Best 21 Panini Recipes That Will Make Your Mouth Water

Sometimes, you want a different type of sandwich, and one of the best ways to do this is by enjoying a panini. Paninis can have different fillings and are typically made with Italian bread, such as ciabatta, rosetta, and michetta.

Best 21 Panini Recipes That Will Make Your Mouth Water

The best way to enjoy a panini is grilled or toasted, but if you’re unsure what to put in your panini, we’re here to help.

In this selection, we’ve found some of our favorite panini recipes for you to enjoy. So if you want a panini for breakfast, lunch, or supper, consider checking out this article.

We have included a selection of 21 different paninis to enjoy regardless of the time of day. Whether you’re looking for breakfast, lunch, supper, or dessert, there’s a panini here for everyone. 

1. Turkey, Bacon, And Avocado Panini

If you’re thinking of having a panini for breakfast or lunch, you could make a turkey, bacon, and avocado panini. This panini is easy to prepare, and you can even adjust the flavors by adding more to your panini.

Add tomato and mozzarella cheese for additional flavor, making them a versatile sandwich. 

2. Chipotle Chicken Bacon Ranch Panini

As a contender in the Boar’s Head Boldest Bracket Challenge, this Chipotle chicken bacon ranch panini became a prime contender. It has a bold taste, adding flavor to your sandwich.

The spice comes from the meat, and the heat amplifies it from the grilled panini. It’s an easy sandwich to prepare but has plenty of flavors. 

3. Grilled Chicken And Pesto Panini

If you enjoy chicken and pesto, then you will love this panini. It’s made of grilled chicken, pesto sauce, mozzarella cheese, and fresh tomato.

Fresh pesto is known for refreshing, so that you can make and spread it in your sandwich. Best of all, this recipe is quick to make and can make when you have places to go.

4. Chicken Parm Panini

Although it isn’t directly Italian, this is an Italian-inspired panini. Chicken Parm is more of an American-Italian dish, but if you crave the flavors of this dish in a compact form, this is the recipe for you.

While it does have more steps than your average panini, the number of flavors in this dish is worth the effort. 

5. Mushroom And Goat Cheese Veggie Panini

Are you looking for a panini with plenty of texture and without meat? Then, you can try this mushroom and goat cheese panini. It’s perfect for vegetarians; you can eat it hot or cold.

This dish is perfect for the summer months, as you don’t need to use the oven, and it’s a simple recipe to cook. You don’t even need a panini press, which makes it ideal for any vegetarian looking for a different kind of sandwich. 

6. Italian-Style Panini

Paninis have a history in Italy, so it’s no surprise that there’s a specific Italian-style recipe for you to enjoy. Combining a mixture of Italian cured meats and mozzarella, bread, and pesto, this panini is one of the most filling recipes we’ve ever seen.

You can even adjust it for vegetarians by replacing the meat with roast red peppers and baked eggplant. 

7. Pizza Panini Sandwich

There’s no denying the age-old love for pizza, and with this recipe, you can create pizza to a whole new level. The bread is made from miniature pizza crusts, and the inside is filled with pepperoni, (see also: What Is Pepperoni Made Of?)cheese, spices, and your chosen pizza sauce.

Of course, if you have other favorite pizza toppings, feel free to adjust the recipe to your tastes.

8. Turkey Cranberry Panini

Do you have leftovers from Thanksgiving? If you have some leftover turkey and cranberry sauce, place them in your ciabatta bread and enjoy. You can also add some onions for extra flavor; depending on the sauce, you may need to water it down.

This is one of the best recipes to ensure your leftovers are not wasted.

9. California Smoked Chicken Panini

This smoked chicken panini contains everything you want in a panini. There are plenty of textures, flavors, and aromas to enjoy. Combine with layers of melted cheese, sliced avocados, tomato, smoked chicken, flavorful bell pepper, and garlic aioli.

As you can see, there’s plenty of texture to enjoy, and you can choose between sourdough or Italian bread. 

10. Grilled Ham And Cheese Panini

There is nothing more satisfying than a classic grilled ham and cheese panini. You can use these for any holiday leftovers you have.

