George Foreman Grill: Paninis

Recipes by Petra

I was asked for recipes on how to make paninis on the George Foreman grill. As I don't have one anymore this comes without pictures :) Also, there are pretty much a thousand and one variations to this 'recipe' as it is mostly about what you like to eat, combine and your own creativity.

You can use any bread you like but the best for this is really the better quality rustic type breads (definitely NOT Wonder Bread!!) like e.g. ciabatta bread or bread with rosemary and garlic in it, whatever you fancy.


Option 1:

On your bread of choice put little bit of butter on inside and outside of the sandwich. Put a slice of cheese (your choice but for this one I prefer pepper jack), 2 slices of Genoa salami and 2-3 rings of red onion on it and put it on the preheated grill. Press down and check in approx. 4-5 minutes. Done when the cheese is melting and the bread is golden brown. Serve as is or with chips on the side and a pickle (optional).


Option 2:

On your bread of choice put pesto on the inside of your sandwich. Add a layer of goat's cheese (chevre), some grilled red bell peppers (they are sold in a jar where they keep the olives) and a bit of arugula drizzled with just a sprinkle of olive oil, salt and pepper and put the other slice of bread on top. Brush the outside of the sandwich with a little olive oil and put on preheated grill. Press down and check in approx. 4-5 minutes. Done when the cheese is melting and the bread is golden brown. Serve as is or with chips on the side and a pickle (optional).


Option 3:

If you like mozarella, tomatoes and basil for lunch as a salad, you can also put this on bread, brush outside with olive oil and put on preheated grill. Press down and check in approx. 4-5 minutes. Done when the cheese is melting and the bread is golden brown. Serve as is or with chips on the side and a pickle (optional).
You just made yourself a Caprese panini! ;) You can add anchovy to it or add pesto and chicken breast or turkey; the options are limitless!

Option 4:

On your bread of choice put butter on the inside of your sandwich. Add a layer of Brie, a layer of fruit e.g. slices of pear, apple whatever you like, chop up a few walnuts and add those. Press down and check in approx. 4-5 minutes. Done when the cheese is melting and the bread is golden brown. You can serve this with some slices of cheese and crackers or some grapes on the side.

Option 5:

On your bread of choice put mustard on the inside of your sandwich. Put a layer of roast beef, some onion and Gruyere or Swiss cheese on the sandwich. Press down and check in approx. 4-5 minutes. Done when the cheese is melting and the bread is golden brown. Serve with e.g. potato salad.

As you can see we can go on and on just with simple and few ingredients you can have a warm meal and forgot about the ordinary sandwich :)