Panini Recipes

Updated: January 04, 2015
Enjoy 17 of our most popular panini recipes for a delicious diversion from an ordinary sandwich meal.
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Seared to Perfection

Photo: Johnny Autry
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.

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Mushroom and Manchego Panini

Photo: Johnny Autry
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.

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Summer Tomato, Mozzarella, and Basil Panini with Balsamic Syrup

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

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Turkey Reuben Panini

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

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Buffalo Chicken Panini

Photo: Randy Mayor
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.

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Mozzarella, Ham, and Basil Panini

Photo: Johnny Autry

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

 

 

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Turkey Panini with Watercress and Citrus Aioli

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

 

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Tuna Panini

Photo: Becky Luigart-Stayner
Serve these hearty sandwiches with fresh apple slices or a tossed green salad.

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Chicken and Mushroom Panini

Photo: Randy Mayor
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.

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Classic Italian Panini with Prosciutto and Fresh Mozzarella

Photo: Randy Mayor
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.

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Chicken Panini with Fig Jam

Photo: Lee Harrelson
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.

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Prosciutto and Smoked Gouda Panini

Photo: Shelly Strazis
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.

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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.

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Turkey and Cheese Panini

Photo: Randy Mayor
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.

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Pear, Pecorino, and Prosciutto Panini

Photo: Randy Mayor
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.

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Cinnamon-Apple Panini

Photo: Brian Woodcock
View Recipe: Cinnamon-Apple Panini

With a touch of sweet spice, cream cheese richness, and tart apple crunch, these melty-sweet sandwich triangles are sure to earn grade-A ratings. Serve as an after-school snack for the kids, or treat yourself to a quick-fix dessert.

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Buffalo Chicken Panini

Photo: Justin Walker

Spice up your sandwich lunch with this recipe for a hearty and healthy chicken-filled panini. 

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