Panini Press Innovations (Printable Version)

Four pressed sandwich combinations with golden, crispy bread and flavorful melted fillings ready in minutes.

# What You'll Need:

→ Classic Caprese

01 - 8 slices sourdough or ciabatta bread
02 - 4 tablespoons basil pesto
03 - 8 ounces fresh mozzarella, sliced
04 - 2 medium tomatoes, sliced
05 - Fresh basil leaves
06 - Olive oil, for brushing

→ Turkey & Cranberry

07 - 8 slices multigrain bread
08 - 4 ounces sliced turkey breast
09 - 4 tablespoons cranberry sauce
10 - 4 slices Swiss cheese
11 - Baby spinach leaves
12 - Butter, for spreading

→ Mediterranean Veggie

13 - 8 slices focaccia or rustic bread
14 - 1 small eggplant, sliced and grilled
15 - 1 small zucchini, sliced and grilled
16 - 1 roasted red pepper, sliced
17 - 4 ounces feta cheese, crumbled
18 - 4 tablespoons hummus
19 - Olive oil, for brushing

→ Spicy BBQ Chicken

20 - 8 slices sourdough or country bread
21 - 1 cup cooked shredded chicken breast
22 - 4 tablespoons BBQ sauce
23 - 4 slices pepper jack cheese
24 - 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
25 - Butter, for spreading

# How to Make It:

01 - Preheat the panini press according to the manufacturer's instructions.
02 - Lay out two slices of the chosen bread for each sandwich.
03 - Spread the selected sauce (pesto, cranberry sauce, hummus, or BBQ sauce) evenly on the inner sides of the bread slices.
04 - Place cheese, meats, vegetables, and greens as specified for each combination evenly between the bread slices.
05 - Close the sandwiches and lightly brush the outer sides of the bread with olive oil or spread with butter.
06 - Place the sandwiches in the preheated panini press and cook for 4 to 6 minutes until the bread is golden and crisp and fillings are warmed through.
07 - Remove the panini, slice if desired, and serve hot.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • These pressed sandwiches transform ordinary ingredients into something that feels like cafe food without leaving your kitchen
  • The combinations are endlessly adaptable once you understand the basic formula of bread plus sauce plus filling plus cheese
  • You can have a hot, satisfying meal ready in about twenty minutes any night of the week
02 -
  • Overfilling seems tempting but your sandwich will explode in the press. Keep fillings modest and layered evenly.
  • Cold ingredients straight from the fridge can make bread soggy. Let meats and cheeses come to room temperature first.
  • The press timing varies by machine. Start checking earlier than you think necessary. You can always press longer but cannot undo burnt bread.
03 -
  • Invest in a good quality panini press with adjustable heat settings if you make these often
  • Experiment with flavored mayos, spreads, or mustard as your base layer for unexpected flavor twists
  • If you dont have a press, a cast iron skillet with another heavy skillet on top works surprisingly well
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