Sicilian Panini
Italian cafés are famous for their panini sandwiches filled with delectable combinations of meats, cheeses and vegetables, and grilled to golden-brown perfection. They are easy to make at home using an electric panini press. Here, we layer slices of Italian-style focaccia with black olives, fresh mozzarella cheese, salami, tomatoes and basil. The grilled sandwiches emerge with a satisfyingly crunchy exterior and a warm interior oozing with melted cheese.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. focaccia, cut crosswise into 4 pieces and split horizontally
- Olive oil as needed
- 1/2 cup roughly chopped pitted black olives
- 8 oz. fresh mozzarella cheese, cut into 8 slices
- 32 slices salami
- 3 tomatoes, sliced 1/4 inch thick
- Fresh basil leaves as needed
Directions
Preheat an electric panini press to 375°F according to the manufacturer's instructions.
Spray or brush both sides of the focaccia pieces with olive oil. Lay the bottom halves of the focaccia, cut sides up, on a work surface and sprinkle with the olives, dividing evenly. Top each with 2 cheese slices, 8 salami slices, 3 tomato slices and a layer of basil leaves. Cover the sandwiches with the top halves of the focaccia, cut sides down.
Place 2 of the sandwiches on the preheated panini press and cook according to the manufacturer's instructions until the cheese is melted, 3 to 4 minutes. Transfer the sandwiches to a cutting board and cut in half. Repeat with the remaining sandwiches. Serve immediately. Serves 4.
Spray or brush both sides of the focaccia pieces with olive oil. Lay the bottom halves of the focaccia, cut sides up, on a work surface and sprinkle with the olives, dividing evenly. Top each with 2 cheese slices, 8 salami slices, 3 tomato slices and a layer of basil leaves. Cover the sandwiches with the top halves of the focaccia, cut sides down.
Place 2 of the sandwiches on the preheated panini press and cook according to the manufacturer's instructions until the cheese is melted, 3 to 4 minutes. Transfer the sandwiches to a cutting board and cut in half. Repeat with the remaining sandwiches. Serve immediately. Serves 4.