Paninis are the perfect sandwich for any meal. These grilled sandwiches are crispy on the outside and warm and gooey on the inside.
With endless filling options, paninis offer a tasty way to use up leftovers or try new flavor combinations.
You can make delicious paninis at home with or without a special press. A regular skillet or grill pan works well too.
The key is using good bread and pressing the sandwich as it cooks to get those signature grill marks.
From classic Italian-inspired recipes to creative veggie options, paninis are a quick and satisfying meal.
1. Classic Italian Caprese Panini
The Classic Italian Caprese Panini is a tasty sandwich that’s easy to make. You’ll need ciabatta bread, fresh mozzarella, ripe tomatoes, and basil leaves.
Start by slicing the ciabatta bread. Spread basil pesto on both sides for extra flavor.
Layer slices of mozzarella and tomato on one side of the bread. Add fresh basil leaves on top of the tomatoes.
Close the sandwich and grill it in a panini press until the cheese melts and the bread turns golden brown.
For a twist, try using burrata cheese instead of mozzarella. You can also add a drizzle of balsamic glaze before serving for a tangy touch.
2. Grilled Chicken Pesto Panini
You can make a tasty grilled chicken pesto panini at home. Start with hearty white bread or ciabatta rolls.
Spread pesto on one side and sriracha mayo on the other. Add grilled chicken, mozzarella cheese, and sundried tomatoes.
Include some arugula or other greens for crunch.
Grill the sandwich in a panini press or on a griddle. Press it down to get those nice grill marks.
Cook until the cheese melts and the bread turns golden brown.
This panini combines Italian flavors like pesto and mozzarella with juicy chicken. It’s a filling meal that’s quick to make for lunch or dinner.
3. Turkey Apple Brie Panini
This tasty sandwich combines savory turkey, sweet apple slices, and creamy brie cheese. To make it, start with two slices of bread and spread mustard on one side.
Layer turkey, thinly sliced apple, and brie on the bread. Close the sandwich and brush the outside with olive oil.
Place it in a preheated panini press or grill pan. Cook for about 4 minutes, checking often to avoid burning.
The bread should be golden and crispy, with the cheese melted inside.
This panini offers a perfect mix of flavors and textures. The turkey provides protein, while the apple adds a fresh crunch.
The melted brie ties it all together with its rich, creamy taste.
4. Spicy Buffalo Chicken Panini
Want to spice up your lunch? Try a Buffalo chicken panini. It’s easy to make and packed with flavor.
Start by mixing cooked chicken with spicy Buffalo sauce. Spread blue cheese on one slice of bread and add the chicken mixture.
Top with sliced celery for crunch. Place another slice of bread on top and brush the outside with butter.
Grill in a panini press or on a pan until golden brown and crispy. The cheese will melt and blend with the spicy chicken.
This panini brings the classic Buffalo wing flavors to a handheld sandwich. It’s perfect for game day or a quick weeknight dinner.
5. Roast Beef and Cheddar Panini
This tasty sandwich combines savory roast beef with sharp cheddar cheese. Start by spreading horseradish sauce on two slices of bread for a zesty kick.
Layer thinly sliced roast beef and cheddar cheese between the bread. Add some sliced red onion and tomato for extra flavor and crunch.
Brush the outside of the bread with olive oil or melted butter. Grill the sandwich in a panini press or skillet until the bread is golden and crispy.
The heat will melt the cheese, creating a gooey texture that pairs perfectly with the tender roast beef. Serve your panini hot and enjoy the delicious blend of flavors.
6. Prosciutto and Fig Panini
This tasty panini combines sweet figs with salty prosciutto for a delicious flavor contrast. Start by spreading fig butter on the bottom half of a split roll.
Layer slices of prosciutto on top of the fig butter. Add some peppery arugula for a fresh bite. Top with a few slices of creamy brie cheese.
Close the sandwich with the top half of the roll. Brush the outside with olive oil.
Grill in a panini press or on a griddle until the cheese melts and the bread turns golden brown.
The warm, crispy bread and melted cheese perfectly complement the sweet figs and savory prosciutto. This panini makes a great lunch or light dinner option.
7. Bacon Avocado and Tomato Panini
This tasty panini combines crispy bacon, creamy avocado, and juicy tomatoes. Start by toasting your bread slices or panini roll under the grill.
Cook the bacon until it’s nice and crisp. While it’s cooking, slice your tomatoes and mash the avocado with a pinch of salt.
Spread mayo on one side of the bread. Layer cheese, tomato slices, bacon, and mashed avocado on top. Add some salt and pepper for extra flavor.
Press the two halves together and butter the outside of the bread.
Cook in a panini press or frying pan until golden brown and the cheese melts.
This sandwich is great with a side of chips for a quick and yummy meal.
8. Four Cheese and Tomato Panini
This tasty panini combines four cheeses with fresh tomatoes for a delicious meal. To make it, spread a mix of cheeses on ciabatta roll bottoms.
