Cast Iron Panini Press Instructions

A cast iron panini press creates a perfectly grilled sandwich.

Panini, or grilled sandwiches, are made by pressing cheese with meat or vegetables between two slices of crusty bread. Specialty panini makers are expensive and take up cabinet space, but for the same result at an economic price, you can purchase a cast iron panini press designed to be used with a heavy skillet or grill pan. Cast iron panini presses are available from several manufacturers, including Norpro, Le Creuset and Calphalon, but they all work using the same general principles.

Things You'll Need

• Panini press
• Skillet or grill pan
• Pastry brush
• Olive oil
• Bread
• Cheese
• Meats or vegetables

Instructions

1. Brush the skillet or grill pan with olive oil. Heat the skillet or grill pan over medium heat.

2. Assemble the sandwiches. Layer cheese, cooked vegetables and/or meats between two slices of crusty bread.

3. Put assembled sandwiches in skillet or grill pan. Brush the tops of the sandwiches with more olive oil.

4. Place cast iron panini press, ridged side down, on top of sandwiches. Cook for four to five minutes before turning sandwiches over and continue to cook under panini press four to five additional minutes.

5. Remove panini press from sandwiches. Place sandwiches on a cutting board, cut and serve.

Tips & Warnings

• A cast iron panini press can also be used to cook chicken, steak or pork chops. Simply brush meat with olive oil and place panini press on top while cooking.

References

• Epicurious: Eggplant, Red Pepper, and Fontina Panini
• Le Creuset: Panini Press
• Norpro: Panini Press
• Calphalon: Enameled Cast Iron Panini Press