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25 Easy Panini Recipes for Toasty, Melty Sandwich Nights

Panini are basically grilled cheese that went on a European vacation: crusty bread, melty cheese, and whatever fillings you love, pressed until everything is hot and crisp. They’re fast enough for weeknights, cozy enough for cold days, and customizable enough that you can clean out the fridge and still feel like you made something special.

This roundup gives you:

  • Panini basics (bread, cheese, and how to press without a panini maker)
  • 10 full recipes with ingredients + step-by-step instructions
  • 15 more quick panini ideas you can freestyle in minutes

All you need is bread, heat, and a little imagination.

Panini Basics (Read This Once)

Best Bread for Panini

You want bread that can handle heat and pressure:

  • Ciabatta
  • Sourdough
  • Italian or French bread
  • Focaccia
  • Sturdy whole-grain sandwich bread

Slice about ½–¾ inch thick so it gets crisp outside but still hugs the fillings.

Best Cheeses for Melty Goodness

Use at least one good melter:

  • Mozzarella, provolone, fontina
  • Cheddar, Monterey Jack, pepper jack
  • Gouda, Havarti, Swiss, Gruyère
  • Brie, goat cheese (pair with a stronger melter if they’re very soft)

How to Make Panini Without a Panini Press

No press? No problem.

  1. Preheat a cast-iron or nonstick skillet over medium heat.
  2. Build your sandwich. Brush outside with a little olive oil or butter.
  3. Place it in the pan, then set a second heavy pan or pot on top to press.
  4. Cook 3–5 minutes per side, until deeply golden and the cheese is melted.

Classic & Comfort Panini Recipes

1. Caprese Chicken Panini

Tomato–basil caprese meets grilled chicken and melty mozzarella.

Serves: 2

Ingredients

  • 2 small ciabatta rolls or 4 slices sourdough
  • 1 cooked chicken breast, thinly sliced
  • 4 slices fresh mozzarella or ½ cup shredded
  • 1 medium tomato, sliced
  • Handful of fresh basil leaves
  • 2–3 tbsp pesto (store-bought or homemade)
  • Olive oil, for brushing
  • Salt & pepper

Instructions

  1. Split rolls or lay out bread slices. Spread pesto on the inside of each piece.
  2. Layer chicken, tomato, mozzarella, and basil. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
  3. Close sandwiches and brush outsides with olive oil.
  4. Grill in a panini press or skillet 3–5 minutes per side, until the bread is crisp and cheese is melted.
  5. Rest 1 minute, then slice.

2. Turkey, Bacon & Avocado Panini

Like a club sandwich, but hot, melty, and toasty.

Serves: 2

Ingredients

  • 4 slices sturdy sandwich bread or sourdough
  • 4–6 slices deli turkey
  • 4 slices cooked bacon
  • ½ avocado, sliced
  • 2–4 slices cheddar or provolone
  • 2 tbsp mayonnaise
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard
  • Butter or olive oil for the outside

Instructions

  1. Stir mayo and mustard together; spread on the inside of each bread slice.
  2. Layer turkey, bacon, cheese, and avocado on two of the slices. Top with remaining bread.
  3. Butter or oil the outsides.
  4. Grill 3–4 minutes per side until golden and cheese is melted.

3. Classic Italian Deli Panini

Cured meats, provolone, veggies, and a little zip.

Serves: 2

Ingredients

  • 1 small baguette or 2 ciabatta rolls
  • 4–6 slices salami
  • 4–6 slices ham or mortadella
  • 4 slices provolone cheese
  • Shredded lettuce or arugula
  • Sliced tomato and red onion
  • 2 tbsp jarred Italian vinaigrette or oil & vinegar
  • 1–2 tbsp sliced pepperoncini or pickled peppers (optional)
  • Olive oil, for brushing

Instructions

  1. Split baguette/rolls and drizzle cut sides with vinaigrette.
  2. Layer meats, cheese, lettuce, tomato, onion, and peppers.
  3. Close sandwiches and lightly oil the outsides.
  4. Grill, pressing gently, 4–5 minutes until hot and crisp.

4. Ham & Swiss Dijon Panini

Simple, salty, cheesy perfection.

