Pizza Panini Recipe

If you love the gooey, melty magic of pizza and the warm crunch of a freshly toasted sandwich, then this Pizza Panini is about to become your new comfort food obsession. Imagine all your favorite pizza flavors—zesty sauce, bubbling mozzarella, spicy pepperoni—tucked between hearty slices of bread and pressed into golden, crispy perfection. Yes, it tastes just as dreamy as it sounds!

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of my favorite things about making a Pizza Panini is just how simple—and flexible—the ingredient list is. Each component has a deliciously essential job, from crisping up the outside to melting into ooey-gooey magic on the inside, giving you that real pizzeria flavor in every bite.

• Thick slices of hearty bread (or ciabatta): A sturdy bread like ciabatta stands up to all that saucy, cheesy filling, so you get crisp edges and a soft center without any sogginess.
• Pizza sauce (or marinara): The soul of your Pizza Panini—brings tangy tomato goodness to each bite and soaks perfectly into the bread.
• Fresh mozzarella cheese, thinly sliced: Melts beautifully for those epic cheese pulls and creamy flavor you’d expect from a top-notch pizza.
• Pepperoni slices: Classic, salty, and spicy—these really amp up the “pizza” vibe, but feel free to use your favorite toppings.
• Olive oil spray: Spritzing the crust ensures a golden, crisp finish on the outside and helps prevent sticking on your press or grill.

Variations

Don’t be afraid to get creative—making a Pizza Panini is the perfect kitchen playground! Whether you need to switch up toppings for picky eaters or adapt for dietary needs, this recipe is incredibly forgiving and full of possibility.

• Veggie Lovers’ Panini: Swap pepperoni for sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, red onions, or spinach for a colorful, wholesome twist.
• Margherita Style: Skip the meat, add sliced fresh tomatoes and basil with mozzarella for a bright, summery taste.
• BBQ Chicken Version: Use shredded rotisserie chicken, BBQ sauce instead of pizza sauce, and red onions—so fun and a great way to use leftovers!
• Gluten-Free Swap: Choose your favorite gluten-free bread or rolls, and assemble as you normally would for a celiac-safe treat.

How to Make Pizza Panini

Step 1: Prep Your Bread and Ingredients

Start by preheating your panini press, grill pan, or George Foreman grill—medium heat is just right. While it’s heating up, slice your bread nice and thick so it can hold all those melty fillings. If you’re using ciabatta, consider hollowing out some of the soft middle to make space for extra cheese and sauce (the best part!).

Step 2: Assemble Your Pizza Panini

Spread a generous layer of pizza sauce over the cut sides of your bread. Layer on the mozzarella slices, then tuck in those pepperoni rounds, making sure each bite will get plenty of pepperoni goodness. Place the top slice of bread over your loaded base, pressing gently so everything stays put.

Step 3: Toast and Press

Before grilling, give the outside of your bread a good spritz with olive oil spray—this is the secret to that irresistible crunch! Place the sandwich inside your hot panini press (or on your grill pan with a heavy skillet on top to press it down). Cook for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until the bread is deeply golden and the cheese is luxuriously melted.

Step 4: Rest and Slice

Remove the hot Pizza Panini from the grill and let it sit for at least 1-2 minutes—this makes slicing easier and saves your tongue from a “lava” cheese situation. Cut in halves or quarters, and prepare yourself for melty, pizza-pie goodness!

How to Serve Pizza Panini

Garnishes

A little sprinkle of extra Parmesan, some chopped fresh basil, or even a dusting of red pepper flakes will make your Pizza Panini look (and taste) like it came from your favorite Italian café! For extra zest, serve with a side of warmed marinara for dipping—everyone loves that “extra sauce” moment.

Side Dishes

Pair your Pizza Panini with a crisp green salad tossed in vinaigrette, a bowl of classic tomato soup, or an antipasto platter piled with olives and roasted veggies. These sides balance out the richness and make your meal feel instantly special, whether it’s lunch or dinner.

Creative Ways to Present

Cut the panini into strips for a pizza “dipper” platter, stack triangle-cut halves on a big wooden board Italian-style, or wrap up warm sandwiches in parchment for a picnic-friendly meal. With its vibrant colors and gooey center, Pizza Panini shines as both a party snack and a family dinner showstopper.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftover Pizza Panini, let the sandwiches cool completely before wrapping them tightly in foil or storing them in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll stay fresh for up to two days—and somehow taste even better as a midnight snack!

Freezing

You can absolutely freeze assembled but ungrilled Pizza Panini for future cravings. Wrap each in parchment and foil, then pop in a zip-top bag. To serve, thaw in the fridge overnight and grill as usual—the flavors hold up beautifully!

Reheating

For the best texture, reheat leftover Pizza Panini in a toaster oven, air fryer, or back on the grill pan to restore that irresistible crispy crust. Just a few minutes is all you need until the cheese is melty again—microwaving will work, but you’ll lose that crunch!

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving something cozy, cheesy, and full of big pizza flavor with half the fuss, let this Pizza Panini recipe whisk you away! It’s pure joy in sandwich form—quick enough for busy nights, indulgent enough for a weekend treat. I can’t wait for you to give it a try and share all the melty, toasty, smile-inducing moments with your loved ones!

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