Randy Chandler
There are many different types of cheese that can be used in a panini, with the choice of cheese often determining the quality of the sandwich. Mozzarella is a popular choice, especially when paired with pesto, prosciutto, and basil. Other cheeses that work well in a panini include Swiss cheese, provolone, cheddar, blue cheese, gorgonzola, parmigiano-reggiano, fontina, and burrata. When selecting a cheese for a panini, it is important to consider the desired taste and texture, as well as the ability of the cheese to melt.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cheese Options | Mozzarella, Parmigiano-Reggiano, Burrata, Fontina, Gorgonzola, Swiss, Provolone, Cheddar, Blue Cheese, Gruyere, Muenster, American Cheese |
| Bread Options | Ciabatta, French Bread, Italian Bread, Focaccia, Rolls, Homemade Sandwich Bread, Multigrain Bread, Whole Wheat Bread, Oatmeal Bread |
| Meat Options | Ham, Prosciutto, Salami, Turkey, Bacon |
| Other Ingredients | Pesto, Olive Oil, Basil, Tomato, Onion, Arugula, Grilled Peppers, Scrambled Eggs, Mayonnaise |
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What You'll Learn
Mozzarella, Pesto, and Prosciutto
To make this panini, start by spreading pesto onto a slice of bread. You can use any kind of bread you like, but a soft bread works well for this recipe. Then, top the pesto with mozzarella cheese. You can use fresh or regular mozzarella, depending on your preference. Next, sprinkle the mozzarella with a pinch of salt and some freshly cracked pepper. This will enhance the flavour of the sandwich.
After that, add the prosciutto. Prosciutto is a salty Italian deli meat, so you may want to use a little less if you prefer your panini less salty. You can also substitute another type of deli meat, such as Genoa salami, honey ham, roast beef, or shredded rotisserie chicken, if you're not a fan of prosciutto. Finally, add some fresh basil leaves, which will bring freshness to the sandwich.
Drizzle olive oil on the inside of the top piece of bread and close the sandwich. You can also add olive oil to the outside of the sandwich for a crispier texture. Place the sandwich on a preheated panini press and grill for 5 to 7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the bread is toasted. If you don't have a panini press, you can use a heavy skillet and weigh the sandwich down with a sheet pan and another heavy pan. Grill the sandwich for a few minutes on each side until it's golden brown and the cheese has melted.
Let the panini rest for a few minutes before serving. This will allow the cheese to maintain its integrity and become more flavourful. Enjoy your delicious, cheesy creation!
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Cheddar, Tomato, and Onion
A panini is a delightful grilled Italian sandwich that can be made with a variety of cheeses, meats, and vegetables. While there are many options to choose from, a classic combination is Cheddar, Tomato, and Onion. This simple yet tasty panini showcases the perfect balance of flavours and textures, making it a popular choice for those seeking a satisfying meal.
For those with a more adventurous palate, the addition of fruit chutney can take this panini to the next level. The sweetness of the chutney complements the sharpness of the cheddar cheese, creating a unique flavour profile. This variation, known as "braaibroodjie," is a traditional South African barbecue dish that adds a cultural twist to the classic panini. By grilling the onions, the sharp flavour is transformed into a softer, smoky taste that pairs beautifully with the other ingredients.
When crafting your Cheddar, Tomato, and Onion panini, the quality of the ingredients is key. Opt for ripe, juicy tomatoes and fresh onions to elevate the overall taste experience. The type of cheddar cheese you select will also make a difference; mature cheddar will provide a more intense flavour, while milder varieties offer a gentler touch.
To assemble this panini, start by buttering your slices of bread on one side. On the unbuttered side of one slice, layer cheddar cheese, followed by slices of tomato, and a sprinkling of salt and pepper. Add grilled onions or scallions, and top with more cheese. Spread fruit chutney on the unbuttered side of the second slice of bread and place it on top, with the buttered side facing outwards.
To achieve the signature grill marks of a panini, heat a grill pan to medium-high heat and place your sandwich inside, weighing it down with a heavy pan. Cook until the bread is golden brown and the cheese has melted, creating a gooey texture. This process should take approximately 3 to 5 minutes per side. Serve your panini immediately to enjoy the full impact of the melted cheese.
With its blend of flavours and textures, the Cheddar, Tomato, and Onion panini is a hearty and satisfying option that can be tailored to your taste preferences. Whether you enjoy it as a comforting meal or share it as a crowd-pleasing snack, this panini is sure to be a delicious choice.
