Photo credit: Rachael Ray Show
by Lisa Lozano
Happy National Panini Day! We’re celebrating this most delectable yet humble of foods by sharing three simple recipes that you can make to mark the occasion! And bonus – you don’t need a panini maker!
No. 1: Emeril's Late Night Mortadella Panini
Rachael Ray Show
Emeril’s delish panini was conceived of as a late-night snack, so he keeps it simple. He throws together a quick vinaigrette with garlic, oregano (fresh or dry), balsamic vinegar and olive oil, which he slathers onto halved crusty french bread, with even more olive oil drizzled on top. Next, layer sliced mozzarella and mortadella, and top with the other slice of bread.
Tip: If you don’t have a panini press (or if you do but you don’t feel like hauling it out and then having to clean it later) grill your panini in a skillet with another heavy pan on top.
No. 2: Kelsey Nixon’s Roasted Vegetable Panini with Herbed Feta Spread
Rachael Ray Show
For Kelsey’s healthy panini, she starts with sliced crusty bread and layers on a homemade herbed feta cheese spread, roasted vegetables and lettuce, and a second piece of bread. Then just grill or heat up in the panini press! Couldn’t be easier.
No. 3: Curtis Stone's Easy Honey-Glazed Ham Panini
Rachael Ray Show
For his panini, Curtis starts by making a fruit chutney that features mustard, brown sugar, vinegar and fruit, then slathers it onto focaccia with layers of honey ham, gruyere cheese and baby spinach, before grilling in a panini press (or using the two-pan method, as we learned above).
Tip: When making panini, always put the cheese on the top or bottom (or both) so that it gets close to the heat source and melts.
What’s your favorite kind of panini? Tell us in the comments.