Description
This panini features crispy bread filled with melted cheese, savory deli meats, and fresh vegetables, all enhanced by your choice of condiments. It’s a quick, customizable meal perfect for any time of day!
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 slices of bread (ciabatta, focaccia, or sourdough)
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil or melted butter
- 1 cup of cheese (mozzarella, cheddar, or provolone)
- 1/2 cup of deli meats (ham, turkey, salami, or roast beef)
- 1/2 cup of fresh vegetables (spinach, tomatoes, bell peppers, or onions)
- 1/4 cup of condiments (pesto, mustard, mayonnaise, or aioli)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Gather all your ingredients on a clean countertop or cutting board.
- Choose your bread type. Ciabatta and focaccia are great for paninis due to their sturdy structure, while sourdough adds a nice tangy flavor.
- If using fresh vegetables, wash them thoroughly. Slice tomatoes, bell peppers, and onions into thin, even slices to ensure they cook evenly.
- Prepare your deli meats by slicing them if they are not pre-sliced. Aim for thin slices to make the panini easier to bite into.
- Grate or slice your cheese. Mozzarella melts beautifully, while cheddar adds a sharp flavor. Provolone is also a great melting cheese.
- Measure out your condiments. Pesto adds a fresh, herby flavor, while mustard or aioli can provide a nice kick.
- Take one slice of bread and lay it flat on your work surface.
- Spread a thin layer of olive oil or melted butter on one side of the bread. This will help achieve a golden, crispy crust.
- On the unbuttered side, start layering your ingredients. Begin with a generous amount of cheese, as it will help hold the sandwich together.
- Add your choice of deli meats on top of the cheese. You can mix and match different meats for added flavor.
- Next, layer your fresh vegetables. Be careful not to overload the sandwich, as too many ingredients can make it difficult to press.
- Spread your chosen condiment over the vegetables. This will add moisture and flavor to the panini.
- Top with another layer of cheese, which will help bind the sandwich when melted.
- Finally, place the second slice of bread on top, ensuring the buttered side is facing outwards.
- Preheat your panini press or grill pan over medium heat. If using a grill pan, you may need to use a heavy skillet to press down on the sandwich.
- If using a panini press, simply place the assembled sandwich inside and close the lid. Cook for about 3-5 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted.
- If using a grill pan, place the sandwich in the pan and press down with the heavy skillet. Cook for about 3-4 minutes on one side, then carefully flip the sandwich using a spatula. Press down again and cook for another 3-4 minutes until both sides are golden brown and the cheese is melted.
- Check the sandwich periodically to ensure it doesnt burn. Adjust the heat as necessary.
- Once cooked, remove the panini from the heat and let it rest for a minute. This allows the cheese to set slightly, making it easier to cut.
- Using a sharp knife, cut the panini diagonally into halves or quarters for easier handling.
- Serve the panini warm with a side of chips, a small salad, or a bowl of soup for a complete meal.
- Consider adding a sprinkle of fresh herbs, such as basil or parsley, on top for added flavor and presentation.
- For a dipping sauce, serve with a small bowl of marinara sauce or a balsamic reduction.
Notes
- Feel free to experiment with different types of bread, cheeses, and fillings to create your perfect panini.
- Make sure not to overload the sandwich with too many ingredients to ensure even cooking and easy handling.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes