Panini Perfection: Choosing The Right Cheesy Fillings

what kind of cheese for panini

There are many types of cheese that are suitable for paninis, and the best choice will depend on the other ingredients used. Popular options include mozzarella, cheddar, and brie, but other cheeses such as goat cheese, parmesan, gruyere, Monterey Jack, and provolone are also great choices. For a unique twist, some recipes suggest using gorgonzola, muenster, or fontina cheese. Ultimately, the type of cheese used in a panini will depend on personal preference and the desired flavour profile.

Characteristics Values
Cheese Type Goat Cheese, Parmesan, Gruyere, Cheddar, Monterey Jack, Mozzarella, Fontina, Provolone, Muenster, Brie, Gorgonzola, Asiago, Cream Cheese
Number of Cheeses 1-4
Bread Type Ciabatta, Sourdough, Focaccia, Whole Wheat, Italian Bread

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Mozzarella, provolone, parmesan, fontina, and asiago

Mozzarella

Mozzarella is a soft, creamy cheese that melts beautifully, making it perfect for paninis. It pairs well with ingredients like pesto, prosciutto, basil, and tomato sauce. You can use fresh mozzarella for a more gooey texture or smoked mozzarella for a more intense flavor.

Provolone

Provolone is a mild, easily melted cheese that adds a creamy texture to paninis. It goes well with meats like prosciutto, roast beef, or salami, as well as pesto and roasted red peppers.

Parmesan

Parmesan is a hard cheese with a strong, nutty flavor. It is often grated or shredded and used to add a savory, salty note to paninis. It can be combined with other cheeses like mozzarella or fontina or used in pesto sauce.

Fontina

Fontina is a buttery, mild-flavored cheese that melts easily, making it ideal for grilled sandwiches. It is commonly used in chicken paninis, along with ingredients like pesto, tomatoes, and spinach.

Asiago

Asiago is a creamy, slightly tangy cheese that adds a nice sharpness to paninis. It is often paired with roast beef and rosemary mayonnaise, creating a flavorful, satisfying sandwich.

Each of these cheeses brings its unique characteristics to a panini, contributing to the overall taste and texture of the sandwich. They can be used as a base and combined with other ingredients to create a variety of flavor profiles.

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Goat cheese

One option for a goat cheese panini is to combine it with strawberries and basil. This combination will result in a creamy, yet refreshing panini. If you want to stick to a more savoury option, you could try a caramelised onion and goat cheese panini. The sweetness of the caramelised onions pairs well with the tangy goat cheese. You could also add some fresh thyme to this combination for an extra flavour kick.

If you're looking for a more complex panini, you could try a mushroom and goat cheese panini. This option includes garlicky crimini mushrooms and onions, topped with roasted red bell pepper, spinach, and a drizzle of balsamic vinegar and olive oil. The goat cheese melts into the mushroom mixture, creating a creamy and flavourful panini.

For a Mediterranean-inspired panini, try combining goat cheese with red peppers, kalamata olive tapenade, and fresh spinach. The salty, briny flavours of the tapenade and red peppers pair well with the creamy goat cheese.

When making a goat cheese panini, it's important to use a bread that can stand up to pressing and grilling, such as sourdough, focaccia, or ciabatta.

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Gruyere

A great combination for a panini is to pair gruyere with apple. The nuttiness of the cheese works well with the tartness of a Granny Smith apple, and the addition of fig jam can add a sweet contrast. This combination is so good that it has been described as "crazy" and a "no-brainer".

For a savoury panini, gruyere works well with ham, especially Black Forest ham. The cheese also goes well with kale, onion, garlic, and tomato.

When making a gruyere panini, it's best to use dense, rustic, whole-grain bread. This type of bread holds together better in a panini press.

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Cheddar

Choosing the Right Cheddar

The type of cheddar cheese you choose can impact the flavour and texture of your panini. Opt for a sharp cheddar if you prefer a more pronounced flavour. Mild cheddar has a softer taste and melts more smoothly. For an extra kick, choose a smoked cheddar, which adds a new dimension to your sandwich.

Shredding vs Slicing

When preparing cheddar for your panini, it is recommended to shred the cheese instead of slicing it. Shredded cheddar will melt more evenly and create a gooier texture. Sliced cheddar may not melt as well, resulting in a drier sandwich.

Recommended Combinations

  • Ham and cheese: This classic duo is a favourite for a reason. Try using smoked cheddar with crumbed ham, roasted tomatoes, dijon mustard, and arugula for a sweet and smoky flavour profile.
  • Turkey and cheddar: Turkey, cheddar, and tomato is a refreshing take on the traditional club sandwich. You can also add basil pesto and sourdough bread for a unique flavour.
  • Apple and cheddar: The sweetness of apples complements the sharpness of cheddar. Try an apple, arugula, and cheddar panini with honey butter for a touch of sweetness.
  • Cheddar and bacon: Cheddar and bacon are a match made in heaven. Combine them with jalapenos, avocado, and spicy pepper jack cheese for a flavourful and crispy treat.

Cooking Tips

To ensure your cheddar panini is grilled to perfection, follow these simple tips:

  • Brush the outside of the bread with melted butter before placing it on the panini maker or grill. This will create a golden, crispy crust.
  • If you don't have a panini press, you can use a heavy skillet or a grill pan. Place another heavy pan on top of the sandwich to apply pressure and create those signature grill marks.
  • Preheat your panini maker or skillet to medium-high heat. Cook the panini for about 3-5 minutes, or until the bread is golden and the cheese is melted.

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Monterey jack

When using Monterey Jack in a panini, it is important to note that younger cheeses tend to melt better. To improve meltability, shred or slice the cheese thinly instead of using large chunks. You can also add a splash of milk or cream to create a creamier consistency.

Some alternative cheeses that can be used in place of Monterey Jack include mild cheddar, mozzarella, Havarti, young gouda, Edam, Colby Jack, muenster, provolone, and Swiss cheese. These cheeses have similar melting properties and mild flavours that can complement a variety of ingredients in a panini.

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Frequently asked questions

Goat cheese, parmesan, gruyere, cheddar, monterey jack, and mozzarella are all excellent choices for a panini.

Yes, there are many panini recipes that use multiple types of cheese. For example, a four-cheese panini with basil and tomatoes uses fresh mozzarella, fontina, asiago or parmesan, and provolone. Another option is a grilled chicken panini with avocado, which uses provolone and parmesan.

Yes, there are several vegetarian panini options that use cheese. Some examples include a veggie panini with avocado, spinach, tomato, and cheese, a mushroom and goat cheese panini, and a four-cheese panini with basil and tomatoes.

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