Pizza Paninis
Quick, flavorful, and satisfying pizza paninis that combine all the best elements of a classic pizza with the crispy, melty charm of a toasted sandwich. Perfect for lunch, dinner, or any time you want a comforting and fuss-free meal packed with gooey cheese, fresh toppings, and irresistible crunch.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 8-10 minutes
- Total Time: 18-20 minutes
- Yield: 2 paninis
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Gluten Free (if gluten-free bread is used)
Ingredients
Bread
- Ciabatta, focaccia, or sourdough bread (enough for desired number of paninis)
Cheese
- Mozzarella cheese slices (classic stretchy, melty goodness)
Tomato Sauce
- Tomato sauce, enough to generously spread on bread
Fresh Toppings
- Pepperoni slices
- Mushrooms, sliced
- Bell peppers, sliced
- Fresh spinach leaves
Extras
- Olive oil for brushing bread
- Italian herbs: oregano and basil
Instructions
- Prepare Your Bread: Slice your bread horizontally to create a top and bottom layer ready to hold all your fillings.
- Spread the Tomato Sauce: Generously spread a layer of tomato sauce evenly over the bottom half of the bread to keep each bite flavorful.
- Add Cheese and Toppings: Layer slices of mozzarella cheese over the sauce, then add chosen toppings like pepperoni, mushrooms, or spinach without overloading to prevent sogginess.
- Close and Brush: Place the top bread half over the fillings, then brush the outsides lightly with olive oil to achieve a golden, crispy finish.
- Grill the Panini: Place the sandwich in a preheated panini press or grill pan and cook on medium heat for 4-5 minutes per side until the cheese melts and the bread is crisp and golden brown.
Notes
- Spread sauce and toppings evenly to avoid soggy or uneven bites.
- Use fresh, quality cheese and toppings for elevated flavor.
- Avoid overstuffing to prevent messiness and ensure even grilling.
- Preheat the panini press or grill pan for optimal crispiness.
- Apply light pressure when pressing to melt cheese and crisp bread without squishing fillings.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 panini
- Calories: 350-450
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: pizza panini, quick panini, grilled sandwich, mozzarella panini, easy lunch, Italian sandwich
Find it online: https://marybaking.com/pizza-paninis/