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Swiss Cheese, Roasted Ham, and Pickles
A panini is a grilled Italian sandwich that can be made with a variety of cheeses, including Swiss cheese. A popular variation of the panini is the Cuban panini, which is made with yellow mustard, dill pickle slices, Swiss cheese, roasted ham, and sliced ham. This sandwich can be built on any sort of soft bread and grilled.
For a ham and Swiss cheese panini, you will need sliced ham, Swiss cheese, sourdough bread, butter, mayonnaise, and mustard. First, assemble the sandwich by placing the ham and cheese on one slice of bread and topping it with the other slice. You can also add condiments such as butter, mayonnaise, and mustard to the inside of the bread.
Next, place the sandwich on a preheated panini grill or griddle. If using a grill, close the cover and press down slightly. If using a griddle, use a heavy skillet, bacon press, or foil-wrapped brick to flatten the sandwich. Cook the sandwich for 3-6 minutes, or until the bread is golden and the cheese is melted.
Finally, remove the sandwich from the grill or griddle and let it rest for 1-2 minutes before slicing and serving. This resting time helps prevent the cheese from oozing out and allows the flavours to develop.
You can also add pickles to your ham and Swiss cheese panini to give it a tangy flavour. Pickles are a common ingredient in Cuban sandwiches, which are similar to paninis. When adding pickles to your panini, you can use dill pickles or sweet pickles, depending on your preference.
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Burrata, Prosciutto, and Balsamic Glaze
A panini is a grilled Italian sandwich that can be made with a variety of cheeses, including mozzarella, Parmigiano-Reggiano, burrata, fontina, and gorgonzola. The choice of cheese is crucial as it significantly impacts the taste of the panini.
Burrata, a soft and creamy cheese, is an excellent choice for paninis. When paired with prosciutto, a salty Italian cured meat, and a balsamic glaze, it creates a delightful combination of sweet and savoury flavours.
Ingredients
- Burrata cheese
- Prosciutto
- Balsamic vinegar
- Olive oil
- Salt
- Pepper
- Fresh basil leaves (optional)
- Rustic Italian loaf or crusty baguette
Instructions
- Warm a panini maker or grill pan over medium-high heat.
- Drizzle olive oil on both slices of the bread.
- Spread the burrata on one slice of the bread.
- Drizzle the burrata with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
- Layer the prosciutto on top of the burrata.
- Drizzle balsamic vinegar over the prosciutto to create a glaze.
- Optionally, add fresh basil leaves for a pop of colour and freshness.
- Top with the other slice of bread.
- Grill the panini for 2-3 minutes until golden brown and grill marks appear.
- Serve immediately for the best flavour and texture.
Feel free to experiment with the ingredients and add your own twist to this classic combination!
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Gorgonzola and Sliced Pears
Gorgonzola is a unique, sharp-tasting blue cheese that adds a strong, sour, and zesty flavour to a panini. The creamy, sharp cheese combines with the sweetness of pears to create a delicious sweet and savoury panini.
To make a Gorgonzola and pear panini, you can use ciabatta bread, havarti cheese, spinach, and gorgonzola cheese. First, slice the bread and lay a thin layer of havarti cheese on the bottom half. Then, add the sliced pear and sprinkle on the gorgonzola cheese. Cover it with the top half of the bread. You can also add some spinach to this panini.
For a more intense flavour, you can replace the havarti cheese with more gorgonzola. The panini should be cooked slowly at a low to medium temperature, allowing the pear to cook through and the cheese to melt. The panini is ready when it is golden brown.
You can also add some balsamic vinaigrette to the sandwich or have it on the side for dipping. This gives the panini a more savoury taste.
For a slightly different take on the Gorgonzola and pear panini, you can add fig jam and thyme butter. Spread the fig jam onto one side of each slice of bread and divide the pears and gorgonzola onto the slices. Top with the remaining slices, spread the thyme butter on top, and cook in a pan or panini maker.
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Frequently asked questions
Mozzarella, Parmigiano-Reggiano, Burrata, Fontina, and Gorgonzola are all popular Italian cheeses for paninis. Other cheeses that work well include cheddar, provolone, swiss cheese, gorgonzola, and blue cheese.
"Crusty" breads such as ciabatta, French bread, Italian bread, focaccia, and rolls are good options for paninis. These breads have an exterior crust that prevents the sandwich from being crushed and helps to avoid sogginess.
Additional ingredients for a panini include meats such as prosciutto, salami, ham, or turkey. Vegetarians might prefer vegetables like tomatoes, onions, grilled peppers, spinach, or basil.
