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Lifestyle

31 Life-Changing Panini Recipes for Each Day of National Panini Month

This article is written by a student writer from the Spoon University at U Mich chapter.

August is National Panini Month, meaning it’s time to bring out the panini press that’s been sitting in the way back of your cabinet for the past year. Oh, yeah, you totally forgot you had one of those. You can use a panini press so many different ways – anything from grilling veggies and fruits, to making perfect quesadillas, and even assembling the best burritos.

Gif courtesy of giphy.com

However, this month, our focus is to make panini sandwiches – everything from sweet to salty, including ingredients you wouldn’t ever think to try. The 31 recipes listed below are categorized by breakfast, lunch, dinner, and dessert, so there’s really no reason to miss out on a panini for any meal. Let’s get grillin’.

Breakfast

1. Bacon & Egg Panini

Photo courtesy of wineandglue.com

A quick fix for that early morning class or internship.

2. Banana PB Wafflenini

Photo by Maggie Lees

Because when did a peanut butter-banana-waffle combo ever sound bad to anyone?

3. Breakfast Bistro Panini

Photo courtesy of tasteofhome.com

Layer bacon, eggs, brie, apples, and spinach for a well-rounded breakfast sandwich.

4. Veggie Hummus English Muffin Panini

Photo by Jade Hsiao

Who knew there were so many ways to make English muffins?

5. Almond Plum Ricotta Panini

Photo courtesy of williams-sonoma.com

Make your own jam from fresh plums, or use sweet plum preserves.

#SpoonTip: A small serving of lemon juice will add more taste to the almond and the ricotta.

6. Peach, Fontina & Bacon Panini

Photo courtesy of traceysculinaryadventures.com

This panini features sweet peach and savory bacon, balanced with buttery fontina cheese.

Lunch

7. Kale, Garlic & Cheddar Panini

Photo courtesy of paninihappy.com

Like a grilled cheese, but with kale (so a very trendy grilled cheese).

8. Fried Ham, Cheddar & Apple Panini

Photo courtesy of Justin Shannin

Whoever woke up and said ham and apple could be really special together – was a genius.

9. PB & J Panini

Photo courtesy of Tarika Narain

This one is a tribute to our childhood, but using a panini press makes us sound so adult, right?

10. Greenini

Photo courtesy of Tarika Narain

All green errythang.

11. Crunchy Granola Panini

Photo courtesy of Tarika Narain

Sourdough, sharp cheddar, hummus, alfalfa sprouts and sesame sticks. Are we outta the woods yet?

12. Avocadelicious Cubanini 

Photo courtesy of Hannah Cooper

A Cuban-style turkey and avocado sandwich.

Dinner

13. Lemon-Basil Grilled Cheese Panini

Photo courtesy of paninihappy.com

The title sounds like something out of your great aunt’s backyard garden, so it must be good.

14. Spinach Artichoke Panini

Photo by Tess Wei

Follow this recipe, but use a panini press instead of a frying pan.

15. Grilled Mac & Cheese Panini

Photo by Lauren Thiersch

Oh baby.

16. Chicken, Brie, Fig & Arugula Panini

Photo courtesy of paninihappy.com

Once you realize how easy this one is, those fancy restaurant chefs won’t seem so special after all.

17. Pizza Panini

Photo by Tarika Narain

What’s a list without pizza? Go ahead and customize it with your favorite toppings, too.

18. Leonardo DiCapreseo

Photo by Tarika Narain

The name is almost better than the actual panini – almost.

19. Turkey, Brie, Pear & Cherry Chipotle Panini

Photo courtesy of cookincanuck.com

A sweet, but lightly bitter sandwich that almost resembles a Thanksgiving feast.

20. Chipotle Chicken, Bacon & Ranch Panini

Photo courtesy of whatscookinglove.com

Think Sunday football games or late Saturday nights.

21. Margherita Panini

Photo courtesy of eatyourselfskinny.com

It only takes five ingredients to get the taste of a Margherita pizza right in your own kitchen.

22. Rustic Overload Panini

Photo by Tarika Narain

Black bean, Lemon Colby, sharp cheddar, and ham – for the lovers of cheese and meat.

Dessert

23. Nutella Banana Marshmallow Panini

Photo courtesy of bellalimento.com

Another great combination that includes banana and excludes only the haters of deliciousness.

24. Strawberry Nutella Panini

Photo by Tarika Narain

“Don’t need no man-ini.” Pair with Ben & Jerry’s for a Netflix Friday night.

25. Blueberry White Chocolate Panini

Photo courtesy of alwaysorderdessert.com

White chocolate might not be for everyone, but this panini definitely is.

26. S’mores Panini

Photo by Tarika Narain

I’ll have s’more paninis, please.

27. Peaches & Creme Pound Cake Panini

Photo courtesy of todaysnest.com

Is it a cake or is it a panini? Unclear, but clear on the fact that it’s mouthwatering.

28. Blueberry Mascarpone Panini

Photo courtesy of lorimerkitchen.com

BRB, quick trip to Paris.

29. Apple Pienini

Photo courtesy of fifteenspatulas.com

Sweet summer apple with Mascarpone and brown sugar.

30. Apple Pumpkin Spice Panini

Photo by Tarika Narain

Sounds a lot like your basic Starbucks drink, but it’s just so much more.

31. Red, Wheat & Blue Panini

Photo by Tarika Narain

America’s birthday might be in July, but who says you can’t celebrate it all summer long?

There you have it. If you find yourself bored during the final dog days of summer, try these recipes to get your panini fix. You can also mix and match these ingredients to create endless sandwich possibilities.

Ali Barzyk

U Mich '18