Best Panini Recipes

[Smithy]

What does a panini press do for you that the grill pan and weight on the stove can't? I'm always up for more gear, but the kitchen is getting a bit crowded....

[Anna N]

What does a panini press do for you that the grill pan and weight on the stove can't?  I'm always up for more gear, but the kitchen is getting a bit crowded....

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Thanks for asking this as I was about to ask the same question. I have only just discovered panini and make mine in a grill pan with a weighted pan on top so I'd love to know what I am missing by not having yet another toy.

[KRussell]

What does a panini press do for you that the grill pan and weight on the stove can't?  I'm always up for more gear, but the kitchen is getting a bit crowded....

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Thanks for asking this as I was about to ask the same question. I have only just discovered panini and make mine in a grill pan with a weighted pan on top so I'd love to know what I am missing by not having yet another toy.

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that will work fine

also, if you have one (i got one as a gift) you can use one of those george foreman grills, just weight the top down with something (i use a dictionary)..and you can get the small ones for ~$15 usually

[CharlotteM]

Ham, sharp cheddar, tomato, and arugula, prosciutto, mozzarella, fresh basil or some combination of these and of course, I butter both sides of the bread before grilling because I like my paninis really crispy.

I've used both the panini machine and the grill pan and weight methods, and I prefer the crispy "squished" sandwich from the machine. Although, the taste is the same

[Octaveman]

To answer the why a panini grill versus a press and a grill pan, the first thing that comes to mind is that a panini cooks on boh sides at one time for even cooking...no need for turning. It probably doesn't matter all that much which way you go.

[Shalmanese]

Try Salami, Granny Smith Apple, Farmhouse Cheddar and Grainy Mustard on Sourdough.

[dvs]

i just got the cuisinart GRIDDLER and i am planning to have a panini party in a couple weeks.

what are your favorite combos to press on the grill?

[Sentiamo]

Some basic but classic combo's I have used for years:

Chicken, Cranberry and Brie

Roast Beef, Red Onion and Onion Marmalade

Bacon, Egg and Tomato Chutney ( great for breakfast!)

Tandoori Chicken with Coriander and Indian Chutney

Chicken, Spinach, Fetta, S/D Tomato Pesto

Your favourite sandwich fillings will probably be great in a panini...just imagine them hot!

[prasantrin]

My favourite is pesto with mozzarella. The one I get usually has tomato in it, too, but it makes the bread soggy so I prefer it without.

[dvs]

just made turkey & havarti w/ a little mayo & mustard... delish!! long live the panini!!

[pounce]

I just made a peppadew and cheddar. Yum.