Panini is plural for panino – a bread roll or sandwich in Italian. Traditionally filled with meat and cheese and grilled, this staple of European cafés has been gaining in popularity in the U.S. since the '80s. You can fill them with almost any combination of meat and cheese or even create vegetarian versions, so it's no wonder they've gone from a hot trend to a culinary classic.
Favorite Flavors
Panini are more than just fun; they're fast—just fill and grill. What goes in them is up to you.
Classic Family Pleasers
Everyone loves the simple pleasure of a good old-fashioned grilled cheese sandwich, with or without tomato. For an American take on the typical Italian panini made with prosciutto and mozzarella, try ham and Swiss cheese. Or whip up a Philly cheesesteak with provolone cheese, fried onions and thin slices of roast beef.
Nouveau Twists
If you're ready to go gourmet with your grill, the combinations are countless. How about brie and pear? Cream cheese, lox and red onion? Goat cheese, dried fig and arugula? You can even create a dessert sandwich with mini chocolate chips and peanut butter on banana bread. Whatever fillings strike your fancy, they’re yummier in a panini.
Choosing Your Panini Press
Making perfect panini is easy with the right tools.
Calphalon Panini Grill
The Calphalon Panini Grill allows you to enjoy delicious, authentic-tasting panini sandwiches, without sacrificing counter space. The high performance bronze nonstick surface means it’s perfect for low-fat cooking, and Calphalon’s exclusive Opti-Heat system ensures even heat delivery. The adjustable top grill plate allows you to fit thick sandwiches, burgers or delicate fish filets – and the nonstick grill plates clean easily with a damp cloth.
Calphalon Removable Plate Grill
Whether you’re preparing panini, steaks, chops or burgers, the Calphalon Removable Plate Grill delivers faultless flavor any time of year—complete with great-looking grill marks. Its extra large cooking surface and high-performance bronze nonstick surface makes preparing family meals a breeze, while a butterfly-shaped heating element and internal temperature sensors ensure even heating and cooking across the entire grill.
Calphalon Contemporary Nonstick Panini Pan and Press
With authentic grill marks courtesy of the ridged bottom, panini, steaks, chops and burgers look as good as they taste. Use the sandwich press to create perfectly browned, evenly cooked panini. Clean up is fast and simple with the nonstick interior.