Panini Sandwiches?

[d96j97]

My DH got a panini sandwich maker for me for Christmas (which I asked for). What kind of bread do you typically use for them to turn out "bistro style". Also...any great recipies would be greatly appreciated. I just love the ones they make at Panera Bread. Thank you!!!

 

[janloz]

I use Pepperidge Farms Swirl Bread (Rye/Pump), Thick sliced Italian, Whole Grain breads, any kind that is thicker. Some favorites:

Tuna Melts (2 slices of bread)
Roast Beef with carmelized onions and cheese
Chicken Breast with Jalepeno (sp) cheese

I have experimented with alot of combos, just beware that american cheese melts quickly and runs out of sandwiches.

Enjoy.

 

[middleofamerica]

My favorite kind of bread is sourdough on a panini. No matter what kind of things I put inside, I always mix butter with grated parmesan and spread that on both pieces of bread, yum! My favorite is just grilled cheese this way, but it's also great with just about anything you put in it.

 

[burberryplaid]

I have two favorites for bread.

One is Arnold's Sandwich Thins. When we use these we use deli turkey, half of a small avocado, and a slice of swiss and grill.

My husband also makes an "Italian Parm" panini. He grills the chicken in a grill pan then places it between two slices of Italian bread along with a slice of mozzarella or provolone and a little of your favorite spaghettie sauce and maybe a sprig or two of fresh basil.

 

[prncess674]

Try foccacia rolls too. Really just about anything tastes good. What you probably love so much about the Panera panini is the fact that they brush it with olive oil which gives it that nice golden yummy crust. Not exactly low cal.

 

[d96j97]

Do you have to butter the outsides of the bread before grilling? Also, Panera uses sun-dried tomatoes on a couple of the sandwiches I love. Can you get those at any old Grocery Store? Gosh...you guys have some great ideas!

 

[dakcp2001]

you can actually buy a loaf of bread from Panera if you know what kind you like. Maybe freeze it in slices and pull it out when you make sammies.

 

[Mom2m&k]

I got one for Christmas and we love it! I have been using sub-rolls, foccacia bread, sourdough bread, and plain old white bread...all of them have been working great. Our favorites are roastbeef, mayo, cheddar cheese and banana peppers and pesto, turkey, and munster...YUMMY!!

 

[pearlieq]

Panera's sourdough makes awesome grilled sandwiches.

Sundried tomatoes can be bought at most any grocery store. Look near the spaghetti sauce or with the canned veggies.

 

[prncess674]

Do you have to butter the outsides of the bread before grilling? Also, Panera uses sun-dried tomatoes on a couple of the sandwiches I love. Can you get those at any old Grocery Store? Gosh...you guys have some great ideas!

You don't HAVE to butter the bread, but it is what makes it taste really good.

 

[fiveforall]

I saw this on Oprah and tried it. Everyone in my family loved the sandwich!

1. Butter two slices of thick sourdough bread.
2. Put havarti cheese, sliced tomato, and fresh basil between the slices.
3. Grill.

DELICIOUS!

 

[pilesoflaundry]

Chiabatta brushed with a touch of olive oil is one of my favs.

 

[pampam]

Can these be made with a george forman?

 

[Cindy B]

Do you have to butter the outsides of the bread before grilling? Also, Panera uses sun-dried tomatoes on a couple of the sandwiches I love. Can you get those at any old Grocery Store? Gosh...you guys have some great ideas!

Yes sun dried tomtoes can be in the produce area either in a little bag or in a clear largish bin with tongs.

 

[rcraw45425]

If using sun dried tomatoes I'd make sure to get the ones in oil, the completely dried ones would be way too chewy unless reconstituted in water first. The oil marinated ones are only mildy chewy. I will get the sliced Italian bread in the deli but have also used THe regular Italian bread on the bread aisle also. Also, if you use a cheese (duh) make sure it's a "Real cheese" not pasteurized cheese product (ie. Kraft singles). THe cheese product will melt and run right out, I will get either deli cheese or even the Land of Lakes sliced sharp American (in a shingle in the deli at Publix).

 

[Jsme]

Honestly I use any type of bread I have in my house. I prefer a good whole grain bread because I like that type bread. I roast my own red peppers in the oven and make my own aoili sauce. I then use any meat I want. I have used ham, turkey and chicken. I put the aoili on my bread, the roasted red peppers and then whichever meat I wish to use then put it in to "grill". I do not have a panini machine/cooker but I use my George Forman. LOVE IT!!!

 

[DebMcDonald]

We use seedless rye. I love my panni grill. We do alot of Rubin's and Rachael's in our house.

 

[Allabtprincesses]

Subscribing! I also got a (requested) panini maker for Christmas. Haven't tried it yet as we were out of town for the holidays.

 

[snowbunny]

I've made this one a lot from Giada deLaurentis' cookbook. We don't have a panini grill, I use a Le Crueset grill pan with another heavy pan (like cast iron) placed on the sandwich to press it down, it works well.

Fontina cheese
Proscuitto
Baby spinach leaves (not too many)
Salt and pepper