How to Make a Panini Grill

A panini is a famous Italian sandwich, usually made with a panini grill. Even if you don't own one of these specialized grills, it is still possible to make a panini sandwich with a few simple items that most people have around their homes.

Instructions

1. Find a seasoned, cast iron skillet or griddle. The panini looks more authentic if the pan or griddle has a raised grilling surface. This skillet is the base of your panini cooking surface. An original panini grill consists of a two-sided grill, with an adjustable hinge that allows the grill to accommodate different thicknesses. The idea is to cook both sides at the same time to ensure an even temperature throughout.

2. Locate another seasoned, cast iron skillet to place on the top of your panini. The cast iron skillet is the most suitable because of its weight and its ability to retain and distribute heat evenly.

3. Fill a teakettle with water and set it aside to use as a weight placed in the top skillet. Alternatively, find a solid brick, clean it up and cover it with foil. Whatever you decide to use, make sure the heat from the skillet won't damage it.

4. Assemble your sandwich. Prepare both sides of the bread for grilling by coating with olive oil or butter. This provides a golden color to the grilled sandwich.

5. Preheat both skillets, using caution since cast iron is heavy and gets extremely hot.

6. Place the sandwich in the hot skillet and position the second hot skillet with its bottom resting on the top of the sandwich. This can be tricky because you are trying to balance the top skillet on the top of your sandwich. Use sturdy potholders when transferring hot cast iron skillets.

7. Set the weight inside the top skillet and press gently until the skillet and weight have settled securely in place on top of the sandwich. Cook your panini for about 4 minutes or until it's golden brown. Carefully remove the weight and top skillet and then remove you sandwich from the bottom pan.

Tips & Warnings

• You can also make a panini with a waffle iron or any other type of counter top grill that has a hinged lid.