The Essential Panini Press Cookbook: 100 Creative & Classic Recipes

by Sean Curry

From toasty to tasty—the complete guide to modern panini making

A hot panini press can turn any ordinary sandwich into a toasty, ooey-gooey delight. From time-honored Italian-style paninis to a freshly griddled fruit platter, this panini cookbook teaches you how to fire up your press and master the art of everything panini.

Start with the fundamentals of how to choose, use, and maintain a panini press. Then, learn how to stack your panini so the cheese gets extra-melty while the other ingredients stay crisp. With 100 delectable recipes, you'll find globally inspired panini creations, vegetarian and dairy-free options, breakfast sandwiches, and side dishes—plus the skills to experiment and craft whatever kind of panini inspires you.

This modern panini cookbook

Recipe refresh—The simple substitutions and creative, unique ingredients in this panini cookbook make classic, griddled sandwiches modern and fun.Getting saucy—Make every meal complete with dips, sauces, spreads, and marinades for any style of panini.A panini cookbook for all—Thoughtful ingredient swaps make each sandwich adaptable to different dietary requirements, even gluten-free and paleo.Fire up your press and start toasting the perfect panini today.

Genres: Cookbooks

167 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 14, 2025

Reviews

[Alicia Bayer · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a fun cookbook for those who want some new things to make in their panini press. While many of the recipes won't work for our family since we're gluten free and tend towards healthy, plant based meals, I can appreciate the flavors and also loved some of the ideas like making a panini with hash browns as the bread or apple slices with walnuts, honey and cheese. It would benefit from lots more photos and nutritional information. Still a fun book.

I received a copy from the publisher for review.

[Jill · Rating 4 out of 5]

There was a point several years ago where the panini press was the ideal kitchen accessory. If you’re like me, you probably have one in a cabinet somewhere, exiled there when the next shiny kitchen tool came along. Now may be the time to bring it back out and shine it up. And if you need some ideas to get you going with your panini press again, check out The Essential Panini Press Cookbook to get your creative juices flowing.

There are ideas for pretty typical pressed sandwiches, like a Cuban Panini (which is one of my favorite sandwiches), a BLT Panini, a Tuna Melt, or a Turkey, Cheddar, and Avocado Panini. But there are many creative ideas like a Mac and Cheese Panini, a Shrimp Cocktail Panini, a Buffalo Chicken Panini, or a Pepperoni Pizza Panini.

There are also ideas for using your panini press for things that aren’t sandwiches. You can roast Brussels sprouts or make some Watermelon Steaks. You can make skewers with shrimp, swordfish, or Hawaiian chicken, or you can use it to grill oysters. You can cook Pork Medallions or make a Bacon Weave. Or you can use it to make yourself a breakfast sandwich or something for dessert. Who doesn’t want a Huevos Rancheros Breakfast Queso-nini, or Egg and Avocado Toast, or a S’’mores Panini? With 100 recipes here, you can find something for everyone.

There are also tips for caring for your panini press and for building the perfect sandwich (who hasn’t had a sandwich fall apart on them because the tomato made everything too slick or the condiments all slid out? And speaking of condiments, there are recipes for homemade ones to dress up your sandwiches with Beer Mustard, Homemade Aioli, or a Basic Barbecue Sauce. There are also recipes for Coleslaws and Salads you can serve alongside the sandwiches or skewers to create a whole meal.

The Essential Panini Press Cookbook is a great addition to any kitchen with a panini press, and if you don’t have a panini press, you should think about getting one. It’s fairly inexpensive and offers cooking options in a small kitchen or for those days you don’t want to fire up the oven and stove. It’s an easy way to make a quick breakfast or lunch, and can even add something special to dinner or to dessert. All it takes is a few minutes, some good bread, a selection of tasty ingredients to put between, and a handy cookbook to educate and inspire.

Personally, I love the creativity in these recipes. I can’t wait to try the Pressed Caprese, the Pulled Pork Panini, and the Apple Cider Doughnut Panini. They sound absolutely delicious, and simple enough that anyone could pull them off.

A copy of The Essential Panini Press Cookbook was provided by Rockridge Press through the Callisto Media Publisher’s Club, with many thanks.

[jess ~has abandoned GR~ · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is surprisingly helpful.

