Cooking with Brian

Grilled Panini

Panini sandwiches get their distinct look from the grill marks. I like to serve this grilled sandwich with soup or even salad. You can use this recipe to make multiple sandwiches. Just assemble them ahead of time, grill, and place in a warm oven until serving.

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon extra-light olive oil, or as needed
• 2 slices Italian bread
• 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
• 3 slices deli ham, or more to taste
• 2 slices Cheddar cheese
• 1 slice firm-ripe tomato
• 1 thin slice onion
• cooking spray

Directions

1. Drizzle olive oil on 1 side of each bread slice. Spread 1 tablespoon mayonnaise on other side of each slice.
2. Arrange layers of ham, Cheddar cheese, tomato, and onion on top. Top with other bread slice, mayonnaise-side down.
3. Heat a grill pan over medium-high heat; spray lightly with cooking spray. Place sandwich on grill pan; weigh it down with a heavy pan. Cook until cheese is melted and grill marks appear, 3 to 5 minutes per side.

Tips

This basic recipe is easily changed up with prosciutto, salami, or even turkey. This is also great as a veggie sandwich.

You can use French bread for Italian, extra-virgin olive oil for extra-light, and spreadable cheese for mayonnaise.

I recommend a George Forman grill because it eliminates the need for flipping. If you don’t have a grill pan, use a regular cast iron or nonstick skillet.