Patrick Oconnell
A panini is a hot sandwich that has been grilled or toasted on a panini press or grill. The type of cheese used for a panini often determines its quality. While you can use your favourite cheese, some of the best options include Mozzarella, Parmigiano-Reggiano, Burrata, Fontina, and Gorgonzola. For a basic panini, you can use a mixture of shredded Gruyère and sharp Cheddar on sourdough.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cheese Type | Mozzarella, Parmigiano-Reggiano, Burrata, Fontina, Gorgonzola, Provolone, Swiss, Cheddar, Blue Cheese, Gruyère, Muenster, Brie |
| Cheese Quality | Fresh cheese is preferable to frozen cheese, which changes in texture |
| Bread Type | Ciabatta, French Bread, Italian Bread, Homemade Sandwich Bread, Rolls, Honey Oat Bread |
| Additional Ingredients | Pesto, Prosciutto, Basil, Olive Oil, Balsamic Glaze, Tomatoes, Onions, Mustard, Mayonnaise |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Mozzarella is a popular choice
Mozzarella is a key ingredient in the classic caprese panini, which typically includes mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil. This combination of ingredients creates a fresh and flavourful sandwich. Mozzarella can also be used in combination with other cheeses in a panini, such as cheddar or blue cheese, to add a creamy texture and enhance the melt factor.
When making a panini with mozzarella, it is important to use fresh cheese for the best flavour and texture. The cheese can be paired with a variety of breads, such as ciabatta, French bread, or Italian bread, and grilled on a panini press or skillet to create a golden brown and crispy sandwich.
In addition to the classic caprese panini, mozzarella can be used in a variety of panini recipes. For example, a buffalo chicken panini might include mozzarella, chicken tenders, buffalo sauce, and ranch dressing. An Italian chicken panini might feature mozzarella, balsamic grilled chicken, roasted red peppers, basil, spinach, and a balsamic glaze.
American Cheese: Ultimate Topping and Filling for Your Meals
You may want to see also
Cheddar, provolone, and American cheese are also used
While the type of cheese used in a panini can vary depending on personal preference, some popular options include mozzarella, Parmigiano-Reggiano, and Fontina. However, other types of cheese can also be used to add a unique twist to the classic panini.
Cheddar, provolone, and American cheese are also commonly used in paninis. Cheddar, a popular choice for grilled cheese sandwiches, can be paired with other cheeses like gruyere or havarti to enhance its melting properties and overall flavour. Provolone, a soft sliced cheese, can be used in place of or in combination with other soft cheeses like American cheese to create a creamy texture in the panini.
When using cheddar or provolone, it is important to note that the quality of the cheese can impact the overall taste. Opting for higher-quality cheddar or provolone may result in a more flavourful panini. Additionally, the melting properties of these cheeses can be enhanced by pairing them with other cheeses or ingredients.
American cheese, a classic choice for grilled cheese sandwiches, is often used in paninis as well. It is a soft and creamy cheese that melts easily, making it a versatile option for grilled sandwiches. American cheese can be paired with other cheeses or used on its own to create a simple yet delicious panini.
The versatility of paninis allows for a wide range of cheese options. While some cheeses like mozzarella, cheddar, and provolone are commonly used, experimenting with different types of cheese can lead to unique and tasty combinations. The key to a great panini is often finding the right balance of flavours and textures, with the cheese playing a pivotal role in determining the overall quality of the sandwich.
Best Cheeses for English Muffins: A Melty Guide
You may want to see also
Blue cheese, gorgonzola, and other crumbly cheeses work
Gorgonzola is a unique, sharp-tasting blue cheese that adds a strong, sour zing to a panini. It can be paired with sliced pears dipped in honey to create a delicious sweet and savory combination.
When using blue cheese or gorgonzola, it is best to crumble or slice the cheese and place it directly onto the bread. These cheeses can also be combined with other cheeses, such as mozzarella or cheddar, to create a more complex flavor profile.
In addition to blue cheese and gorgonzola, other crumbly cheeses can be used in paninis. Crumbly cheeses tend to have a strong flavor and can be paired with sweet or savory ingredients to create unique flavor combinations.
Vegan Pizza: Whole Foods' Cheese Choice
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Italian cheeses like Parmigiano-Reggiano and Burrata are great
On the other hand, Burrata, hailed as the "divine queen of Italian cheese," offers an extraordinary richness and texture. It consists of a soft mozzarella shell with a smooth and creamy core. A simple panini with ripe tomatoes, fresh basil, and a drizzle of olive oil is elevated to new heights with the addition of Burrata. The creamy texture and mild taste of mozzarella, which is another popular Italian cheese for paninis, also pair well with savoury prosciutto and pesto.
When selecting cheeses for your panini, it's important to remember that the type of cheese can significantly impact the overall quality. Italian cheeses like Fontina and Gorgonzola are excellent choices as well. Fontina, a regional speciality from northern Italy, has a distinctive nutty and earthy flavour. When paired with sautéed mushrooms and caramelized onions, it creates an extravagant flavour profile. Gorgonzola, a strong and sour blue cheese, adds a sharp zing to your panini. Sliced pears dipped in honey complement Gorgonzola's creamy sharpness, resulting in a delightful sweet and savoury combination.
While Italian cheeses are highly recommended, feel free to experiment with other varieties. Cheeses like Swiss, cheddar, provolone, and blue cheese are also commonly used in paninis. The key is to choose cheeses that melt well and complement the other ingredients in your sandwich. Ultimately, the "perfect" cheese for your panini comes down to personal preference and the specific flavour profile you're aiming for.
Cheese Choice for Potato Gratin Perfection
You may want to see also
Fontina, a semi-soft cheese, is a good option
Fontina is just one of many Italian cheeses that can be used in a panini. The "King of Cheeses", Parmigiano-Reggiano, is a popular choice for its strong taste and grainy texture, which adds robust and salty notes to the sandwich. It pairs well with thin-sliced Prosciutto and balsamic glaze. Another option is Burrata, known as the "divine queen of Italian cheese". It has a smooth and tasty core wrapped in a soft Mozzarella envelope, providing an incredibly rich texture and flavour.
Mozzarella is also a common choice for paninis, often paired with pesto and Prosciutto. It melts well and has a creamy texture and mild taste. Other Italian cheeses that can be used include Gorgonzola, which has a strong and sour taste, and fresh, soft cheeses such as Provolone and American cheese.
Ultimately, the type of cheese you choose for your panini depends on your personal preference. You can opt for other cheeses like Swiss cheese, cheddar cheese, or even blue cheese, depending on your taste and the availability of ingredients.
Cheese Pizza: A Delicious, Versatile Classic
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Mozzarella, Parmigiano-Reggiano, Burrata, Fontina, and Gorgonzola are some Italian cheeses that can be used for paninis. Other cheese options include cheddar, provolone, swiss cheese, blue cheese, and gruyere.
Fresh, "crusty" bread such as ciabatta, French bread, Italian bread, or rolls are good options for paninis. You can also use homemade sandwich bread or bread made from a bread machine.
To make a panini, brush the exterior of each slice of bread with a thin layer of melted butter. You can also brush the interior of each slice with butter. Then, layer your desired fillings such as cheese, meat, and veggies. Finally, use two wide non-scratch spatulas to transfer the assembled panini to a hot panini press. Grill for about 3-4 minutes or until the bread is golden brown and the cheese has melted.