Serves: 2

Ingredients

  • 4 slices country bread or sourdough
  • 4–6 slices deli ham
  • 4 slices Swiss or Gruyère
  • 2 tbsp mayonnaise
  • 2 tsp Dijon mustard
  • Butter, for the outside

Instructions

  1. Mix mayo and Dijon; spread on inside of bread slices.
  2. Layer ham and Swiss; close sandwiches.
  3. Butter outsides lightly.
  4. Grill 3–5 minutes per side until cheese is melted and bread is golden.

5. Roast Beef Caramelized Onion Panini

Rich, savory, and great with leftover roast.

Serves: 2

Ingredients

  • 4 slices sourdough or ciabatta
  • 6–8 thin slices roast beef
  • 4 slices provolone or cheddar
  • ½ cup caramelized onions (store-bought or homemade)
  • 2 tbsp prepared horseradish sauce or mayo + horseradish
  • Butter or olive oil

Instructions

  1. Spread horseradish sauce on inside of each bread slice.
  2. Layer roast beef, onions, and cheese.
  3. Close sandwiches and brush outsides with butter or oil.
  4. Grill until cheese is melted and bread is crisp, about 4–5 minutes.

Chicken & Veggie Panini

6. Pesto Chicken & Roasted Red Pepper Panini

Bright, herby, and super melty.

Serves: 2

Ingredients

  • 2 ciabatta rolls or 4 slices Italian bread
  • 1 cooked chicken breast, sliced
  • ½ cup jarred roasted red peppers, drained and patted dry
  • 4 slices mozzarella or provolone
  • 2–3 tbsp pesto
  • Olive oil

Instructions

  1. Spread pesto on cut sides of bread.
  2. Layer chicken, roasted red peppers, and cheese.
  3. Close sandwiches, brush outsides with olive oil.
  4. Grill 3–5 minutes until cheese is melted and bread has grill marks.

7. Buffalo Chicken Panini

Spicy, cheesy, and irresistible with ranch or blue cheese.

Serves: 2

Ingredients

  • 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
  • 3 tbsp buffalo hot sauce
  • 2 tbsp ranch or blue cheese dressing, plus more for dipping
  • 4 slices cheddar or Monterey Jack
  • 4 slices sturdy sandwich bread
  • Butter or oil

Instructions

  1. Toss shredded chicken with hot sauce and ranch/blue cheese dressing.
  2. Spread the mixture on two bread slices; top with cheese and remaining bread.
  3. Butter or oil outsides.
  4. Grill 3–4 minutes per side until hot and melty.
  5. Serve with extra dressing for dipping.

8. Veggie Caprese Panini

Meatless but definitely not boring.

Serves: 2

Ingredients

  • 4 slices sourdough or focaccia
  • 4–6 slices fresh mozzarella
  • 1 tomato, sliced
  • Handful fresh basil leaves
  • 1–2 tbsp pesto or olive oil
  • Balsamic glaze (optional)
  • Salt & pepper

Instructions

  1. Spread pesto or brush olive oil on the inside of bread slices.
  2. Layer tomato, mozzarella, and basil. Season lightly.
  3. Close sandwiches, brush outsides with more olive oil.
  4. Grill until cheese is melted and bread is crisp.
  5. Drizzle with balsamic glaze after grilling, if desired.

9. Grilled Veggie & Goat Cheese Panini

Perfect for leftover roasted vegetables.

Serves: 2

Ingredients

  • 4 slices ciabatta or whole-grain bread
  • ½ cup roasted or grilled veggies (zucchini, peppers, eggplant, onions)
  • 3–4 tbsp goat cheese or cream cheese
  • 2 slices provolone or mozzarella (optional, for extra melt)
  • Handful arugula or spinach
  • Olive oil, for brushing
  • Salt & pepper

Instructions

  1. Spread goat cheese on inside of each bread slice.
  2. Pile on roasted veggies and greens; add provolone if using.
  3. Season lightly, close sandwiches, and brush outsides with olive oil.
  4. Grill until hot and crisp, about 4–5 minutes.

Fun & Unexpected Panini

10. Apple, Cheddar & Turkey Panini

Sweet-savory, amazing in the fall (or honestly, anytime).

