Looking for some new lunch ideas? Search no further than these 20 amazing panini recipes!
It’s amazing to think that with a just few simple ingredients, you can make something magical.
From savory to sweet, I’ve got you covered with this list of creative combos that will satisfy any craving!
1. Prosciutto and Provolone Panini Sandwiches
Prosciutto is a dry-cured ham from Italy that’s thinly sliced. It’s a great addition to dishes to add depth and salty flavor and really shines alongside provolone and pesto. Plus, it’s also a fun thing to try and say quickly.
Have some extra fun and try to say provolone, prosciutto and pesto panini as fast as you can. For even more fun, try saying it while enjoying every single delicious bite of this savory sandwich.
2. Grilled Chicken Avocado Panini
You don’t need fancy bread to make this tasty panini. This easy but wonderful version uses slices of wholewheat bread that are thickly cut. Between those slices, fresh tomato, cheese, mashed avocado and grilled chicken make for a flavorful experience.
Lightly grill it all, and you have a warm, melty, and delicious brunch, lunch, or dinner option. All those good fats and lean protein make this one nutritious, too. The best way to enjoy this panini is with a fresh salad.
3. Nutella Panini
If your kids can’t get enough of that chocolatey hazelnut spread, they will be huge fans of this snack that’s kid-friendly and also wonderfully messy and melty. Are you nervous about all that sugar?
Then try to sneak in some fruit. Strawberries, bananas, and pears are all great choices for this wonderfully tasty sandwich.
4. Strawberry, Turkey, and Brie Grilled Cheese Sandwich
The combination of brie, turkey, and cranberry is something you have probably had many times, but this panini kicks it up a notch.
Swapping out the cranberries with sweet strawberries changes everything. Every bite sings with bright, juicy flavor, perfectly balancing the sweet and savory.
5. Chocolate and Brie Panini
Dessert paninis are at their best when they can combine sweet and savory notes. This recipe is a perfect example, combining dark, smoky chocolate with brie that’s tangy and creamy. It may seem like an odd combination, but it’s amazing.
Make sure to add this one to your list of recipes you need to try soon, and once you try that center that’s sweet and salty with soft sourdough, you won’t ever think of chocolate or paninis the same again.
6. Grilled Chicken Bacon Onion Panini
This panini is the ideal choice if you want a filling but healthy lunch option. This plate of perfection is worthy of any restaurant and easy to make at home.
It features sourdough, soft but strong enough to hold it all together. It’s all pressed and toasted, and then it’s piled high with a mix of fresh spinach, caramelized onions, salty bacon, and lean grilled chicken.
Is this the reason lunch was created? Maybe.
7. Apple Pie Panini
Panini and pie, what could be better? You’ll be swooning over this recipe that’s unique and features brown sugar crusted raisin bread, juicy green apple slices, and honey whipped mascarpone.
What is it? Is it French toast? What about a panini or pie?
It doesn’t matter. You’ll be too busy enjoying each and every single bite.
8. Italian Grilled Caprese Panini
It’s almost as good as visiting Southern Italy when you eat this panini. You can showcase all of the best fresh flavors that this region has to offer with juicy tomatoes and creamy mozzarella. If you enjoy Caprese salad, this will quickly become your go-to panini recipe.
It has all the must-have flavors. Light cheese, thick-cut tomatoes, and basil are there. Olive oil, ciabatta buns, and balsamic vinegar bring everything together to make this an amazing lunch.
9. Pizza Panini
Do you want to show your affection for the stellar cuisine of Italy? If so, you can combine their two best dishes – pizza and panini. The recipe is also quick and full of amazing flavor.
Why mess around with pizza dough when it’s so much easier to just use a loaf, add on your favorite ingredients, then grill it until it’s melty and delicious? The wonderful thing about pizza is that it’s adaptable, so you can use any combination of ingredients. Don’t forget the cheese when you load up your panizza.
10. Bruschetta Panini
Bruschetta is a favorite appetizer from Italy with crusty bread with tomatoes, mozzarella, and fresh basil on top. Those key ingredients are reimagined here in a cheesy and flavorful panini that offers a tasty new take on the average grilled cheese.
