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I’m excited to share my easy panini recipe with you! This homemade sandwich is a big hit. In just 16 minutes, you’ll have crispy bread filled with melty cheese and more. It’s great for a quick lunch or dinner.
My favorite things to use are Italian bread, mayo, deli ham, Cheddar cheese, tomato, and onion. But, this panini is super flexible. You can pick your favorite meats, cheeses, and veggies.
No panini press? No worries! I’ll teach you how to make it with a grill pan or skillet. Get ready to make your sandwiches better!
Exact Ingredients List (+ Possible Substitutes)
I love making the perfect panini. It starts with the right ingredients. Italian bread is my top choice. It’s crispy outside and soft inside. French bread is also a good option if you can’t find Italian.
I like to use deli ham and Cheddar cheese for the fillings. They taste great together. Adding sliced tomato and onion makes it fresh. Don’t forget to brush the bread with extra-light olive oil for a golden crunch!
- Italian bread (substitute: French bread)
- Extra-light olive oil (substitute: extra-virgin olive oil)
- Mayonnaise (substitute: spreadable cheese)
- Deli ham
- Cheddar cheese
- Tomato
- Onion
Want to try something new? Use prosciutto or salami instead of ham. Try mozzarella or provolone cheese for a change. Or, use 3-grain bread, Edam cheese, sliced turkey, avocado, alfalfa sprouts, and pesto mayonnaise for a different taste.
For a vegetarian panini, skip the meat. Use grilled vegetables like zucchini, eggplant, and bell peppers. Add creamy goat cheese for a tasty meat-free option.
Instructions
I start by drizzling olive oil on one side of each bread slice. Then, I spread mayo on the other side. This gets the bread ready for grilling.
For the sandwich, I layer ham, cheese, tomato, and onion on one slice. I put the second slice on top, mayo-side down.
Next, I heat a grill pan over medium-high heat. I spray it with cooking oil. Then, I put the sandwich on the hot pan and cover it with a heavy pan.
I cook the panini for 3-5 minutes on each side. I want the cheese to melt and get nice grill marks. If I use a panini maker, I grill for 5 minutes.
The sandwich is done when the cheese is gooey and the bread is crispy and golden.
- Prep bread with oil and mayo
- Layer fillings
- Grill for 3-5 minutes per side
- Look for melted cheese and grill marks
That’s how I make a perfect panini every time!
Tips, Tricks & Storing
I love using a George Foreman grill for my paninis. It’s easy – no flipping needed! If you’re using a skillet, flip your sandwich after about 3 minutes. For extra crispy bread, try buttering the outside instead of oiling it. Always preheat your panini maker or skillet for the best results.
When it comes to panini maker tips, here are my favorites:
- Press gently to avoid squishing out all the fillings
- Use ridged plates for those classic grill marks
- Clean while it’s still warm for easier maintenance
For sandwich storage, wrap your panini in foil or plastic wrap before refrigerating. This keeps it fresh for a day or two. When reheating panini, I prefer using the panini maker again. It brings back that lovely crispiness. If you don’t have one, a skillet or oven works too.
Don’t be afraid to experiment! Try different breads, cheeses, and fillings. My current favorite is sourdough with goat cheese and roasted veggies. What’s yours?
“A well-made panini is like a warm hug for your taste buds.”
Recipe Variations & Serving Suggestions
I love trying new panini recipes to make my meals fun. A Caprese panini is a great twist on the usual. It has juicy tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, fresh basil, and peppery arugula on focaccia bread.
This mix of flavors takes me straight to Italy with every bite. It’s a flavor explosion.
For those who like sweet things, an Apple Pie Grilled Cheese is perfect. I spread cinnamon sugar butter on the bread. Then, I add grated cheddar cheese and thinly sliced apples.
This mix of sweet and savory is unforgettable. It’s a gourmet sandwich experience.
I like to keep side dishes simple. Crispy pickles, crunchy chips, or a light salad go well with paninis. For tailgating, I prepare my ingredients at home and grill the paninis on-site.
This makes a crowd-pleaser. It brings gourmet sandwiches to any outdoor event.