Panini how to make one (or two or three ... )
First, preheat your panini press to medium high and leave it in the closed position so that it will heat up quickly for you. Most machines have an indicator light that comes on or goes green when the grill is up to temperature.
The key to great panini grilling is to have the press up to temperature before you begin to cook. This insures a nicely browned sandwich.
Bread Selection
Homemade bread is the very best, but who has the time? If you are so inclined, please check out the wonderful selection of bread recipes , most are designed for your bread machine.
Second best is an un-sliced loaf from the bakery section of your favorite market. Since the panini press will compress the sandwich somewhat, thicker slices are more appealing and make for a more substantial panini.
All that aside, the type of bread that you choose is purely an individual preference. Traditionally, white breads are used for their ability to toast to a nice golden color. But certainly any bread will do. Try to pair your bread flavor with the ingredients that you will be using.
Assembling the Panini
Lightly spray the outsides of the bread slices with a cooking spray. Olive oil spray is widely available and it lends a richer flavor than a canola oil spray. Either one will work just as well. If you are not counting calories, you may use butter or margarine on the outside. Be sure to spread it evenly, so that your end creation will be evenly toasted and golden.
Any sauce or spreads that you intend to use should be spread on the insides of the bread slices next. Sauces such as pesto are always great with paninis.
The cheese (most paninis do include a cheese or two) should be placed next on the bottom slices, on top of any sauce or inside spread.
Now for the main event...panini how to make a panini... Add any meat, vegetables or fruits next, then top with more cheese and the remaining slice of bread. Please note that any meats used should be fully cooked just as in any regular sandwich.
Cooking the Panini Sandwich
When the press is hot, up to temperature, place the sandwich on the press, close the lid and press down slightly using even pressure with the top press bar. Set the timer according to your recipe directions (most sandwiches cook perfectly on the Cuisinart Stainless Steel Griddler in 2 min 30 sec) and get ready to feast!
Tips about panini how to make one even better
If your press has two removable grilling plates, using the ridged plates gives your paninis a professional "finished" look. Try placing the sandwiches on an angle so the stripes resulting from the grill are diagonal, then cut the sandwich on the opposite diagonal.
Feel free to experiment with your panini how to make it special.
When doing a simple grilled cheese, cut the finished sandwich(s) into 3 sections (instead of just in half) and stack them up on the serving plate. Talk about WOW.
