Best Panini Americano Recipes

ZUCCHINI PANINI

Steps:

• Cut the zucchini diagonally into 1/4-inch-thick slices so they are the size of the the width of the bread. Spread them out on a plate or cutting board and season both sides with salt and pepper.
• Preheat a griddle or grill pan to medium-high.
• Cut the bread into 6-inch segments and then cut each segment horizontally almost completely through so you can open it like a book. Open the sandwich halves and press them flat against the work surface with your hands until the bread doesn't spring back. Put cheese on the bottom half of each sandwich.
• Working in batches, melt 1 tablespoon butter on the griddle. Cook the zucchini until slightly browned and soft, about 3 minutes. Turn and cook until pliable and nearly transparent, another 2 minutes. As zucchini is cooked, put it on top of the cheese, dividing equally among the sandwiches. Divide the olives among the sandwiches and close them, pressing to flatten.
• Working in batches, reduce the heat to medium-low and melt 1 tablespoon butter (for a small griddle) or 2 tablespoons butter (for a large griddle). Put the sandwiches on the griddle. Place a baking sheet on top of the sandwiches and weigh it down with something heavy, like canned goods or a cast-iron skillet. The idea is to make the sandwiches as flat as possible. (Alternatively, use a panini press.)
• Cook until the bread is crisp, about 3 minutes. Turn and cook, adding more butter if necessary, until the cheese is melted and the bread is crisp, 2 minutes more. Serve immediately.

ROSIE PANINI

Steps:

• Warm the chicken in a skillet or microwave for 30 seconds. Split the ciabatta rolls. On the bottom half of each roll, place 2 slices of mozzarella. Spread a tablespoon of Roasted Red Pepper over each, then top with the arugula and chicken. Spread with another tablespoon of pesto and top with 2 more slices of mozzarella. Place the tops of the rolls on the sandwiches.
• Cook the sandwiches in a panini press until hot and crispy. Serve with Broccoli Crunch Salad.
• Combine the basil and garlic in a food processor and process until finely chopped. With the processor running, add the olive oil and process until smooth. Add the Parmesan, goat cheese and roasted red peppers and process again until smooth. The pesto can be refrigerated for about 1 week.
• Combine the broccoli, Cheddar, cranberries, raisins and red onions in a large bowl. In another bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, vinegar, sugar and some salt and pepper; taste and adjust the seasoning (it should taste sweet, salty and tangy). Add the dressing to the salad and stir to combine well. Adjust the seasoning as needed. The salad keeps well in the refrigerator for about 2 days.

AMERICANO

Steps:

• Mix equal parts Campari and sweet vermouth in a tall ice-filled glass. Top with seltzer and garnish with an orange wedge.

ULTIMATE PANINI

Steps:

• In a large skillet, saute onions in oil until softened. Reduce heat to medium-low; cook, stirring occasionally, for 30 minutes or until deep golden brown., Layer the cheese, ham, tomato, pickles and caramelized onions on four bread slices; top with remaining bread. Spread outsides of sandwiches with butter., Cook on a panini maker or indoor grill for 3-4 minutes or until bread is browned and cheese is melted.