Pizza Paninis
These Pizza Paninis combine the melty cheese and savory flavors of pizza with the crispy, handheld convenience of panini sandwiches. Perfect for quick lunches, dinners, or snacks, this recipe offers versatility with endless topping options and a golden, crunchy crust achieved using a panini press. Ideal for busy days and adaptable for vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and breakfast variations.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-10 minutes
- Total Time: 16-20 minutes
- Yield: 2 paninis
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Gluten Free (if gluten-free bread is used)
Ingredients
Bread
- Ciabatta, focaccia, or sturdy sandwich bread (about 2 slices per panini)
Cheese
- Mozzarella cheese (generous amount for melting)
- Optional: provolone, parmesan, cheddar (to taste)
Pizza Sauce
- Pizza sauce (enough to spread evenly on bread slices, about 2 tbsp per slice)
Toppings
- Pepperoni slices
- Mushrooms, sliced
- Bell peppers, sliced
- Olives, sliced
For Cooking
- Olive oil or melted butter (for brushing the outside of the sandwich)
Instructions
- Prepare Your Bread: Select fresh, sturdy bread such as ciabatta or focaccia. Slice it about 1/2 to 3/4 inch thick to ensure it crisps nicely without getting soggy.
- Add the Sauce: Spread a generous layer of your favorite pizza sauce evenly over one side of each bread slice to deliver classic pizza flavor in every bite.
- Layer Your Cheese and Toppings: Pile on mozzarella and any additional cheeses you prefer. Then add your chosen toppings, such as pepperoni, mushrooms, bell peppers, or olives, to create the perfect pizza filling.
- Assemble and Butter: Place the other slice of bread on top to form a sandwich. Lightly brush the outside of the sandwich with olive oil or melted butter to help achieve a golden, crunchy panini crust.
- Grill Until Perfect: Place the sandwich in a preheated panini press or grill pan and cook for about 3 to 5 minutes on each side until the bread is toasted crisp and the cheese is melted to melty perfection.
Notes
- Use cold ingredients to ensure even melting and to maintain good texture.
- Don’t overload with toppings to avoid sogginess and difficulty pressing.
- Preheat your panini press for the best golden, crispy crust.
- Experiment with different bread types to find your favorite texture combination.
- Double press after flipping the sandwich for extra crispiness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 panini
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
Keywords: pizza panini, panini sandwich, melty cheese sandwich, quick lunch, easy dinner, panini recipe, pizza sandwich, grilled sandwich
Find it online: https://tastebudtrek.com/pizza-paninis/