Panini Sandwiches
Over the last few years, Panini sandwiches had become one of our favorites because they are quick to prepare and you get to use any type of ingredients you desire. The Panini originated in Italy. It is not only famous there, but has become very popular in North America as well.
You can find Panini sandwiches served in various restaurants, delis and you can even make them at home with your own Panini press. You don’t have to have a Panini press to make these sandwiches. They can be grilled in a frying pan over low direct heat. The reason a Panini press works better is because you can see the grill marks. That’s always more impressive.
These grilled Panini sandwiches usually start with cured meats and cheese. They can be prepared beforehand, and then warmed on the Panini press. What makes Panini sandwiches so popular is the types of breads used to make them. The breads are usually flavored with grilled vegetables and are dense in texture. It is usually a flat break so that when it is put on the press, it grills properly.
When making Panini sandwiches, regular white or whole wheat breads don’t work well. They are not flavorful enough, nor do they hold up to the grilling process. Foccacia and Ciabatta breads are two of the most popular types of breads used to make Panini sandwiches. Now that we have covered the bread, the next most important ingredients are the meats. Using salami, pepperoni and/or prosciutto are great choices. Make sure the meats and cheeses are sliced thinly. Don’t forget to add those grilled vegetables like roasted peppers and zucchini, to name a couple. Whatever you enjoy eating, can be added to Panini sandwiches.
There are many variations on these very popular grilled sandwiches. You can make Panini sandwiches using pizza dough. The dough is topped with your favorite spices, baked until cooked and then you add your other ingredients and grill. Panini sandwiches are great because you can use whatever ingredients you like as well as any type of bread or dough you like and presto, you have delicious sandwiches that are out of the ordinary and out of this world!