Panini Recipes - Cooking Light

Photo: Johnny Autry

Seared to Perfection

Stemming from the Italian word panino, which refers to a sandwich made with something other than sliced bread, panini sandwiches have become an intricate part of many American menus. Stuffed with ingredients like bell peppers, fresh mozzarella, turkey or chicken, they are easily adaptable to a variety of culinary tastes, and their delectable outer-sear will add a much-needed facelift to a number of classic (yet boring) sandwich combinations.

First up is our Rosemary-Chicken Panini with Spinach and Sun-Dried Tomatoes. A delicious solution to the busy weeknight dinner dilemma, this excellent sandwich is loaded with fresh flavor and is guaranteed to satisfy any appetite.

View Recipe: Rosemary-Chicken Panini with Spinach and Sun-Dried Tomatoes

Photo: Johnny Autry

Mushroom and Manchego Panini

Sandwich night gets turned up a notch with this superfast panini. This flavor-packed grilled sandwich is made with fresh herbs, a mixture of exotic mushrooms, and shaved cheese–all sandwiched between sourdough bread.

View Recipe: Mushroom and Manchego Panini

Photo: Johnny Autry

Summer Tomato, Mozzarella, and Basil Panini with Balsamic Syrup

Serve this fresh, ready in 20-minutes panini with sweet potato chips or a simple green salad for an easy and complete meal.

View Recipe: Summer Tomato, Mozzarella, and Basil Panini with Balsamic Syrup

Photo: Randy Mayor

Turkey Reuben Panini

Capture the essence and flavor of a classic Reuben in this lighter, turkey panini version that’s ready in just 15 minutes.

View Recipe: Turkey Reuben Panini

Photo: Randy Mayor

Buffalo Chicken Panini

You don’t need a panini maker for this easy, 5-ingredient hot chicken sandwich. Using a cast-iron or heavy skillet to press sandwiches offers a similar sear and equally great taste.

View Recipe: Buffalo Chicken Panini

Photo: Johnny Autry

Mozzarella, Ham, and Basil Panini

A few special ingredients–like freshly baked ciabatta bread or imported Dijon mustard–make a quick, simple sandwich seem like a treat.

View Recipe: Mozzarella, Ham, and Basil Panini

Photo: Johnny Autry

Turkey Panini with Watercress and Citrus Aioli

Take your average turkey sandwich to the next level with a citrusy spread and a few minutes on the panini press.

View Recipe: Turkey Panini with Watercress and Citrus Aioli

Photo: Becky Luigart-Stayner

Tuna Panini

Serve these hearty sandwiches with fresh apple slices or a tossed green salad.

View Recipe: Tuna Panini

Photo: Randy Mayor

Chicken and Mushroom Panini

Gooey cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, and earthy mushrooms join chicken for a tasty sandwich you can quickly prepare in a grill pan or panini press.

View Recipe: Chicken and Mushroom Panini

Photo: Randy Mayor

Classic Italian Panini with Prosciutto and Fresh Mozzarella

Use this panini recipe as a template, and customize it to your liking. Use hollowed-out focaccia or ciabatta, or try different herbs and cheese, for example.

View Recipe: Classic Italian Panini with Prosciutto and Fresh Mozzarella

Photo: Lee Harrelson

Chicken Panini with Fig Jam

Jazz up sandwich night with leftover chicken and store-bought fig jam. If you do not have a sandwich press or cast-iron skillet, place a regular skillet on top of the sandwich and weigh it down with cans.

View Recipe: Chicken Panini with Fig Jam

Photo: Shelly Strazis

Prosciutto and Smoked Gouda Panini

This recipes serves 10, and you'll need to cook the panini in batches. Keep cooked panini warm in a 250° oven. The sandwiches make hearty lunch fare on their own, or serve them with a tossed green salad.

View Recipe: Prosciutto and Smoked Gouda Panini

Open-Faced Panini with Goat Cheese, Roasted Peppers, and Spicy Olive Topping

For the best flavor for this delectable sandwich, look for high-quality imported olives, available at gourmet markets or large supermarkets.

View Recipe: Open-Faced Panini with Goat Cheese, Roasted Peppers, and Spicy Olive Topping

Photo: Randy Mayor

Turkey and Cheese Panini

This turkey panini is one of the best panini recipes we have ever tried. Basil pesto and sourdough bread are key to this sandwich's unique flavor.

View Recipe: Turkey and Cheese Panini

Photo: Randy Mayor

Pear, Pecorino, and Prosciutto Panini

If you prefer cooked prosciutto, sauté it until it's crisp. You'll add some crunch to this sandwich. Parmigiano-Reggiano is a good substitute for Pecorino-Romano cheese.

View Recipe: Pear, Pecorino, and Prosciutto Panini