Sandwiches are lunchtime favorites around the world. They are consumed almost everywhere, and everyone reaches out to one when they need a snack. Are you someone that is making a sandwich? Why not make the Italian delicacy that is a Panini?
Paninis are some of the top-tier sandwiches. They are served hot as their bread is grilled, and they have ingredients that would leave you craving more. Once you have a Panini, you will always make one whenever it is sandwich time.
Now that I have sold you on the idea of making a Panini as your lunchtime snack, you need to consider the bread. Just using any bread for Panini is a no-no, and you are going to need to restrict yourself to certain types of bread.
So which are some of the best bread for panini? Keep on reading as I discuss this topic at length. So without further ado, let us get right into it.
Best Bread For Panini
Selecting bread for your Panini is not as straightforward as one would want to think. You need bread that is strong enough to handle the plethora of ingredients that are needed to make this sandwich. Also, you have to make sure that it can take on the heating from the grill.
Here are some of them.
#1- Ciabatta
One of the best bread available and widely used for Panini is Ciabatta, which originates from Italy, giving the Panini authenticity.
The surface area of Ciabatta is entirely flat, allowing it to stack a wide range of ingredients on top of it. The thickness of the bread also makes it withstand the heat which the grill throws at it.
#2- Focaccia
Focaccia is another bread that comes with an authenticity stamp due to its Italian origins. The bread also is made with seasoning added from the get-go, which enhances the Panini flavor.
Furthermore, the bread can stack as many ingredients as you want and can take on the high temperatures of the grill.
#3- Baguettes
The next bread may not have authenticity due to its French origins; however, it is widely available and is a very good choice for Panini. I am talking about Baguette.
This bread will give you no worries as you go on and add as many ingredients as you want. It is robust and tastes amazing when being used for a Panini.
#4- Flatbread
My next pick for the best bread for Panini is flat bread which is a very thin bread. However, do not be fooled by its thinness, as it has every bit of strength to withstand the wet and dry ingredients and the heat you will be throwing at it.
#5- Pita
Pita is my next choice on the list for the next bread for Panini. They have lower quantities of sodium in them and are very thick.
This allows it to withstand the heat from the grill, and you can stack a generous load of ingredients on top of it.
#6- Multigrain Bread
Another bread that comes to mind is Multigrain bread which is also a good choice for a Panini.
These bread are usually white bread with some levels of grains added to them. This lends it the strength that allows it to withstand the ingredients used for Panini.
#7- Rye Bread
Rye bread is also good for Panini as it has a very dense texture. This bread also has good nutrients, including calcium, iron, and zinc.
Rye bread also can hold onto the ingredients of a Panini and can be heated to high temperatures atop a grill.
#8- Sourdough
The final bread on my list is Sourdough, and do I need to say anything else about it? This bread is a great choice for your Panini sandwich due to its thick crust.
This makes it highly robust, resulting in you making the best panini sandwich you can have.
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Can You Use Any Bread In A Panini Press
Even though it is not recommended that you use any bread in a Panini press, in theory, you can go and willy-nilly choose any bread for the making of a Panini.
However, you are advised that you use any of the eight breads I have recommended in a Panini press.
Which Bread Should I Choose?
One of the best bread for Panini is Ciabatta bread which is an ideal choice for it. Apart from having authenticity due to its Italian origins, this bread is also thick enough to withstand the stacks of ingredients that are required to make a Panini.
Also, it can easily withstand the heat from the grill, making it an ideal bread you should choose.
What Bread Should You Avoid In Making A Panini?
There are a few types of bread that are not recommended for making a Panini. These breads do not have the texture, surface, or strength to withstand the ingredients needed for a Panini, or they do not have the ability to withstand the heat from the grill.
The first bread that comes to mind is White bread, which is very thin. This will allow the ingredients to escape, and the grill will burn it faster than you have a chance to pick it up.
Another bread that you should avoid is challah and brioche bread as they are sweetened bread and not ideal for Panini.
What Was In The Original Panini?
When the original Panini was made, there weren’t many ingredients in it. The classic Panini only had mozzarella, tomato, and prosciutto.
However, These ingredients were enough to make the sandwich more delicious; stacks of other ingredients were introduced, resulting in the Panini we know today.
Final Verdict:
You need to know everything about the best bread for Panini. I have given you eight solid choices that you can use for your ingredients in a Panini. You will have a great experience with any of these eight breads, so rest assured.