Add tomato slices and brush with olive oil. Sprinkle basil over the tomatoes and top with arugula leaves.
Close the sandwiches and cook them in a hot skillet or griddle. Press down with a smaller pan to get those classic panini grill marks.
The cheeses melt together, creating a gooey center. The tomatoes add juicy freshness, while the herbs provide extra flavor.
This simple yet satisfying panini is perfect for lunch or a quick dinner.
9. Smoked Salmon and Cream Cheese Panini
This tasty sandwich brings together the rich flavors of smoked salmon and cream cheese. Start by spreading cream cheese on two slices of bread. Add thin slices of smoked salmon to one side.
Sprinkle some fresh dill on top for extra flavor. Put the slices together to form your sandwich.
Heat up your panini press to medium-high. Place the sandwich in the press and cook for about 8 minutes.
The bread will turn golden and crispy while the inside gets warm and melty.
Serve your panini right away for the best taste and texture.
10. Ham and Swiss Panini
This classic sandwich is easy to make at home. Start by slicing a ciabatta roll or panini bread lengthwise.
Mix softened butter with yellow mustard and spread it on both halves of the bread. Layer ham slices and Swiss cheese on one side.
Close the sandwich and brush the outside with melted butter.
Place it in a preheated panini press at 325°F (or medium heat). Grill for 4-6 minutes until the bread turns golden and the cheese melts.
The result is a warm, crispy sandwich with gooey cheese and savory ham.
For extra flavor, try adding tomato slices or spreading mayonnaise on the bread before grilling.
You can also use different types of cheese or meat to suit your taste.
11. Mediterranean Veggie Panini
This tasty sandwich brings the flavors of the Mediterranean to your plate. You’ll love the mix of marinated artichokes, olives, and feta cheese.
Add slices of red onion, tomatoes, and cucumbers for crunch and freshness. Chickpeas give extra protein and texture to this veggie-packed panini.
The combination of ingredients creates a perfect balance of salty, tangy, and savory tastes.
Grill the sandwich until the bread is crispy and the cheese melts.
This panini makes a great lunch or light dinner option. It’s filling without being heavy and packed with nutritious vegetables.
12. Mushroom and Swiss Panini
This tasty panini combines earthy mushrooms with melty Swiss cheese. Start by sautéing sliced mushrooms and onions in butter until golden brown.
Add minced garlic for extra flavor. Spread mayonnaise on your bread slices.
Layer the mushroom mixture and Swiss cheese between the bread.
Grill the sandwich in a panini press or skillet until the cheese melts and the bread turns crispy.
The result is a warm, gooey panini with rich umami flavors.
For extra protein, add some grilled chicken slices. You can also include fresh spinach or arugula for a pop of green.
This versatile panini works great for lunch or a quick dinner.
13. Tuna Melt Panini
Tuna melt paninis are a tasty twist on the classic sandwich. You can make them easily at home with a few simple ingredients.
Start by mixing canned tuna with mayonnaise, chopped onion, and dill pickle. Spread this mixture on bread slices and top with cheese.
Cook the sandwich in a panini press for 3-4 minutes until the bread is crispy and the cheese melts.
If you don’t have a press, use a heavy pan to weigh down the sandwich in a skillet.
For extra flavor, try adding balsamic vinegar to the tuna mix or using different cheeses like cheddar.
You can also make it in an air fryer or as a wrap for variety.
14. BBQ Pulled Pork Panini
You can make a tasty BBQ pulled pork panini at home. Start by slow-cooking pork shoulder with barbecue sauce in a crockpot for 6-8 hours until tender.
Shred the cooked pork and mix with more barbecue sauce.
Assemble your panini with the saucy pulled pork and your favorite toppings.
Try adding coleslaw or caramelized onions for extra flavor.
Grill the sandwich in a panini press until the bread is crispy and the cheese melts.
This hearty panini is perfect for lunch or dinner. It’s an easy way to use leftover pulled pork and create a delicious meal.
15. Eggplant Parmesan Panini
This tasty sandwich combines the flavors of eggplant parmesan in a handheld format. Start by slicing eggplant into rounds and grilling or roasting until tender.
Spread marinara sauce on bread slices. Layer with the cooked eggplant, mozzarella, and parmesan cheese. Add fresh basil leaves for extra flavor.
Brush the outside of the bread with olive oil or butter.
Cook in a panini press or skillet until the cheese melts and the bread turns golden brown.
You’ll love how the crispy bread contrasts with the soft eggplant and gooey cheese. This panini makes a great vegetarian lunch or dinner option.
16. Italian Meatball Panini
You’ll love this tasty Italian-inspired panini. Start with fresh Italian bread slices.
Add homemade or store-bought meatballs, warmed in tomato sauce. Layer on slices of mozzarella cheese.
The cheese will melt perfectly when grilled. For extra flavor, add some grilled onions.
