How to Throw a Panini Party

Throwing a party that has a a do-it-yourself component eliminates awkward silences and acts as an ice-breaker since guests—whether they know one another or not—automatically have something in common. When throwing a panini party, guests can line up to create their own concoctions, picking and choosing from an array of fresh ingredients.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• Plenty of counter space
• Dishes
• Platters
• 2 to 3 Panini grills
• Crusty bread for sandwiches
• Butter
• An array of Italian-style cold cuts and cheeses
• Accompaniments, such as roasted red peppers, giardiniera, thinly sliced red onions, roasted garlic, arugula, avocado, flavored cream cheese, spicy mustard and sun-dried tomatoes

1. Slice bread into 1/2"-thick slices and place on a dish. Prepare condiments, meats and cheeses by assembling them, buffet-style, in dishes and platters on the counter-beginning with those that will be used first.
2. When guests arrive, heat panini grills. Have guests begin by buttering the outside of each slice and filling the sandwich with items of their choosing.
3. Place one or two panini sandwiches in grill at a time, pressing them down to flatten and sear sandwiches while they cook.
4. Once the cheese is gooey and meat and condiments are heated through, remove panini from the grill and allow to rest for a minute or two before cutting. Slice un half and serve.

Tips & Warnings

• Ask guests to bring old griddles or panini presses.
• In lieu of a panini press, you can use a frying pan; place a heavy skillet on top as a press when cooking.
• Panini will be very hot when removed from grill, so use extreme caution when handling.

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