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.