Brush the outside of the bread with olive oil.
Grill the sandwich in a panini press or skillet until golden brown. The bread will be crispy and the cheese gooey.
Serve your meatball panini hot. It makes a filling lunch or quick dinner. Pair it with a side salad for a complete meal.
17. Turkey Cranberry Panini
You can make a tasty turkey cranberry panini in about 20 minutes. Start by preheating your panini press or skillet.
Layer sliced turkey, cranberry sauce, and brie cheese on sourdough bread. Add some microgreens for extra flavor and crunch.
Lightly butter the outside of the bread.
Grill the sandwich until the cheese melts and the bread turns golden brown.
For a twist, try adding sautéed onions or spinach.
You can also spread some honey mustard on the bread for extra tang.
This panini is perfect for using up Thanksgiving leftovers or as a quick weeknight dinner.
18. Mozzarella and Basil Panini
This classic Italian-inspired panini is simple yet delicious. You’ll need fresh mozzarella, ripe tomatoes, and fragrant basil leaves.
Start by drizzling olive oil on the inside of a baguette. Layer sliced tomatoes on the bottom half and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
Add torn basil leaves and thick slices of mozzarella. Close the sandwich with the top half of the baguette.
Grill your panini for 5-6 minutes until the cheese melts. The bread should be crispy and golden brown.
Let it cool for a minute before slicing and serving. This panini makes a perfect light lunch or appetizer.
19. Chicken Caesar Panini
This tasty sandwich brings together classic Caesar salad flavors in a warm, crispy package. You’ll love the combination of grilled chicken, Caesar dressing, and melty cheese.
To make it, start with sliced ciabatta or sourdough bread. Spread Caesar dressing on both slices.
Add grilled chicken breast, crisp romaine lettuce, and shredded Parmesan cheese.
Grill the sandwich in a panini press or on a skillet until golden brown. The heat will melt the cheese and create a satisfying crunch.
This panini makes a great quick lunch or casual dinner. Serve it with a side salad or crispy potato chips for a complete meal.
20. Sundried Tomato and Mozzarella Panini
This tasty panini combines zesty sundried tomatoes with creamy mozzarella cheese. It’s a simple yet flavorful sandwich you can make at home.
To prepare, spread pesto on two slices of Italian bread. Layer sliced mozzarella and chopped sundried tomatoes between the bread.
Grill the sandwich in a panini press or skillet until the cheese melts and the bread turns golden brown.
The sundried tomatoes add a tangy sweetness that pairs well with the mild mozzarella.
You can customize this panini by adding fresh basil leaves or a drizzle of balsamic glaze before grilling.
Serve it warm for a satisfying lunch or light dinner.
Tips for Perfect Panini
Making a great panini is all about choosing the right ingredients and using proper techniques. The bread and cheese you pick can make or break your sandwich.
Selecting the Right Bread
Pick bread that can stand up to grilling. Ciabatta, sourdough, and focaccia work well. These breads have a firm texture that won’t fall apart when pressed.
Avoid soft breads like white sandwich bread.
Slice the bread about 1/2 inch thick. This gives you a good ratio of crispy outside to warm, gooey inside.
Brush the outside of the bread with olive oil or melted butter. This helps it turn golden brown and crispy when grilled.
Ideal Cheese Combinations
Choose cheeses that melt well. Fontina, mozzarella, and provolone are great options. They get gooey and stretch when heated.
Mix hard and soft cheeses for more flavor. Try cheddar with brie or Gruyère with goat cheese.
Grate or thinly slice the cheese. This helps it melt evenly across the sandwich.
Don’t overdo it on the cheese. About 2 ounces per sandwich is plenty. Too much can make your panini greasy.
Panini Cooking Techniques
Making tasty panini involves more than just ingredients. The cooking method plays a big role in getting that perfect crispy exterior and melty interior.
Using a Panini Press
A panini press is a great tool for making sandwiches. It heats from both top and bottom. This cooks your panini evenly and quickly.
To use a press:
- Preheat it
- Place your sandwich inside
- Close the lid
- Cook for 3-5 minutes
The ridges on the plates make nice grill marks. They also help press out extra moisture. This gives you a crispy outside.
Some tips:
- Don’t overstuff your sandwich
- Use butter or oil on the outside for extra crispiness
- Let meat and veggies cool before adding to avoid soggy bread
Grill vs. Press: Differences
You can make panini without a press. A grill or skillet works too.
But there are some key differences.
Grills and skillets only heat from the bottom. You’ll need to flip your sandwich to cook both sides. This takes a bit longer than a press.
To get that pressed look:
- Put a heavy pan on top of your sandwich
- Press down gently
Grills give you nice char marks. Skillets are better for an even golden-brown crust.
Both methods need a bit more attention than a press. You’ll have to watch for burning and flip at the right time.
A press is easier, but grills and skillets can make great panini too. It’s all about your preference and what tools you have.