Panini Press Innovations Collection (Printer-Friendly)

Four creative panini combinations pressed to golden perfection with melty, flavorful fillings in 20-30 minutes.

# What You Need:

→ Classic Caprese

01 - 8 slices sourdough or ciabatta bread
02 - 4 tablespoons basil pesto
03 - 8 oz 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 oz 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 oz 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

# Directions:

01 - Preheat your panini press according to the manufacturer's instructions.
02 - Lay out two slices of your chosen bread for each sandwich.
03 - Spread sauces (pesto, cranberry sauce, hummus, or BBQ sauce) on the inner sides of the bread.
04 - Layer fillings as listed for each combination, distributing cheese, meats, vegetables, and greens evenly.
05 - Close each sandwich and lightly brush the outer sides of the bread with olive oil or spread with butter.
06 - Place sandwiches in the panini press. Cook for 4–6 minutes, or until the bread is golden and crisp and the filling is heated through.
07 - Remove, slice diagonally, and serve hot.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • These panini combinations offer that perfect balance of crispy exterior and gooey interior that somehow makes any day feel a little more special.
  • You can prep most components ahead of time, making these perfect for those evenings when cooking feels like climbing a mountain.
02 -
  • Never spread butter or oil on the inside of your bread, as it creates a barrier that prevents cheese from properly melting into the bread.
  • Preheating your panini press completely before adding your sandwich is non-negotiable, after I ruined countless sandwiches with half-melted cheese and soggy bread.
03 -
  • The perfect panini emerges when your press is just hot enough that a drop of water sizzles on contact, but doesn't immediately evaporate, giving you that ideal slow toast that allows cheese to melt completely.
  • Brushing the bread with olive oil rather than butter gives a more authentic Italian result and creates those beautiful dark grill marks that make a panini visually irresistible.
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