You can pair this panini with a salad or soup for a complete lunch, or you can offer it as an appetizer for dinners that are more fancy. For both special occasions and family brunches, you will want to keep this recipe around.
11. Mushroom and Goat Cheese Veggie Panini
This mushroom and goat cheese panini is another great option that’s vegetarian and will wow any healthy eaters you know, maybe even converting a few meat lovers.
This panini is crispy on the outside and flavorful, gooey, and salty inside. Sourdough focaccia makes it amazing, so it’s perfect for picnics or a wonderful snack.
12. Italian Panini
You are going to need a big appetite for this panini that’s authentic. Because it’s made with a full loaf of Italian bread, it’s not a choice for those who don’t love to eat!
Slice the loaf lengthwise, scooping out the bread. Then, fill the hollowed halves with deli meat, veggies, and cheese before grilling.
You have an important choice. You can either slice it up to share, or enjoy the entire thing yourself.
13. Loaded Turkey Panini
Did you end up with too much turkey for Thanksgiving, or perhaps you made way too much for your Sunday lunch? You can easily cut down on food waste with this panini that’s stacked high with amazing flavors.
This satisfying sandwich has juicy pear, cranberries, turkey, two cheeses that melt well, and bacon that’s crispy and gives it a bit of crunch. The most important ingredient is sage, which is fried until crisp and fragrant before going into this panini.
14. Eggplant Panini With Pesto
This eggplant panini is a great light lunch that’s veggie-friendly and will call to mind memories of warm days and cool nights from the summer.
This panini is stuffed with pesto, mozzarella, and tomato, with eggplant brushed with olive oil and fried. Make sure to take advantage of your summer squash with this heavenly sandwich.
15. Peanut Butter Banana Chocolate Chip Panini
This panini might be the most decadent choice in this collection of recipes, but this recipe isn’t as bad as you might think. It features protein-rich peanut butter and dark chocolate that has lots of antioxidants. It even includes banana, so you could say it’s for breakfast!
If you pay attention to the ingredients you choose, you can use whole grain bread, chocolate chips with lots of cocoa, and unsweetened butter to help you keep the sugar down.
16. Ham, Apple and Swiss Panini
It can really kick up the flavor when you add fruit to a panini. This panini has just the right amount of sweet and bright flavor.
You’ll love that this sandwich has swiss cheese that’s gooey, tender apple that’s crisp, and shredded ham that’s soft and delicious. That tangy and creamy taste is elevated with a sauce that includes mustard and mayo, so you just know that this recipe is a keeper.
17. Bacon and Eggs Breakfast Panini
A great breakfast is a wonderful way to start the day, so make sure that you have a day that’s successful with this high-protein and wonderfully flavorful sandwich. You’ll love the combination of salty bacon, melted cheese, and buttery scrambled eggs to power through your day until you can enjoy this one again for lunch.
I’m just kidding. Sort of.
18. Cheesy Veggie Panini
This panini that’s fresh is crave-worthy, satisfying, and flavorful. You can make it on meatless Mondays, when your vegetarian friends are over, or for weekend brunches.
It has cheese, spinach, tomato, and avocado. Make this meal extra great and extra healthy by enjoying this tasty panini with a fresh salad.
19. Pesto Panini with Mozzarella and Tomato
There’s a great reason Italians love pesto. A tasty combination of parmesan, fresh basil, and pine nuts, this spread is a wonderful addition to almost any dish.
For this delicious panini, sourdough bread is slathered with this delicious pesto. You’ll also add thick slices of tomato along with melty mozzarella. Toast until golden and crispy, and you’ll find yourself in veggie heaven.
20. Vegetarian Apple Cheddar Panini Sandwich
Cheddar that’s mature and crisp apples work together in perfect harmony for this meal. This panini recipe gets all it can out of this pairing that’s tasty and tart.
This panini proves that you don’t need to work too hard at sandwiches, featuring bread, cheese, honey mustard, and apples. Sometimes, keeping it simple is what makes something great.