Achieving widespread US popularity in the new millennium, the 'panino' or Italian sandwich is known more commonly in English by its
plural form 'panini'. The difference between a panini and a regular sandwich is that it's grilled with ridges, and the sandwich ingredients melt or fuse together, giving a delicious flavor and texture to any combination of foods.
Panini are easy to make, and can be made with any variety of food desired. Served with a salad, or soup, a panini can make a complete, fast, and healthy meal, eaten any time of the day. Here is how to make your own panini.

Ingredients

• Bread
  
• Tomatoes
  
• Mozzarella cheese
  
• Olive oil
  

Steps

1. Choose the type of panini you're going to make. You can use whatever filling you'd like, but here are some suggestions:
   
   • 
     

     A ham panini
     Use slices of ham, pimento, cheese, anchovies, and bread. Traditionally served with a tossed salad.
     
   • 
     

     A chicken panini
     Use chicken, cheese, and spinach. Serve with a side salad, or chips and a pickle.
     
   • 
     

     A bacon panini
     Use fried bacon, scrambled eggs or omelet, and mayonnaise if you like. Serve with a side of baked beans.
     
   
   
2. 
   
   Prepare the ingredients. Remove the cheese from its container and slice. (Or use pre-sliced cheese if you prefer.) Slice any other ingredients or condiments and add on top of the cheese.
   
3. 
   
   Brush the bottom of a slice of bread with olive oil. Place onto a pre-heated panini grill. Place the sandwich fillings on top and top with another brushed piece of bread.
   
4. 
   
   Grill for 2 to 4 minutes.
   
   • 
     
     Open and check to see if the ridges are well-formed, the cheese melted properly, and the bread toasted.
     
   
   
5. 
   
   Remove the sandwich from the panini machine. Add a cup of soup or a tossed salad, and you have a delicious, nutritious, and simple meal.
   

Video

Tips

• Panini can be made with any combination, from cheeses, to steaks and onions, or fish depending on your taste.
  
• If you don't have a panini grill, place the sandwich onto a hot outdoor grill, and top with a clean covered brick (wrap in foil, for example). Turn the sandwich when done on one side and again top with a covered brick. The brick will add weight to the bread, causing the ridges to form on each side, taking on the look of a panini grilled sandwich.
  
• Or, you could warm the sandwich in a skillet on a stove and flip it after a while. It's basically a grilled cheese sandwich with extra toppings. If you want a little oil in the outside, spread a little in the skillet before starting. Weigh the sandwich down with something if you like, but it'll be fine either way.
  
• A George Foreman Grill will make great panini, but make sure the grill is heated prior to using.
  

Warnings

• Carefully remove the panini from any type of grill, as it will be hot and you can easily be burned by touching it.
  
• Younger children should have an adult present when making a panini, or have an adult make it for them.
  

Things You'll Need

• Panini grill
  
• Spatula