It includes ideas for doing more than just sandwiches, like cooking different veggies or meats and even dessert. If nothing else, it will give you a new appreciation for that little appliance you probably got at a housewarming/wedding shower and stuck in that one cabinet you don't really use. Time to break it out and make some s'mores, guys.

And plus, these Rockridge Press books are usually free on Kindle unlimited and cost peanuts for the Kindle version.

arc received from the publisher for review

[Jen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great book! It covers a lot of different ideas. My son is very into paninis right now and this will help us break out of the usual. I’m excited to try a lot of these recipes with my family!

[Conny Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Start with the fundamentals of how to choose, use, and maintain a panini press. Then, learn how to stack your panini so the cheese gets extra-melty while the other ingredients stay crisp,” states the back cover of Sean Curry’s book, The Essential Panini Press Cookbook: 100 Creative & Classic Recipes.

~ What ~
This one-hundred-and-sixty-six-page paperback targets those interested in making mainly sandwiches with a panini machine. After an introduction, the book is divided into six sections that contain one hundred recipes, followed by measurement conversions, an index, acknowledgments, and the author’s biography.

The first chapter offers an overview of the panini machine and its features, use, cleaning, and care as well as how to stack a panini and Italian sandwich terms. The next five chapters cover vegetables, fruits, cheeses, poultry, seafood, beef, pork, breakfast, brunch, desserts, salads, spreads, slaws, and sauces.

Each one-to-two-page recipe begins with its title, followed by yield, prep/cook times, and a descriptive paragraph. The ingredients are listed in order used on the left side of the page with numbered directions on the right side. Often added are additions, prep tips, substitutions, and where to find specific ingredients.

~ Why ~
I love hearty sandwiches with delicious fresh bread that is toasted so making paninis are fun and creative. I like the simplistic instructions and variety of so many dish options with sometimes unique ingredients I would never expect in a panini.

Some of the notable recipes are Grilled Cheese with Brussels Sprouts, Cauliflower Cheesesteak, Perfectly Peared Press, Cajun Chicken Panini, Mediterranean Tuna Salad Panini, Grilled Oysters, the Great Hoagini, Chorizo Quesadilla, Pork Medallions, Garden State Throwdown, Caprese Avocado Toast, Apple Cider Doughnut Panini, Homemade Aioli, Mango-Lime Slaw, Orzo Salad, and Muffuletta Olive Spread.

~ Why Not ~
Those who do not like sandwiches, especially toasted or grilled ones, may have no need for this book. Others may have issues finding some of the ingredients such as pastrami, traditional mustard powder, and specialty hot sauce, but the suggestion locations added are helpful.

~ Wish ~
Being a visual person, I wish there were colored photographs of all completed dishes. It would be nice to have a detailed photograph of a panini machine so some could understand it better and realize a George Foreman Grill may work too.

~ Want ~
If you love crispy and sometimes gooey sandwiches that are restaurant quality, this cookbook may be the answer, especially if you want something tasty with unusual ingredients.

Thanks to Callisto Publisher’s Club and the author for this complimentary book that I am under no obligation to review.

[Sharon · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was given an opportunity, via the publisher, to read The Essential Panini Press Cookbook: 100 Creative and Classic Recipes. I voluntarily chose to review this cookbook and my opinion is freely given.

The Essential Panini Press Cookbook starts out with the basics, including how to choose a press to best fit your needs, how to clean and maintain it, and the best way to use it. As the author dives into the recipes, I was struck by the variety of the dishes. I was expecting all sandwiches, but many of the recipes do not even include bread. This is definitely a cookbook that shows off the panini press as versatile piece of kitchen equipment.

The recipe sections are as follows, with some of the standout dishes:

Vegetables, Fruits, and Cheeses: Kimchi Grilled Cheese; Cauliflower Cheesesteak; Red Pepper and Hummus Panini

Poultry and Seafood: Jerk Chicken and Mango-Lime Slaw; Cajun Chicken Panini; Shrimp Skewers

Beef and Pork: Hot Pastrami Panini; BLT Panini; Pork Medallions; Steak Panini

Breakfast, Brunch, and Desserts: Garden State Throwdown; S'mores Panini; Apple Cider Doughnut Panini; Grilled Fruit Platter

Salads, Spreads, Slaws, and Sauces: Sundried Tomato Pesto; Red Cabbage Coleslaw; Thai Coleslaw; Spinach Side Salad; Orzo Salad

There is a wide range of offerings that will help readers to look at the panini press in a new light. I would have loved more photographs, but the cookbook is interesting enough that I would recommend it to other readers.

