Celebrate National Panini Month with Abigail's Oven Sourdough Bread

August is not only #NationalSandwichMonth but #NationalPaniniMonth too. Join us at Abigail's Oven as we celebrate both on our REAL™ Sourdough Bread. The bread is the most important ingredient, so make sure to use a good quality bread that will hold up to the weight of the fillings and the heat of the panini press.

Paninis are typically made with Italian bread, such as ciabatta or focaccia. But our sourdough is sturdy enough to do the job and each loaf has a nice flavor that compliments the other ingredients. 

"Panini’s can be made from a variety of options. Paninis are especially good when pressed flat in a 'panini press.' They resemble waffle irons, only with flat plates. A panini press is a versatile device. You can use it to make French toast, grilled cheese sandwiches, pita chips, omelets, pizza and your favorite breakfast sandwiches. Paninis go great with chili, coleslaw, French Fried potatoes, and your favorite soup!"[1]  

Here are some tips on how to make a great sandwich during this National Panini Month:

1. Choose your favorite fillings. There are many different fillings that you can use for a panini, so get creative and experiment with different flavors. Some popular fillings include:
• Ham and cheese
• Turkey and cheese
• Grilled chicken or vegetables
• Pesto and mozzarella
• Bacon, Lettuce and Tomato (add the lettuce after the grilling)
• Avocado
• Nutella and banana
2. Spread a thin layer of butter or olive oil on the outside of the bread. This will help to prevent the bread from sticking to the panini press and will also add flavor.
3. Assemble the sandwich and place it in the panini press. Make sure that the fillings are evenly distributed and that the bread overlaps slightly.
4. Cook the panini for 5–6 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted.
5. Serve hot and enjoy! 

Here are some additional tips for making a great panini:

• Use a panini press or grill pan to get the best results. A panini press will give you a nice, even sear on both sides of the sandwich.
• If you don't have a panini press, you can use a grill pan or a heavy skillet. Just make sure to press down on the sandwich with a spatula or a heavy object to get a good sear.
• Don't overcrowd the panini press. If you put too many sandwiches in the panini press at once, they won't cook evenly.
• Be patient. It takes a few minutes for the bread to get golden brown and the cheese to melt. Don't rush it or you'll end up with a soggy sandwich.

With these tips, you'll be making great paninis in no time, especially with this recipe below!

Grilled Caprese Panini Recipe

Here is our recipe for a grilled caprese panini on our Garlic Rosemary Sourdough Bread:

Ingredients:

• 2 slices of Abigail's Oven Garlic Rosemary or Country Loaf
• 1 slice of fresh mozzarella cheese
• 2-3 this slices of Roma tomato (other tomatoes are too juicy for a panini)
• A handful of fresh basil leaves
• 1 Tbsp olive oil mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon of olive oil (or olive oil spray)
• Italian seasoning, salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Spread or spritz a thin layer of olive oil on the outside of each slice of bread.
2. Top one slice of bread with the mayo, mozzarella cheese, tomato slices, basil leaves, Italian seasoning, and salt and pepper to taste.
3. Place the other slice of bread on top, olive oil-side up.
4. If you have a panini press, use it to cook the sandwich for 3-5 minutes per side, or until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted.
   If you don't have a panini press, you can use a grill pan or a heavy skillet. Just make sure to press down on the sandwich with a spatula or a heavy object to get a good sear.
5. Serve hot and enjoy!

Variations

1. Smoky Caprese: used smoked mozzarella cheese, tomato and basil, cooked until golden.
2. Turkey Pesto Caprese: caprese recipe above with slices of turkey breast and a smear of pesto on each slice.
3. Other variations could include "anchovies and capers, or prosciutto and Parmesan cheese."[2]

Here are some additional tips for making any grilled caprese panini:

• Use fresh mozzarella cheese for the best flavor.
• Choose ripe tomatoes that are not too watery.
• Use fresh basil leaves for the best flavor.
• Season with salt and pepper to taste.
• Cook the sandwich until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted.
• Serve hot and enjoy!

This grilled caprese panini is a delicious and satisfying sandwich that is perfect for a light lunch or dinner. The fresh mozzarella cheese, tomatoes, and basil combine to create a flavorful and refreshing sandwich that is sure to please. The olive oil helps to keep the bread from sticking to the panini press and also adds flavor. This is a great recipe to try if you are looking for a delicious and easy-to-make panini.

_________________________

SOURCES

[1] National Day Calendar.com, NATIONAL PANINI MONTH – August

[2] ibid.

And remember, if you are looking for a place to get delicious sourdough bread for Sunday brunch, we are in more than 30 stores throughout Utah, at Farmers Markets in Ogden, SLC Downtown, Murray, So Jordan, Draper, Daybreak, Provo, and Spanish Fork. Or course, on weekdays you can always drop by The Store at the Bakery: Mon 12:00 PM-5:00 PM, Tue 9:00 AM-5:00 PM, and Wed-Fri 10:00 AM-5:00 PM, at 421 South 200 East in Spanish Fork, Utah.