Serves: 2

Ingredients

  • 4 slices sourdough or multigrain bread
  • 4–6 slices deli turkey
  • 4 slices sharp cheddar
  • 1 crisp apple, very thinly sliced
  • 2 tsp Dijon mustard or honey mustard
  • Butter or olive oil

Instructions

  1. Spread mustard on inside of bread slices.
  2. Layer turkey, apple slices, and cheddar.
  3. Close sandwiches and butter/oil outsides.
  4. Grill until cheese is melted and bread is golden brown.

11. Prosciutto, Brie & Fig Panini

A little fancy but ridiculously easy.

Serves: 2

Ingredients

  • 2 small ciabatta rolls or 4 slices rustic bread
  • 4–6 thin slices prosciutto
  • 4–6 slices brie
  • 2–3 tbsp fig jam
  • Handful arugula (optional)
  • Butter or olive oil

Instructions

  1. Spread fig jam on inside of bread.
  2. Layer prosciutto, brie, and arugula.
  3. Close sandwiches and brush outsides with butter or oil.
  4. Grill 3–5 minutes until the brie is melty and the bread is crisp.

12. Pizza Panini

All your pizza cravings, no oven required.

Serves: 2

Ingredients

  • 4 slices Italian bread or ciabatta
  • ¼–⅓ cup pizza or marinara sauce, plus extra for dipping
  • 1–1½ cups shredded mozzarella
  • 12–16 slices pepperoni or your favorite toppings
  • Dried oregano or Italian seasoning
  • Olive oil

Instructions

  1. Spread a thin layer of pizza sauce on the inside of bread slices.
  2. Add mozzarella, pepperoni, and a pinch of oregano.
  3. Close sandwiches and brush outsides with olive oil.
  4. Grill 3–5 minutes until cheese is fully melted.
  5. Serve with extra warm sauce for dipping.

13 More Panini Ideas (Quick Combos, No Exact Recipe Needed)

Use your favorite bread, add a melty cheese, and grill until golden. Think of these as mix-and-match formulas:

  1. Tuna Melt Panini
    • Tuna salad + cheddar or Swiss + tomato slices.
  2. BBQ Chicken Cheddar Panini
    • Shredded chicken tossed in BBQ sauce + cheddar + red onion.
  3. Breakfast Panini
    • Scrambled eggs + bacon or sausage + cheddar + a smear of salsa or hot sauce.
  4. Spinach & Artichoke Panini
    • Spinach artichoke dip + mozzarella or provolone.
  5. Hawaiian Ham Panini
    • Ham + Swiss + pineapple + a little BBQ sauce or honey mustard.
  6. Turkey Cranberry Thanksgiving Panini
    • Turkey + stuffing + cranberry sauce + provolone.
  7. Caprese Pesto Panini (No Meat)
    • Fresh mozzarella + tomato + basil + pesto.
  8. Buffalo Cauliflower Panini
    • Roasted buffalo cauliflower + blue cheese or ranch + mozzarella.
  9. Smoked Salmon Brunch Panini
    • Smoked salmon + cream cheese + thin cucumber + dill (press gently and briefly).
  10. Mushroom & Swiss Panini
    • Sautéed mushrooms + Swiss + caramelized onions + thyme.
  11. Prosciutto & Peach Panini
    • Prosciutto + sliced peach or nectarine + mozzarella or brie + arugula.
  12. Hummus Veggie Panini
    • Hummus + roasted red peppers + cucumber + spinach + feta.
  13. Nutella & Banana Dessert Panini
    • Nutella + sliced banana + a sprinkle of chopped nuts, grilled until warm and gooey.

Panini Tips & FAQs

Do I butter the bread or oil the pan?
Either works. Brushing the bread with olive oil or butter gives that deep, even golden crust.

Why is my cheese not melting before the bread burns?

  • Lower the heat to medium or medium-low.
  • Cover the pan to trap heat.
  • Use thinner slices of cheese and don’t overstuff the sandwich.

Can I prep panini ahead?
Yes—assemble them, wrap tightly, and refrigerate for a few hours. Grill just before serving so the bread stays crisp.

What do I serve with panini?

  • Tomato soup
  • Simple green salad
  • Chips or roasted potatoes
  • Pickles and crudités

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