[Witch-at-Heart · Rating 5 out of 5]

So like half of America I had to have Panini maker when they came out and once the novelty wore off (I have 4 kids at the time all teenage boys so it took forever to make a meal for 5 men lol) it was relegated to the I can barely get too it but can't part with it section of my kitchen. Well I had to bust out that little bad boy for this cookbook and I tell you what it will not be going back into the abyss. I just love this book!!

This book has all the classic favorites one would expect in a Panini cookbook and so much more!
With some of the boys off to college this will work out perfect for divine sandwich creations. There is a macaroni n cheese Panini recipe I mean YES Please :).

That is but one of many ideas I would not have thought of so it's great for switching things up and being creative. There are over 100 fantastic recipes. Not all of them are for me but they have really opened my eyes to the possibilities of what a Panini maker can do.

The Essential Panini Press Cookbook is a great go too addition for any kitchen with a Panini press.

I am just so surprised at the creativity in this cookbook. I would have never tried cooking some of the things in this book it is so much more versatile of a cooking tool then I ever gave it credit for! I am so glad I found this gem of a cookbook.

I highly recommend this book such great ideas.

I received this book from Callisto Publishing and Rockridge Press for an honest review.

[Claudia · Rating 4 out of 5]

The author right up front gives the reader important information on stacking your panini, beginning with the bread. I was surprised then to find that there are quite a few recipes included that while made on a panini press that are not paninis and do not involve bread, such as watermelon steaks, swordfish skewers, bunless bacon burger, and a grilled fruit platter. The final chapter includes recipes for salads, spreads, slaws, and sauces to complement the panini grilled foods. While this book would have to be used carefully by those watching their carbs or needing a gluten free diet, I assume anyone picking up a panini press cookbook would be aware of that. No nutritional or health information are included with the recipes in this book. There are a variety of recipes from sweet to savory. The key to all are the blends of both flavors and textures. The subtitle is accurate in that the recipes range from classic to trendy and creative pairings of ingredients. There are healthy recipes to be found here as well as more indulgent ones. Enjoy!

I am grateful to have received a copy of this book from RockRidge Press in exchanged for my honest opinion. I was under no obligation to provide a positive review, and received no monetary compensation.

[Renee Knoblauch · Rating 5 out of 5]

My mom made the best Panini’s. I’m ready to try making them myself. These recipes are nothing like my mom’s but they look scrumptious.

I don’t think my mom every made a Panini desert. It was always a breakfast, lunch, or a quick dinner one. If you want dessert you can make a Raspberry and Cream Cheese Finger Sandwiches with Chocolate Sauce or Pumpkin Spice Panini. For some reason I have my mind fixed on something sweet today!

This is a comprehensive Panini 101 cookbook. There is a fair amount of information on the Panini Press from cleaning it to using it. I guess there is an art to stacking your Panini’s! There is some information on breads, cheeses, meats, vegetables, and condiments.

A few recipes that caught my eye are Mac and Cheese Panini, PB& JP, Meatball Panini, Hawaiian Chicken Skewers, and of course you can forget about the classic Ultimate Grilled Cheese.
All the recipes are laid out nicely from prepping the ingredients, stacking it, and pressing the Panini. There are suggested additions throughout to make it your own creation.

A great Panini cookbook that has a Panini Press on my wish list.

I received a copy of this product from Callisto Publisher's in exchange for my honest review. I was not required to write a positive review.

[ME · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received an advance publishers copy.

I was cynical that there could be truly 100 panini recipes when I first selected this book, but with two young kids, hot sandwich’s are always a hit. Lo and behold, this book is not all sandwiches and is worth it for the watermelon steak recipe alone. There are recipes that require pre-panini press cooking (butternut squash for the squash and goat cheese), but if the recipes are read ahead, it should be easy enough to prep the night prior with dinner etc.

[Tammy · Rating 4 out of 5]

The cookbook was a great idea generator of what you could put and press on the Panini Maker! Help get the family's creative juices flowing of what they could build!

Disclaimer: I received a copy of the book from the publisher with no expectation in return. The thoughts and words above are my own.

[Cassandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a complimentary copy.

A yum filled book of recipes that are simple but will need to be modified for dietary needs.

[Karrie · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5

It has every kind of sandwich you can think of PLUS breakfast ones like strawberries 💜