The Culinary Works

Panini sandwiches are one of my favorite things. Crispy and soft at the same time, filled with salty meat and creamy cheese, it’s making me crazy just writing about it. But, is it really more than a fancy grilled cheese sandwich?

In Italian, Panino simply means a bread roll, panini would be more than one, but oh how it has evolved. Like many well loved dishes, its roots are basic. A toasted sandwich you could carry with you made a perfect on the go lunch.

Though it's origin started with only bread, cured meat and cheese, along the way, other goodies found there way between the bread slices. Ultimately, w hat kind of sandwich is really up to you. Start with a nice bread that has a bit of texture like sourdough, focacia, plain or flavored, check out the grocery bakery section and see what sounds good. Maybe you want ham and brie, my only suggestion here would be to stick with a cheese that melts nicely. Cheeses like brie, fontina, white cheddar, mozarella etc., create a creamy center that nicely compliments the crunch of the bread.

You can butter the bread, or brush it with some olive oil. The olive oil can be plain or flavored. Then, you grill it.

Do you need a special grill? The answer is NO, no special equipment will be required for the perfect sandwich. I have found that when I make them at home in a pan or on my sons pancake griddle, if I press the sandwich gently using my spatula evenly for about 15 seconds on each side, I get that crispy crust paninis are known for. You don’t need a special press, a pie tin with stuff piled in it etc., just a bit of patience, and you don’t need to smash the sandwich, the object is merely to create good contact between the surface of the bread and the pan.

Want to step it up a bit? Good ad-ins might include:

• Roasted Red Peppers
• Raw or grilled Onions
• Olives or olive salad
• Fresh herbs
• Grilled Vegetables
• Pesto
• Fruit, apple and Brie for example
• Avocado

Panini’s are also a great way to use up left-overs. Have some left over roast beef and some white cheddar? Grill some onion and smear the bread with a tiny bit of horseradish and you have a fabulous panini. Left over chicken can be shred and paired with apple, pesto and brie for an amazing dinner.

So lets answer the question, is it really more than a fancy grilled cheese sandwich? In my humble opinion, no, but who cares, it’s heaven just the same.