–5 gherkin slices (or pickled cucumber slices)

½ cup grated mozzarella or processed cheese

Butter or olive oil for grilling

2–3 tablespoons chipotle cheese dressing (see below)

For the Chipotle Cheese Dressing

3 tablespoons mayonnaise

1 tablespoon grated cheese (cheddar or processed)

½ teaspoon chipotle paste or chipotle powder

½ teaspoon lemon juice

A pinch of salt and pepper

(Mix everything until smooth and creamy. Adjust the spice level to taste.)

👩‍🍳 How to Make Herby Spicy Roasted Bell Pepper & Zucchini Panini

Step 1: Roast the Vegetables

Heat olive oil in a grill pan or wide skillet.

Add chopped garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.

Toss in the sliced bell peppers and zucchini.

Sprinkle chili flakes, smoked paprika, mixed herbs, salt, and pepper.

Roast on medium-high heat for 5–7 minutes until the veggies are lightly charred yet crisp.

Turn off the flame and squeeze in a little lemon juice for freshness.

Tip: Don’t overcook — slightly crunchy vegetables give the best texture to your panini.

Step 2: Prepare the Chipotle Cheese Dressing

In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, grated cheese, chipotle paste, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.

Mix until creamy and well blended. You can refrigerate it for 10 minutes to thicken slightly.

Step 3: Assemble the Panini

Slice your ciabatta or focaccia rolls horizontally.

Spread a generous layer of chipotle cheese dressing on both inner sides of the bread.

Add a layer of roasted peppers and zucchini.

Place a few jalapeño and gherkin slices evenly over the veggies.

Top with grated cheese for that perfect melty bite.

Close the sandwich and gently press.

Step 4: Grill the Panini

Preheat a panini press, grill pan, or tawa.

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

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

Once done, remove from heat and let it rest for a minute before slicing diagonally.

🍽️ Serving Suggestions

Serve hot with a side of extra chipotle dressing or herbed mayo dip.

Pair with iced coffee, lemon cooler, or spicy potato wedges for the ultimate café-style experience.

Add a small green salad or soup on the side for a complete meal.

🌱 Tips & Variations

For more flavor: Add caramelized onions or roasted garlic to the filling.

Healthier version: Use whole wheat bread and light mayo.

Vegan twist: Use vegan cheese and a dairy-free chipotle mayo.

Meal prep idea: Roast the veggies and make the dressing ahead of time — assemble and grill just before serving.

✨ Why You’ll Love This Panini

Packed with vibrant roasted veggies full of color and nutrition.

Smoky, spicy, creamy, and cheesy — all in one bite.

Looks gourmet but takes just 30 minutes to make.

Perfect for brunch, lunch, or a quick dinner.

Totally Instagram and Pinterest-worthy!