In the mood for a quick hot Panini style sandwich? They’re one of our favorites too, here’s a simple way to make myo panini without a Panini maker! In fact, you can make up to 4 perfect sandwiches in just 4 minutes flat . . .
When I’m in a hurry and want to grab a sandwich and head out the door without waiting to heat up the Panini press, this trick comes in handy. I tend to keep pieces of parchment paper (already cut and ready to use) in the drawer by the toaster so that I can throw together a sandwich in seconds.
Generally speaking, a Panini (or Panino) sandwich is made with Italian bread, baguette, ciabatta, Focaccia or Michetta bread. They’re toasted and served warm and can contain a variety of fillings. As the name suggests, Panini sandwiches originated in Italy.
MYO Panini without a Panini Maker
You’ll Need:
2 slices of bread of your choice (Wheat, White, Sourdough, etc)
Sandwich filling of choice (Ham, Pastrami, Corned Beef, Roast Beef, Cheese- Provolone, Swiss, American, Cheddar, etc)
Thinly sliced tomatoes, onions, freshly torn basil or fresh spinach leaves
Piece of Baking Parchment paper OR Reusable Toaster Bags
Toaster
Cut the parchment paper slightly wider than the bread slices. If you cut them the exact size the filling may dribble out and into your toaster, and you wouldn’t want that to happen!
Place the bread on parchment paper then add the sandwich fillings of your choice. Keep in mind not to make your sandwich too thick or it might not fit in your toaster. Top with the other slice of bread.
Bring the bottom of the parchment paper up, creating a natural fold at the bottom of your sandwich. Slip the sandwich into the toaster and hit toast. Ours takes about 2 1/2 minutes.
When it pops up, be careful, the filling with be very hot!
Unwrap and enjoy. Sometimes the parchment paper can be reused, sometimes it needs to be tossed. If it has scorch marks, toss it. Alternatively, you can purchase reusable toaster bags in place of the parchment paper.
Panini Filling Ideas:
- Cheese
- Ham and Cheese
- Pastrami, Roast Beef, Corned Beef (& Cheese)
- Tuna Salad
- Ham Salad
- Bacon, cheese, then add lettuce and tomato when it pops out
- Tomato and Cheese
- Meat, Cheese, Tomato and onion slivers
- Flour Tortilla with Taco Meat and Cheese (not a true Panini, but still yummy!)
**Please note, wax paper is NOT the same as parchment paper and should not be used in it’s place. Parchment paper is designed to withstand high heat temperatures, usually up to 420°F.
What are your favorite Panini fillings?
Please feel free to share your ideas in the comments below!
The best kind of bread for a Panini is Ciabatta, the Italian bread made with olive oil is certainly the top choice. ‘Wet paninis’ can also be made with French bread (baguette). Hard rolls will withstand the pressure of the press and hold wet ingredients very well.
I was thinking that probably since you’re making panini’s without a panini press, perhaps making homemade ciabatta bread using a traditional loaf pan and slicing it would offer the same flavor and texture I’m used to.