The panini is a multipurpose food: it can be savory, sweet, decadent or simple. It can work equally well as an item on the menu for a dinner party, a picnic, or an after-school snack.
Panini Recipe Basics
There are a couple of steps that cooks can use any time they make paninis.
- Choose the bread. Many kinds of bread are functional when it comes to these recipes, but Italian bread, thickly sliced, is best.
- After the sandwiches are assembled, dip a pastry brush in a small cup of olive oil and lightly coat the exterior of the panini.
- Allow grill or press to heat up completely prior to grilling. Grill paninis for about five minutes.
Greek Panini Recipe
- Feta cheese–sliced from a brick is best; salad crumbles can be messy
- Roasted red peppers
- Artichoke hearts
- Black olives (optional)
- Cracked black pepper (optional)
Fancy Grilled Cheese Panini Recipe
- Mild but smoky cheese, such as Gouda or Edam, thinly sliced
- Monterey Jack or Colby cheese, thinly sliced
- Blue cheese crumbles
Recipe tip: scatter a few blue cheese crumbles in between the layers of the other cheeses; it adds a nice tangy taste to an otherwise straightforward panini. Another option is to add apple slices to offset the salty, heavy cheese.
Reuben Panini Recipe
- Sauerkraut
- Pastrami slices, thickly cut
- Swiss cheese slices
- Thousand Island dressing
Recipe tip: this panini is best on dark or swirled rye bread instead of Italian bread.
Italian Panini Recipe
- Capicola, thinly sliced
- Salami, thinly sliced
- Pepperoni
- Roasted red peppers
- Goat cheese
Recipe tip: layer the pepperoni sparingly on top of the capicola and salami. Crumble or spread the goat cheese sparingly.
Apple and Cheese Panini Recipe
- Cheddar or american cheese, thinly sliced
- Apple slices
This simple but yummy panini is a wonderful blend of crisp, sweet fruit and savory cheese.
How to Serve Paninis
For casual dining, serve paninis with kettle-cooked chips and a pickle. Balsamic vinegar makes an excellent dip on the side. For a dinner party, serve paninis with a simple salad of dark greens, walnuts, apples, and a smattering of blue cheese.
Dessert Panini Ideas
There are a number of options for creating a sweet dessert panini. Think of the panini as a crepe; many of the same fillings work in paninis.
Cinnamon Toast Panini Recipe
- Cinnamon and white sugar mixture
- Butter
Simply butter the interior sides of the bread lightly, and sprinkle the cinnamon mixture on both sides. Makes a sandwich version of classic cinnamon toast.
Comfort Food Panini Recipe
- Peanut butter or Nutella spread
- Bananas, sliced
- Honey
This sweet treat panini is great as an after-school snack. For a healthier version, try apple slices with peanut butter.
