I wrote this with a crowd in mind, but you can certainly pare it down to whatever you need. So bust out your panini and get to work. You can even add a drizzle of sherry wine to the toppings and call it a “Sherry Panini” Get it?
Spicy Italian Panini
16 slices of good, hearty bread
Mayonnaise
Italian cheeses, see below
Italian deli meats, see below
Sliced pickled hot peppers, see below
Olive oil
Toppings: red onion, tomato slices, shredded lettuce, mixed greens, roasted red peppers, sweet peppers, olive oil, red wine vinegar, dried oregano
Lay out all your fillings and heat up your panini press.
Spread a thin coat of mayonnaise on two slices of bread.
Layer on the cheese, deli meats, and hot peppers. Close the sandwich and brush the outside of the bread with a little olive oil.
Put it onto your panini press and grill until the outside is golden brown and the cheese is melted.
Open the panini (carefully since it’s hot) and add your desired toppings. Slice in half and serve.
Italian Deli Meats: Salami, pepperoni, prosciutto, Coppa, Capocollo Soppressata, ham, mortadella.
Italian Cheeses: Provolone, fontina, and fresh mozzarella are all great choices, either sliced thinly or shredded.
Hot Peppers: Cherry peppers, pepperoncini’s, giardiniera or pickled jalapenos.
Grill Pan: I have a panini press, but you can use a foil lined brick as a press and a skillet.