Yummy Panini Recipes

I recently got a Panini maker for my birthday. (Thanks, Mom and Dad!) I have been having so much fun experimenting with different Panini recipes. I love the fact that you can put just about anything into the sandwich, and it turns out warm and yummy.

By the way, did you know that in Italy, they use the word “panino” to refer to any sandwich, other than those made with sliced bread. Usually, these sandwiches would be on a baguette or roll. “Panini” is the plural of “panino”. In the United States, people call any grilled, pressed sandwich a “Panini”. Just a little history of the word… I thought it was interesting.

So… as I’ve experimented with my Panini maker, I’ve learned a few things. First, the bread really makes a difference in the quality of the sandwich. A good, thick bread really works better than thinly sliced bread. I’ve experimented with rolls, with limited success but so far my best sandwiches have been made with Italian, wheat or rye.

To keep your Panini from getting soggy, you should use liquid ingredients (dressings, mayonnaise, etc.) sparingly. If you use fruit or vegetables, put them in the middle of the sandwich, with meat or cheese next to the bread. Vegetables release a lot of moisture, and the meat/cheese barrier will prevent the moisture from getting into the bread. To create a crispy Panini, brush a thin coat of olive oil on the outside of the bread before grilling.

Here are some ideas for Panini that I’ve tried, and some that I want to try in the future (scroll down for Panini recipes for kids):

Grilled Chicken and Spinach Panini: Spread a thin layer of cream cheese on Italian bread. Add thinly sliced, grilled chicken, a handful of raw spinach leaves, sliced red peppers and a slice of Swiss cheese.

Salami and Provolone Panini: Layer salami on one piece of Italian bread. On top of that, put sliced red onions and sliced provolone cheese. Lightly spread your favorite Italian dressing on the other piece of bread. (Some people like to add hot peppers to these.)

Ham, Cheddar and Apple Panini: Peel and slice an apple. (I like Granny Smith for this sandwich, but use whatever variety you prefer.) On thickly sliced wheat bread, place deli ham, apple slices and sliced sharp shredded cheese.

Tomato and Mozzarella Panini: Layer freshly sliced tomato, basil leaves and mozzarella between slices of Italian bread. Drizzle with Italian dressing or oil and vinegar if you want to.

Tex-Mex Chicken Panini: Spread a thin layer of refried beans on one slice of sourdough bread. Layer sliced deli chicken, sliced tomato, diced onion, avocado slices and Monterey jack cheese. Serve with salsa for dipping.

Hummus and Red Pepper Panini: Spread a layer of hummus on one slice of whole grain bread. Add sliced red pepper.

Spinach, Mushroom and Feta Panini: Layer sliced mushrooms, crumbled feta cheese and fresh spinach leaves between slices of wheat bread. This is especially good with large portabella mushroom caps.

Chicken and Mango Panini: Layer sliced mozzarella cheese, sliced red onion, fresh basil leaves, peeled and sliced mango and sliced chicken breast on Italian bread. (I might add avocado to this)

Turkey and Artichoke Panini: Spread one slice of wheat bread with a light coat of mayonnaise. Layer sliced deli turkey, sliced artichoke hearts, fresh spinach leaves and sliced sharp cheddar cheese.

Reuben Panini: Spread a thin layer of Thousand Island dressing on one piece of Rye bread. Layer sliced deli corned beef, sour kraut and sliced Swiss cheese.

 

 

Panini Recipes for Kids

I no longer have young children, but I do remember the days of picky eaters. So here are a few Panini recipes for those of you who cook for children (or other picky eaters):

Grilled Peanut Butter and Banana Panini: Spread one slice of wheat bread with peanut butter and layer with sliced bananas.

Hot Dog Panini: Slice a hot dog lengthwise. Place the hot dog slices on a piece of Italian bread. Add a layer of Colby cheese. Add ketchup or mustard if you would like.

Cream Cheese and Jelly Panini: Spread one piece of whole grain bread with cream cheese and the other with your favorite flavor of jelly or jam.

S’mores Panini: Ok, this one is not healthy, but it sounds like fun! Spread marshmallow cream on one slice of Italian bread. Layer chocolate chips and crushed graham crackers.

Pizza Panini: Spread a thin layer of pizza sauce on one slice of Italian bread. Layer shredded mozzarella cheese and pepperoni slices.

And of course, don't forget the classic Grilled Cheese!