How to Make a Panini Without a Panini Press
If you love pressed sandwiches, you've probably considered buying a panini press. If funds are short, or you simply don't have the room for another appliance, never fear. You can easily make a panini without a panini press. Best of all, the equipment you need can be used for more than just paninis. This method works better than many panini presses available on the market. All you need to do is follow these easy steps.
- Difficulty:
- Moderately Easy
Instructions
-
-
1
Spread butter on the outside of the bread slices. Butter keeps a panini from sticking to the skillet. It also helps the sandwich brown so that you get the best taste possible. If you skip this step, the sandwich will toast, but it won't be quite the same.
-
2
Assemble sandwiches. Layer the meat and cheese between the bread and set the sandwiches aside. If you like, you can assemble the sandwiches ahead of time for quick preparation.
-
3
Heat a large cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. A cast iron skillet is your best option because it browns sandwiches so wonderfully. You'll get a crispy outside that matches up beautifully with the gooey cheese and tender meat inside.
-
4
Place sandwiches in the skillet. Be careful not to place too many sandwiches in the skillet. Doing so will cause the paninis to steam rather than brown. For the best results, press two sandwiches at a time.
-
5
Top sandwiches with a second cast iron skillet that has been greased on the bottom. You can spray the bottom of the second cast iron skillet with cooking spray or you can use butter. Just make sure it is greased thoroughly or it could stick to the sandwiches.
-
6
Cook the sandwiches until golden brown. A panini should be golden brown and crispy. Because you're using a cast iron skillet, the sandwiches will brown quickly. Begin checking the color about 3 to 4 minutes after you begin cooking them.
-
7
Flip sandwiches and cook on the second side until golden brown. The second side will cook even more quickly. Begin checking the color about 2 minutes after flipping the sandwiches.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
Olive oil can be used in place of butter. If you assemble the sandwiches ahead of time, wrap in aluminum foil and refrigerate. You can use regular skillets in place of cast iron, but you will need to weigh the top skillet down with large cans.
Overstuffed sandwiches are messy and don't make good paninis.
