Last Updated on April 5, 2026 by Lisa Keys
This Italian sandwich recipe with pesto, mozzarella and roasted red peppers is grief inspired. It is the best Italian panini recipe.
It's been 4 years, 4 months and 14 days since William died. I have grown leaps and bounds through this grief experience, but surprisingly still learning how to deal. I must be a slow study or maybe, just maybe, this is typical of the grief process when one loses a bright light in their life.
At this stage, most days are typically filled with happy thoughts of William. The boy was a crack-up in most situations and filled with fun surprises. He was a double-dog dare me kind of guy who constantly kept us entertained with his antics.
Swallow a live fish? Sure, no problem. Jump into an ice covered lake? He wouldn't think twice. Dress in camo, soldier crawl the lawn and crash a neighbor's party hiding under their deck? All in a day of the life of William. These memories just make me smile or sometimes laugh out loud. I am so grateful to have them.
On the other hand, this summer brought some surprisingly dark days that I did not quite understand. After watching a wedding video of a mother-son dance I was a complete mess. What the hell? I did not even know these people, yet watching that groom smile into his mother's eyes I knew I wanted some of that and could not have it.
And then there are those college graduations. Those are the memories with William that I want so bad, but never will have. I only, this week, recognized that those are my triggers. It's what I did not get to have with William rather than what I did have that causes me grief.
Don't even want to know what he lit on fire.
It's just sad until I remember that I did have a dance with him the night before he graduated high school. I am holding on tight to the night he agreed to hold my hand while I twirled around him. The poor guy was on crutches at the time, but that didn't stop him from smiling into my eyes and giving his mama this beautiful memory.
His high school graduation is a super proud moment in time.
Now, let's talk about the best Italian panini recipe. It's filled with fresh authentic ingredients like homemade pesto, salty prosciutto, creamy mozzarella and roasted red peppers. The way one layers a sandwich is a personal matter. I leave it up to you to play with these ingredients and add or subtract as much meat, cheese, pesto and peppers as you like.
Make your own perfect and inspired sandwich creation. When it comes from your heart it is guaranteed delicious. This was one of Will's favorites.
Italian Panini Recipe
Ingredients
The Pesto
- 1 small clove garlic
- ¾ cup packed basil leaves
- ¼ cup fresh celery leaves
- 2 tablespoons walnut oil
- 1- teaspoon fresh lemon juice
- ¼ cup toasted walnuts
- ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese
- ½ teaspoon sugar
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
- 2 ciabatta rolls split
- 1 ball fresh mozzarella sliced
- 6 slices prosciutto
- 1 red bell pepper roasted, peeled, seeded, sliced
- 2 teaspoons hickory smoked balsamic vinegar or plain balsamic syrup
- shredded fresh basil
Instructions
- For the pesto: With food processor running drop garlic through feed tube and process until finely minced. Add basil, celery leaves and oil; pulse until combined. Add lemon juice, walnuts, parmesan, sugar and salt; blend until smooth scraping down sides of bowl, if needed.
- Spread generous amount of pesto evenly on bottom half of each roll.
- On top of the pesto evenly layer desired amount of the mozzarella, prosciutto and peppers.
- Drizzle peppers with balsamic, sprinkle with some shredded basil and cover sandwich with roll top.
- Gently press sandwich together.
- Grill sandwich in a lightly greased Panini maker or on a griddle, pressing with a weight, for 2 to 3 minutes per side or until golden brown.
Nutrition
For more great sandwiches try my stir fry pork grilled cheese or this fabulous chicken cheese steak. As always let me know what you think in the comments.
Louis Matino says
I never saw that picture at the frozen lake. What a nut, lol!
You can't lose with that sandwich.
Lisa says
He was hilarious and always took a few prisoners with him. He could talk most people into doing anything. You will love the sandwich.
Elaine Barbee says
Beautiful story from one with a beautiful heart.
Love the sandwich!
Lisa says
Thank you, Elaine for stopping by and sharing your thoughts today. I appreciate your kind comments.
Cathy says
In all aspects of your life, I will always cheer for you to Rock On!
Lisa says
Thanks, Cathy--you have always been a most wonderful and loving supporter. So happy Bev brought us together
Cathy says
Peace and Hope...
savourytable says
I love reading your memories. This looks like a wonderful sandwich. Enjoy WFC. The Saucy Mama crew is wonderful.
Lisa says
Thanks, Karen. I hope I will see you there, too?
Krista says
After a sleepless night contemplating the beginning of another school year without Aidan, this post was in my inbox this morning. Right now the "what should have beens" overshadow the amazing things that we shared. Thank you again for sharing your story.
Lisa says
You are following a similar path to mine. I know where you are and where you will go. It's never going to be easy, but keep celebrating Aidan and I think you will find just a little bit of peace....but I won't lie--it's never going to be over for us <3---we loved them to much and we loved being their mom
jerseygirlcooks says
I admire how you can get through your grief with happy memories and thoughts of William. Every time I read one of your childhood stories of him it reminds me to cherish every moment with my kids. Great sandwich! You are going to do great at the World Food Championships!
Lisa says
You are one of the best moms I know. You light up when you speak of your children; it just comes naturally, so I will simply remind you of that and thanks for your encouraging comments.
patrice says
The sandwich looks mouthwatering ... always love your inspiration connections 🙂
Lisa says
thanks, Patrice, for reading and enjoying
Liz Widman says
Lisa- another inspired recipe from your kitchen! I have always admired your strength and grace. Best to you-
Lisa says
Thank you, Liz. It's wonderful to know that you are here reading.
Retracing Our Footsteps says
Thanks for sharing such intimate, beautiful and strengthening thoughts, Lisa.
Lisa says
you are very welcome, my friend
patcook1 says
The sandwich sounds delicious and so is the wonderful story behind it. God Bless You, Lisa. <3
Lisa says
Thank you, Pat. Blessing to you, too. <3
Majfusco@aol.com says
I enjoy reading about Will and the special times you shared together. I wonder whether he inherited his playfulness from mom , dad or both of you? I can't wait to see you at WFC in a few months!
Lisa says
I think most of his mischief came from his dad...I only recently became a bit daring. Can't wait to hang out with you in our Florid palace
Ronna F says
Your blog posts always move me, Lisa. This is another awesome creation that William has inspired and it will be a great entry at the WFC! I'm still hoping to go, and I'm still trying, but I haven't qualified yet. We'll see if it happens! I wish you the very best!
Lisa says
I am rooting for you to come to WFC. Thanks for your support here and at all our fun cookoffs
Find My Rice says
Beautiful story. Can feel the love you have for your son through this awesome sandwich. Keep on keeping on Lisa! 🙂 - R