The Perfect Back-to-School Panini Formula

As school comes back in session, everyone’s minds turn to lunch ideas. Sandwiches are always a classic but can get boring after a few meals. An easy way to spice up your usual go-to is by crafting a panini. This is a family favorite dish that everyone from preschool through graduation will enjoy, whether at home, school, work, or on a picnic. Even the stay-at-home parents or office commuters can use this recipe to make lunchtime an enjoyable break from the day of hard work. Let’s dive into the perfect formula to make a delicious panini.

Choose the right base

All breads are not created the same. Italian breads are more hearty, making them not only filling but also better capable of withstanding the heat of a panini press or grill. Opt for ciabatta, baguettes, or Artesano over white or sourdough. It’s also important to preheat the press or skillet so that the bread will get a nice crisp to it and not stick to the surface. If you don’t have a panini press, you can easily recreate one at home using a pan and placing something heavy on top of the sandwich while it’s cooking. Think of a panini between two cast iron pans, or stack some plates on the top of your panini while the bottom cooks. Another creative option is using a waffle maker. While your tools are preparing to do the heavy lifting, it’s time to move on to dressing your sandwich. 

Pick your flavor

Since a panini is a hot sandwich, it’s best to consider which ingredients can take the heat. A good panini has four key elements: a moist sauce, a melty glue, a filling protein, and the extras. Start by spreading your bread with sauces like marinara, pesto, ranch, or mayonnaise. Some people also enjoy avocado or other soft ingredients to ensure that the sandwich isn’t too dry. Then add melty cheeses, such as Swiss, cheddar, provolone, or mozzarella. You can get creative and include all of your favorites if cheese is your love language. After that, add in the meat. From classics like ham, turkey, bacon, or chicken, to more out-of-the-ordinary options like pepperoni, tuna, or salami, it’s hard to go wrong when making your custom panini. The last step in the creation process is adding the fixings; essential to ensuring a decadent experience. Try garlic, onion, egg, Italian seasoning, basil, tomatoes, bell peppers, or arugula. Using fresh veggies from your garden only adds to the allure. The combinations are endless.

Toast it up

Before adding your creation to the grill, it’s important to put some melted butter or olive oil on the surface in order to give you a crisp bite. You can also brush the bread or use a spray, but this extra step will make the bread golden and add a crunch which is the hallmark of the panini. Be sure that you are cooking at a medium-low temperature so that the ingredients inside have time to warm through without burning the bread. Flip the sandwich halfway, and you’ll have a hot lunch in no time. 

Packing/storing

One of the great things about paninis is that while they are meant to be served hot, they also still taste great leftover or in a packed lunch. One way to keep it from getting soggy is wrapping it in parchment paper. It’s also important to let it cool before packing it up in order to avoid the steam building up in the container. Another tip is to pack the sandwich in Tupperware to avoid the sandwich getting smashed and the ingredients falling out. Cutting the panini into triangles or strips can help the sandwich cool quicker on busy mornings when you need to pack and go. This also goes for packing up a picnic basket for an evening out.

Elevate your lunches

Paninis have so many different flavor options, from breakfast concoctions to savory indulgences. This allows you to experiment and find your favorite combinations, sure to be a hit as long as you follow the formula. Pizza lovers can enjoy a look-alike sandwich, while sweet tooths can layer on the Nutella and marshmallows. Hot or cold, paninis are a must-try for your lunches this back-to-school season. 

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