The weight from the top of the grill presses the sandwich perfectly, the heat is evenly distributed from both sides, and most importantly, there is no flipping required when using a panini press to make grilled cheese. However, it’s important to follow a few steps when using a panini press to make grilled cheese, such as using the right amount of cheese and fillings to ensure your sandwich doesn’t fall apart in the panini press.
Use a sturdy enough bread to withstand the heat and weight of the panini press. This is a basic recipe calling for bread, cheese, and butter or mayo, but feel free to enhance the sandwich as you like, using different types of cheese and add-ins like tomatoes and bacon.
There aren’t many things more satisfying than a grilled cheese sandwich, unless you’re making it in a panini press. I spread mayo on the bread before pressing, and it toasted up crunchy and delicious. I probably could have left it in the press longer, but I couldn’t wait to eat it. —Diana Andrews
- Drizzle olive oil on 1 side of each bread slice. Spread 1 tablespoon mayonnaise on other side of each slice. Arrange layers of ham, Cheddar cheese, tomato, and onion on top. …
- Heat a grill pan over medium-high heat; spray lightly with cooking spray. Place sandwich on grill pan; weigh it down with a heavy pan.
GRILLED PANINI SANDWICH
20 Best Paninis for Any Meal 🔗
Some of the best paninis you’ll find in this round-up of recipes include loaded turkey, Nutella, and apple and brie. If you ask me, my top choice would be this mouthwatering BLT chicken panini! Enjoy.
Prep: 10min
Total: 25min
Nutrition Facts: calories 705 cal
Ingredients:
- 4 strips bacon
- 1 tablespoon mayonnaise
- 4 slices ciabatta bread
- 8 ounces deli-sliced roasted chicken
- 2 slices Swiss cheese
- 2 leaves lettuce
- 4 slices tomato, or to taste
- Cooking spray
Instruction:
- Preheat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the bacon until brown on both sides, about 6-8 minutes. Transfer bacon to a plate lined with paper towels to drain grease.
- Slather mayonnaise on one side of all the bread slices. Top 2 of the slices with chicken, Swiss cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, and bacon, in that order. Cover the sandwiches with the remaining 2 bread slices, mayonnaise-side-down.
- Heat a panini press over medium-high heat and grease with cooking spray. Place the sandwiches inside and close the lid. Cook until heated through and the cheese is melted, about 5-7 minutes.
- Slice the paninis in half. Serve and enjoy!
FAQ
What can you cook in a panini?
It only takes a few minutes to make quesadillas for the kids as a quick lunch and as a great way to calm and quiet them during the lazy summer days…. French toast…. Burgers…. Vegetables…. Bacon…. Omelettes…. Hash Browns…. Croutons….
What kind of bread is good for paninis?
Avoid light, airy bread like sourdough as it doesn’t grill well and may become flattened and dry. Instead, start with bread that stands on its own, such as focaccia, ciabatta, or a whole grain baguette.
Do you butter the bread for a panini?
Keep it Crispy A great panini is known for its distinctive crispy crunch when you bite into it. To ensure that you get the crunch you desire, brush olive oil or butter on the outside before toasting. This will help to brown and harden the bread for a delicious bite.
What temperature do you grill a panini?
A medium-high temperature (roughly 375 degrees) works great for thinner paninis like simple grilled cheese, where all you need to do is melt the cheese and grill the bread; 3 minutes and it’s perfect.