If you're looking for a quick and easy meal that's packed with flavor, Panera Bread's paninis are a great place to start. These delicious sandwiches are made with fresh ingredients and come in a variety of flavors, from classic grilled cheese to spicy chipotle chicken. In this article, we'll be sharing some of our favorite Panera panini recipes, along with instructions on how to make them at home. Whether you're a seasoned chef or a beginner in the kitchen, these recipes are sure to impress.
Ingredients
Before we dive into the recipes, let's take a look at some of the ingredients you'll need to make Panera paninis at home. These ingredients can be found at most grocery stores and are relatively easy to come by. For the bread: - Sourdough bread - Ciabatta bread - Focaccia bread For the fillings: - Fresh mozzarella cheese - Cheddar cheese - Chicken breast - Turkey breast - Ham - Bacon - Tomatoes - Red onions - Spinach - Arugula - Chipotle sauce - Pesto sauce - Mustard - Mayonnaise
Instructions
Now that we have our ingredients, let's get started on the recipes.
1. Classic Grilled Cheese
Ingredients: - Sourdough bread - Cheddar cheese - Butter Instructions: 1. Preheat a panini press or a skillet over medium heat. 2. Butter one side of each slice of bread. 3. Place one slice of bread, butter-side down, on the panini press. 4. Add a generous amount of cheddar cheese on top of the bread. 5. Top with the second slice of bread, butter-side up. 6. Cook on the panini press until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted, about 4-5 minutes. 7. Serve hot and enjoy!
2. Chipotle Chicken Panini
Ingredients: - Ciabatta bread - Chicken breast - Chipotle sauce - Fresh mozzarella cheese - Red onions - Spinach Instructions: 1. Preheat a panini press or a skillet over medium heat. 2. Season the chicken breast with salt and pepper. 3. Cook the chicken breast in a skillet until fully cooked, about 6-7 minutes per side. 4. Slice the ciabatta bread in half and spread chipotle sauce on the bottom half. 5. Add a few slices of fresh mozzarella cheese on top of the sauce. 6. Top with cooked chicken breast, sliced red onions, and spinach. 7. Add a few more slices of mozzarella cheese on top of the chicken. 8. Place the top half of the ciabatta bread on top of the cheese. 9. Cook on the panini press until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted, about 4-5 minutes. 10. Serve hot and enjoy!
3. Turkey and Bacon Panini
Ingredients: - Focaccia bread - Turkey breast - Bacon - Fresh mozzarella cheese - Tomatoes - Arugula - Pesto sauce Instructions: 1. Preheat a panini press or a skillet over medium heat. 2. Cook the bacon in a skillet until crispy, about 4-5 minutes per side. 3. Slice the focaccia bread in half and spread pesto sauce on the bottom half. 4. Add a few slices of fresh mozzarella cheese on top of the sauce. 5. Top with sliced turkey breast, cooked bacon, sliced tomatoes, and arugula. 6. Add a few more slices of mozzarella cheese on top of the fillings. 7. Place the top half of the focaccia bread on top of the cheese. 8. Cook on the panini press until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted, about 4-5 minutes. 9. Serve hot and enjoy!
Nutrition
While these Panera panini recipes are delicious, they're also relatively high in calories and fat. Here's a breakdown of the nutrition information for each recipe: - Classic Grilled Cheese: 550 calories, 34g fat, 36g carbs, 24g protein - Chipotle Chicken Panini: 650 calories, 34g fat, 48g carbs, 38g protein - Turkey and Bacon Panini: 750 calories, 44g fat, 50g carbs, 43g protein While these sandwiches aren't exactly low-calorie options, they can be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet. You can also make some slight modifications to the recipes to make them a bit healthier, such as using whole grain breads and reducing the amount of cheese and sauces used.
Conclusion
Panera paninis are a delicious and easy meal option that can be made at home with just a few simple ingredients. Whether you prefer classic grilled cheese or spicy chipotle chicken, these recipes are sure to satisfy your cravings. Just be sure to enjoy them in moderation and make any necessary modifications to fit your dietary needs. Happy cooking!