Creative Panini Press Sandwich Combinations (Printable)

Four creative pressed sandwich combinations with crispy exteriors and flavorful fillings. Easy to prepare in 20-30 minutes.

# What You'll Need:

→ Classic Caprese

01 - 8 slices sourdough or ciabatta bread
02 - 4 tbsp basil pesto
03 - 8 oz fresh mozzarella, sliced
04 - 2 medium tomatoes, sliced
05 - Fresh basil leaves
06 - Olive oil, for brushing

→ Turkey & Cranberry

07 - 8 slices multigrain bread
08 - 4 oz sliced turkey breast
09 - 4 tbsp cranberry sauce
10 - 4 slices Swiss cheese
11 - Baby spinach leaves
12 - Butter, for spreading

→ Mediterranean Veggie

13 - 8 slices focaccia or rustic bread
14 - 1 small eggplant, sliced and grilled
15 - 1 small zucchini, sliced and grilled
16 - 1 roasted red pepper, sliced
17 - 4 oz feta cheese, crumbled
18 - 4 tbsp hummus
19 - Olive oil, for brushing

→ Spicy BBQ Chicken

20 - 8 slices sourdough or country bread
21 - 1 cup cooked shredded chicken breast
22 - 4 tbsp BBQ sauce
23 - 4 slices pepper jack cheese
24 - 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
25 - Butter, for spreading

# How to Make It:

01 - Preheat your panini press according to the manufacturer's instructions.
02 - For each sandwich, lay out two slices of your chosen bread.
03 - Spread sauces (e.g., pesto, cranberry sauce, hummus, BBQ sauce) on the inner sides of the bread.
04 - Layer fillings as listed for each combination, distributing cheese, meats, vegetables, and greens evenly.
05 - Close each sandwich and lightly brush the outer sides of the bread with olive oil or spread with butter.
06 - Place sandwiches in the panini press. Cook for 4–6 minutes, or until the bread is golden and crisp and the filling is heated through.
07 - Remove, slice, and serve hot.

# Expert Hints:

01 -
  • Four distinct flavor profiles mean you can please everyone at the table without making four separate meals
  • The panini press transforms simple ingredients into restaurant quality sandwiches in under ten minutes
  • Leftovers and pantry staples suddenly become gourmet when pressed between crispy golden bread
02 -
  • Always dry watery ingredients like fresh mozzarella or tomatoes with a paper towel before layering or your panini will steam instead of crisp
  • Pressing too hard or too long turns the bread into a cracker, so lift the lid after four minutes to check progress and avoid over toasting
  • If you do not have a panini press, a heavy skillet pressed down on your sandwich in a hot pan works surprisingly well
03 -
  • Preheat your panini press for at least five minutes so the first sandwich crisps immediately instead of steaming
  • Use a light hand when spreading sauces, a thin layer adds flavor without making the bread soggy or the fillings slide out
  • Let grilled vegetables cool slightly before assembling so residual heat does not wilt delicate greens or melt cheese prematurely
  • If making multiple panini, keep finished sandwiches warm in a low oven while you press the remaining batches
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