With a selection of mozzarella or swiss cheese with a ham of your choice, you can add spinach and lettuce if you want some additional fresh flavors. 

11. BBQ Chicken Panini


If you enjoy BBQ paninis, you’ll love this meat-filled chicken panini with plenty of BBQ sauce. It is made with shredded chicken and bacon and slathered in melted cheese.

This panini works perfectly with a side of salad or French fries, making it a delicious supper for anyone who wants to make a quick meal. 

12. Meatloaf Panini

Do you have any leftover meatloaf you’re unsure what to do with? If so, we have the recipe for you. We have a delicious meatloaf panini with cheese, mayonnaise, and butter.

You can make this for lunch or supper, so feel free to make this next time you want to try something different with your leftover meatloaf.

13. Grilled Caprese Sandwich

Caprese is a simple Italian salad. Consider filling your panini if you don’t feel like eating from a bowl. Combine your usual tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil ingredients, and season it with your favorite spices.

You can include lettuce or pesto sauce to enjoy with any foods you have left in the fridge. It also suits vegetarians, so feel free to have this next time you want an easy meal.

14. Corned Beef Panini

Corned beef is a staple in many households, and it’s a surprisingly versatile meat. While you can usually enjoy it in a traditional sandwich and many other meals, consider using it in your panini.

Feel free to use this with any leftovers you have, but don’t forget that it works best if you have caramelized Guinness onions to go with it. 

15. Ham And Gruyère Panini

Ham and cheese is a traditional choice for panini lovers. Still, you can take it to a whole new level by switching your usual cheese with Gruyère.

Try this recipe with honey-cured ham and a combination of Chipotle and regular mayonnaise. By including normal mayonnaise, you can ensure that your panini will have a perfectly crisp exterior.

16. Strawberry Nutella Panini

While most of these paninis have been savory, that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy a decadent dessert panini. Nutella and strawberries are a delicious combination. Kids and adults love these paninis, and you can serve them with powdered sugar or ice cream.

For extra flavor, add some cinnamon with your powdered sugar. If you serve these for lunch, who needs dessert?

17. Turkey, Apple, And Cheddar Panini

This panini is the perfect fall recipe, combining apple, turkey, and cheddar. While the turkey and cheddar offer a traditional savory taste, adding apples adds sweetness. Add your honey mustard, and you’ll be guaranteed a delicious fall treat perfect for lunch.

18. Roasted Vegetable Panini

Do you want a panini that is suitable for both vegetarians and vegans? If so, we’ve found a delicious roasted vegetable panini with bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, asparagus, (see also: How To Freeze Asparagus)and your choice of vegan mozzarella.

Likewise, you can also add vegan pesto that you can make at home. 

19. Blueberry, White Chocolate, And Marshmallow Panini

To add another dessert option to our selection of paninis, we’ve found a delicious blueberry, white chocolate, and marshmallow edition that you must try.

Combining the sweetness of blueberry and white chocolate with marshmallows, it feels like a panini s’more. Originally a child’s experiment, this recipe has been adjusted to become a perfect dessert.

20. S’mores Panini

While the previous recipe may feel like a s’mores panini, it isn’t like the real thing. That’s why we’ve found this delicious s’mores panini to try.

This panini is popular among adults and children alike, made of marshmallow fluff and Hershey’s chocolate. If you don’t want to make s’mores but still crave the taste, consider this panini instead. 

21. Nutella Bacon French Toast Panini

Are you looking for a sweet breakfast treat? Look no further, as we have this delicious Nutella and bacon panini, which has been sandwiched between two slices of French toast.

This panini is heavenly, and you’ll find it difficult to look at any panini in the same way again. Make your French toast with a combination of cinnamon, vanilla, and egg, and you’re certain to have a sweet bread that will give you a kickstart to your day.

Final Thoughts

We hope that these panini recipes have inspired you to try out a host of different flavor varieties. There’s so much you can do for paninis, and these sandwiches don’t have to be saved for only one meal of the day.

If you want further inspiration, please check out our other articles!

Kaitlyn James
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