topic Re: Ideas on using pannini grill in Kitchen

Ideas on using pannini grill

nanny24 — Mon, 14 Dec 2015 14:53:07 GMT

Kids are coming this weekend, and I have a new pannini grill, wanting to break it in. Any ideas on types of bread, combos of meats/cheeses? Thanks in advance.

Re: Ideas on using pannini grill

wagirl — Mon, 14 Dec 2015 15:27:24 GMT

Use it just like a normal grill pan. Cheese sammies are good, maybe a toasted pb and j if nuts aren't an issue. Even french toast or hash browns are easy. I do toasted tuna/cheese sandwiches too. I have done all these in my waffle iron; don't have a paninni grill.

Re: Ideas on using pannini grill

HonnyBrown — Mon, 14 Dec 2015 15:30:59 GMT

Grilled cheese, peanut butter and bacon, whatever sandwiches they like.

For an extra kick, put mayo on the outside of the bread, the side that touches the grill.

Re: Ideas on using pannini grill

milkbone — Mon, 14 Dec 2015 15:33:58 GMT

I have iron grates on mine.

Cut chicken breasts thin...butterfly??

Buy different breads !

Re: Ideas on using pannini grill

sugar22 — Mon, 14 Dec 2015 15:34:39 GMT

pick their fav kind of meat, add a slice of cheese, a bit of mayo, relish (I use Wickles...little spicy and delish). No butter needed. Takes just a few minutes to produce a lovely, solid sandwich. Serve with soup. Enjoy!

Re: Ideas on using pannini grill

beach-mom — Mon, 14 Dec 2015 15:45:46 GMT

Hi - I learned about this sandwich when I studied in France years ago. When I got a panini, it was the first thing I made. Everyone loves it, and my DS who's in college has already asked if I will make it in the next couple of days after he's home!

Croque Monsieur (makes 4)

Bechamel sauce

1 Tbsp. unsalted butter

1 Tbsp. flour

3/4 c. milk

pinch of cayenne pepper

salt and pepper to taste

Melt butter in a small saucepan. Whisk in the flour, stirring constantly until the mixture is golden brown. Slowly add the milk, stirring constantly. Simmer and keep stirring until the sauce is thickened and smooth, about 6-8 minutes. Turn off heat and add cayenne, and if needed, salt and pepper. Set aside.

8 slices French or sourdough bread, sliced thickly

1/4 c. oil

3 tsp. Dijon mustard

1/4 lb. Gruyere cheese, sliced thinly

8 slices deli ham

Preheat panini grill. Spread Dijon on 4 of the bread slices and top with 2 slices of ham. Spread the sauce evenly on top of the ham. Layer cheese on top and top with another slice of bread. Oil both outer sides of sandwich and cook on panini press about 5 minutes until sandwich is golden and crispy.

For a Croque Madame, add a fried egg to top of sandwich! (DD likes it this way - I do too!)

(I always double the recipe for the sauce, as we all like extra to dip our sandwiches in!)

Re: Ideas on using pannini grill

ChynnaBlue — Mon, 14 Dec 2015 15:59:29 GMT

@nanny24 wrote:
Kids are coming this weekend, and I have a new pannini grill, wanting to break it in. Any ideas on types of bread, combos of meats/cheeses? Thanks in advance.

I'd ask the kids, as they'll be the ones eating them. I like sourdough bread for most sandwiches, but if the kids hate that, what I like won't really help you much.

I like wheat bread with fig preserves, brie, and thinly sliced apples or pears. Ham, turkey, and swiss is great. I also like bacon and cheese.

Re: Ideas on using pannini grill

Sammijo10 — Mon, 14 Dec 2015 22:04:24 GMT

I received a panini grill for a wedding present 10 years ago and I was sure it was going to spend it's life in the box in the basement. Well, that gadget has received almost daily use! DH loves the grilled sandwiches it makes.

I use a hearty italian bread, spread both sides (of the inside) with prepared pesto, layer on fontina cheese and either ham, salami or turkey pepperoni. It's wonderful! There's no need to butter or olive oil the outside, the bread browns nicely.

Also try bacon, cheddar, sliced apple with apple butter spread on the inside of the bread.

Re: Ideas on using pannini grill

denisemb — Mon, 14 Dec 2015 23:28:17 GMT

You can search for pannini recipes on Pinterest - all sorts of good ideas!

Re: Ideas on using pannini grill

eddyandme — Tue, 15 Dec 2015 01:06:23 GMT

@beach-mom wrote:
Hi - I learned about this sandwich when I studied in France years ago. When I got a panini, it was the first thing I made. Everyone loves it, and my DS who's in college has already asked if I will make it in the next couple of days after he's home!

Croque Monsieur (makes 4)

Bechamel sauce
1 Tbsp. unsalted butter
1 Tbsp. flour
3/4 c. milk
pinch of cayenne pepper
salt and pepper to taste

Melt butter in a small saucepan. Whisk in the flour, stirring constantly until the mixture is golden brown. Slowly add the milk, stirring constantly. Simmer and keep stirring until the sauce is thickened and smooth, about 6-8 minutes. Turn off heat and add cayenne, and if needed, salt and pepper. Set aside.

8 slices French or sourdough bread, sliced thickly
1/4 c. oil
3 tsp. Dijon mustard
1/4 lb. Gruyere cheese, sliced thinly
8 slices deli ham

Preheat panini grill. Spread Dijon on 4 of the bread slices and top with 2 slices of ham. Spread the sauce evenly on top of the ham. Layer cheese on top and top with another slice of bread. Oil both outer sides of sandwich and cook on panini press about 5 minutes until sandwich is golden and crispy.

For a Croque Madame, add a fried egg to top of sandwich! (DD likes it this way - I do too!)

(I always double the recipe for the sauce, as we all like extra to dip our sandwiches in!)

@beach-mom

sounds really yummy

Re: Ideas on using pannini grill

DiAnne — Tue, 15 Dec 2015 17:48:44 GMT

What I like best about using pannini grills is you don't have to butter the outside of the bread. You can have all the deliciousness of a grilled cheese sandwich without all the extra fat (still not good for you but anything helps!).

Re: Ideas on using pannini grill

taquito — Wed, 16 Dec 2015 07:28:51 GMT

If you want the bread to get that nice extra crunch on the outside it takes a little oil.

Re: Ideas on using pannini grill

nanny24 — Wed, 16 Dec 2015 16:07:57 GMT

Thanks ladies for the suggestions and recipes. Can't wait to try these!!