Easy Italian Panini Sandwiches

4.1

(15)

This pressed sandwich is packed with salami, two cheeses, roasted red peppers, and marinated artichokes, then grilled or heated in the oven.

Italian grilled sandwich — Credit:
Con Poulos

Prep Time:

30 mins

Total Time:

1 hr 55 mins

Servings:

4

Our panini sandwich packs roasted red peppers, marinated artichokes, two kinds of cheeses, and thinly sliced salami between slices of crispy ciabatta bread. It's pressed for at least an hour (or up to eight) to allow the flavors to meld. Then it’s grilled or heated in the oven to melt the cheese. The sandwich is simply cut into slices and passed around. While Italian in concept, it also takes inspiration from the muffaletta and brings a little New Orleans to the table. It's great for a casual meal anytime and altogether irresistible.

Directions

Preheat oven; prep and toast bread:

Preheat oven to 375°F. Split bread horizontally; scoop out soft interior and reserve for croutons or breadcrumbs (see below recipe). Brush inside of each bread half with oil. Bake, cut-side up, until toasted, about 7 minutes. Let cool completely.
Assemble sandwich:

Spread tapenade on bottom half of bread; add provolone and mozzarella. Top with peppers, artichokes, and salami. Scatter top with arugula. Top with other bread half; press to sandwich.
Wrap, press, and refrigerate:

Wrap tightly with foil. Place a heavy skillet on top; weigh down with canned goods. Refrigerate at least 1 hour and up to 8 hours.
Preheat grill; cook sandwich:

Preheat a grill to medium, or oven to 375°F. Transfer wrapped sandwich to grill and cover (or transfer to oven); cook, flipping once, until cheese begins to melt and bread is crisp, about 20 minutes. Remove foil, slice, and serve.

Make Cheesy Croutons With the Inside of the Bread

To make cheesy croutons from the scooped-out bread, tear it into one-inch pieces and toss with two tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil and one tablespoon grated Parmesan. Season with salt and pepper and bake at 375°F until golden and crisp, about 15 minutes.