Delish editors handpick every product we feature. We may earn commission from the links on this page.
Paninis are the king of sandwiches. With their crunchy crusts and melty insides they are far and away my favorite type of sandwich. Give me a hot sandwich over a cold one any day. Most of the time I reserve eating a panini for when I'm out at a favorite cafe. But no longer! Paninis are just as easy to make at home as a grilled cheese so there's no need to run and buy one the next time you're craving a delicious sandwich. Here's what you need to know to make an unbeatable panini!
1. You don't need a panini press.
First things first. There is no need to go buy a panini press. Most of don't have one nor have the space to store one! To make our panini, we use a grill pan and another heavy skillet to press the sandwich down with. If you don't have a grill pan, just use two skillets! No one says your panini has to have grill marks!
2. Choose your bread wisely.
Not just any old type of bread will work for a panini. You need a sturdy, extra crunchy bread. Ciabatta is our bread of choice, but focaccia, sourdough, or a baguette are all exceptional bread choices.
3. Have fun with the fillings!
View the panini as your dream sandwich and fill it with all of your favorite things. Take a grilled cheese to a whole new level and add cheddar, ham, and bacon or get fancy and add turkey, brie, and apples. Everything goes well in a grilled panini so don't hold back! If you need some fun ideas, we have 19 of our favorite paninis ready for you.
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
- Yields:
- 2 serving(s)
- Prep Time:
- 10 mins
- Total Time:
- 40 mins
- Cal/Serv:
- 1190
Ingredients
- 4 tbsp.
extra-virgin olive oil, divided
- 2
boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tsp.
dried oregano
- 1/4 tsp.
crushed red pepper flakes
Kosher salt
Freshly ground black pepper
- 2
ciabatta rolls
- 1/4 c.
pesto
- 1
tomato, thinly sliced
- 4 oz.
fresh mozzarella, thinly sliced
Directions
- Step 1In a large cast iron skillet over medium heat, heat 2 tablespoons oil. Season chicken with oregano, red pepper flakes, salt and pepper. Add chicken to skillet and cook until golden and cooked through, 7 minutes per side. Remove from pan.
- Step 2Build panini: Slice ciabatta rolls in half, then spread about ¼ of the pesto on bottom half of each roll. Top with tomato, chicken, and mozzarella. Spread remaining pesto on the top half of each roll.
- Step 3Heat a grill pan with remaining 2 tablespoons oil and add one panini. Cook until bottom is golden and cheese is starting to melt, 5 minutes. Flip then place a heavy skillet on top of sandwich and press down to flatten panini. Cook until golden and cheese is completely melted, another 5 minutes. Repeat with remaining panini.
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below