What is it about panini that makes them so appealing? Perhaps it's the satisfying crunch of the country-style bread, grilled to golden-brown perfection, or the warmth of the melted cheese that oozes out as you take a bite.

Whatever the reasons, these savory Italian sandwiches have universal appeal—and they're easy to make at home. You can prepare them in an electric panini maker or cook the sandwiches in a stovetop grill pan, weighting them down with a panini press. Whichever method you choose, the sandwiches will be ready for you to enjoy in minutes.

Start with the recipes we offer here, then try your own combinations of meats, cheeses and vegetables. The variations are endless, which means that panini will never lose their appeal.