How to Use a Cast Iron Panini Press

Making a panini, or grilled Italian style sandwich, at home requires the right tools. Toasters can only heat bread and not the sandwich filling, while warming your sandwich in the microwave makes it limp and soggy. A cast iron panini press will solve both of these problems, helping you prepare a cafe-style panini with a crispy, grilled exterior and warm, melted filling.

Things You'll Need

• Bread
• Panini filling
• Cast iron panini press
• Stove

Instructions

1. Place the ingredients such as lunch meats, cheese and vegetables, between two slices of your favorite bread.

2. Spread a thin layer of butter on top of each slice of bread to prevent it from sticking to your panini press.

3. Turn on the stove and set it to medium heat. Place the cast iron panini press on a burner.

4. Remove the lid and put the sandwich on to the grill of the cast iron panini press. Close the lid so that the panini press compresses the sandwich.

5. Grill for approximately five minutes and then flip the cast iron panini press so that the top side is now exposed to the heat. Cook for another two to three minutes. You may need to adjust the cooking time if you like your panini very well-done and crunchy.

6. Remove the panini from the stove and leave it to cool for five to 10 minutes before removing the sandwich from the panini press.

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Tips & Warnings

• Paninis can be made with just about any type of bread, but if you want an authentic panini, try artisan breads such as ciabatta.

• Opt for a dishwasher-safe cast iron panini press to avoid having to wash your panini press by hand.

Resources

• Panini recipes