How to Use a Panini Press

There's something wonderful about a pressed sandwich. The crispy bread and the melted cheese make for a decadent lunch. If you enjoy pressed sandwiches, you've probably invested in a panini press. This fancy little gadget can whip up your favorite sandwiches at a fraction of the cost. There's only one problem. You aren't sure how to use it. You tried using it once, but your sandwiches came out soggy. Never fear. The following steps will ensure that your paninis turn out perfect each time.

Instructions

1. Plug in the panini press and allow it to heat. Your favorite sandwich shop always has their panini press nice and hot, waiting for the next order. You should do the same in your own kitchen. Before you even make the sandwiches, plug the panini press in and allow it to heat up. This will help ensure that your bread gets crispy and the cheese melts at the same time.

2. Prepare your sandwiches. When making paninis, you'll want to make sure the sandwiches aren't too full. Too many ingredients make the sandwiches messy. Instead, place cheese on the outside and meat in the middle. As the sandwich is pressed, the cheese will melt and hold the meat in place. Last, but not least, butter the outside of the sandwich so that it doesn't stick to the panini press.

3. Place 1 to 2 sandwiches on the panini press. Depending on the size of your panini press, you may only be able to fit one sandwich on the machine. Squeezing too many sandwiches onto a panini press can result in soggy sandwiches. This is because the sandwiches end up steaming rather than browning.

4. Close the lid and make sure the top plate fully touches the sandwiches. You may need to adjust your sandwich layout to ensure that each part of the sandwich gets fully browned. The key is for the hinged lid to lay flat against your sandwiches so that they are perfectly pressed and browned.

5. Press the sandwiches until golden brown. If your panini press doesn't have a heavy lid, you may need to hold the lid down to help with the browning process. Since your machine was pre-heated, it won't take long for the sandwiches to brown. Begin to check the sandwiches 3 to 4 minutes after placing them on the panini press.

Tips & Warnings

• The plates and outside of a panini press get very hot and you should only touch the machine by the handle.