How to Choose Bread for a Panini

While the true definition is often confused, Panini is Italian for "sandwich." America has taken this sandwich and pressed it in a grill, which is what most American's know as the Panini. When making a Panini at home, which are the best breads to use?

Difficulty:

Easy

Instructions

1. Consider the internals of the sandwich. Decide what is going inside the sandwich first and that will help you decide how hearty the bread needs to be.

2. Taste the professionals choice. Get a Panini at your favorite Italian deli and see what they are using. It will likely be sourdough or Ciabatta. You want stiffer bread on the outside to hold everything in and softer dough on the inside to soak up the flavors.

3. Test your favorites. Pick a couple of loaves of good Italian bread from the grocery store or Italian grocery to try at home. Invite some friends over and have a Panini tasting party. Take the opportunity to exchange Panini recipes and try them all.

4. Ask around. Know someone who makes a great Panini? Ask what bread she used to make her Paninis. This also goes for cooking sites, Food Network or other sources of culinary expertise.

Tips & Warnings

• It's all a matter of taste, there is really no right or wrong when it comes to making a good Panini.