The 11 Best Breads for Irresistible Panini Sandwiches
When it comes to panini sandwiches, one of the most important steps is picking the perfect bread.
So, what is the best bread for making a panini?
The best bread for panini is a crusty Italian-style loaf. Ciabatta or focaccia are both good choices, as they hold up well to the hot press and have enough structure to support all of the fillings. Sourdough can also be used with delicious results.
To achieve that golden crunch and maximum flavor, here are 11 types of bread you should consider when making a delicious panini sandwich.
From focaccia and sourdough to bagels and wraps, these best breads for paninis will give you all the flavor combinations your taste buds could desire.
Say goodbye to boring lunches with these irresistible bread options for your next panini sandwich!
Read Also: The 10 Best Onions for Sandwiches
The 11 Best Breads for Panini Sandwiches
Panini sandwiches are a delicious and easy way to enjoy a sandwich. But the key to making them truly special is finding the right kind of bread.
Here are 11 types of breads that work best for panini sandwiches, each offering its own unique flavor and texture:
1. Focaccia
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/703756184410067/Focaccia is a type of flat oven-baked Italian bread that is known for its delicious and pillowy texture. This flatbread works perfectly in panini sandwiches because it can absorb any juices from the ingredients without getting soggy or falling apart.
The lightly salted, buttery flavor of focaccia also pairs nicely with almost any filling you choose to use. From mozzarella cheese, basil pesto and tomatoes to smoked ham, cheddar cheese and roasted peppers – this bread can do it all!
Focaccia comes in many different varieties, so you’ll have plenty of choices when picking out the bread for your sandwich.
You can get plain focaccia with no toppings (which makes the perfect base for adding your own ingredients), herb focaccia sprinkled with rosemary and oregano, or even garlic focaccia brushed with garlic butter!
Whatever kind of panini you’re making, focaccia will make sure everything stays together while giving each bite a delicious crunch as well as an added layer of flavor.
2. Ciabatta
Ciabatta is an ideal bread for panini sandwiches, with a hard exterior crust and soft interior.
It’s light yet robust enough to withstand hot paninis without becoming soggy or crumbling apart. Thanks to its large size, you can create big mouth-watering wraps that make a delicious meal or snack.
Ciabatta dough is slightly sweetened and flavored with olive oil which makes it a great base for your favorite sandwich fillings.
From roasted vegetables and pesto to grilled chicken and prosciutto, any combination of flavors can be added without overwhelming the subtle taste of the bread itself.
The crispiness of ciabatta also helps it stay together when grilling so you can really achieve those perfect marks on both sides!
Once grilled in your panini press, this classic Italian bread stays warm even as its filling starts melting within it – creating that classic gooeyness we all love about hot-pressed sandwiches!
3. Whole Grain Baguette
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/192177109094167978/If you’re looking for a perfect foundation to build your panini around, then whole-grain baguette is the way to go.
A whole grain baguette offers superior crunch and great flavor – not to mention, the added benefit of being slightly healthier than white bread options. Plus, it won’t become soggy like white bread can when grilled in a panini press.
The open-crumb texture of these baguettes provide an ideal backdrop for all sorts of fillings, from roasted vegetables and meats to cheese spreads and condiments. The hearty crust helps keep the sandwich intact throughout grilling and slicing.
An important thing to consider is that thicker slices are best for producing optimal results with this kind of bread – any thinner will cause too much compression during cooking which leads to dry sandwiches with flat chewiness instead of satisfying crispness.
When done correctly though, your resulting sandwich will be full of textures so delicious you won’t want it any other way!
4. Sourdough
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/26951297762388298/Sourdough bread is the perfect choice for panini sandwiches, offering a crisp golden crust and a light airy texture.
Its toasted flavor profile with notes of subtle sweetness pairs perfectly with all kinds of sandwich fillings whether you’re looking for something savory or sweet.
When making paninis with sourdough, look out for loaves that have an open-crumbed structure — this will help it cook evenly and quickly while also allowing your favorite fillings like cheese, meats, and vegetables to really take center stage.
Sourdough is an excellent option if you’re trying to achieve the classic Italian-style pressed sandwich, which requires sturdy slices of bread that can withstand both heat from cooking and pressure from the pressing process.
The longer shelf-life offered by sourdough also makes it ideal since there’s no need to rush through your freshly made panini because it won’t go stale as quickly as other types of bread.
5. Rosemary Olive Oil Bread
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/277464027032930772/Rosemary Olive Oil Bread has a light, fluffy texture and robust, complex flavors making it ideal to stand up to all the components of a classic panini sandwich.
It has a crusty exterior that gives way to its soft, buttery center with hints of herbal rosemary and fruity olive oil. The addition of olive oil creates an exceptional moistness while adding just enough flavor so you don’t need to add additional spreadable ingredients such as mayonnaise or butter.
In addition, Rosemary Olive Oil Bread pairs nicely with most meats like turkey or salami as well as grilled vegetables or cheese slices if desired. It also freezes well so it can be made ahead of time for quick and easy meals on busy days.
For best results when using Rosemary Olive Oil Bread for Paninis you should use either slow cooking methods (such as pre-heating your grill) or high heat/quick grilling techniques in order to get the optimal crust without burning the inside before it cooks through properly.
6. Rye Bread
Rye bread is the perfect choice for making delicious panini sandwiches. Its distinctive flavor pairs well with many types of fillings and the crunchy crust provides a great contrast to softer ingredients.
Rye bread contains dark, earthy flavors and aromas that enhance the natural umami found in certain meats such as salami, ham, and turkey. It also works well with cheeses like brie and cheddar as these add creaminess to your sandwich.
Aside from filling choices, rye bread is perfect for grilled paninis because it has an open texture that allows hot air to circulate while warm cheese melts inside.
The crispy outer shell browns easily creating a delicious crunchy texture on the outside without burning it up inside!
Plus, rye is rich in dietary fiber which makes this type of bread extra healthy by providing essential nutrients for digestion and overall well-being.
7. Pita Bread
Paninis are one of the most popular sandwiches to make for a quick and easy midweek meal.
Pita bread is built for these types of sandwiches, with its spongy interior and crisp exterior. It’s durable enough to hold all sorts of savory fillings but still soft enough to be eaten in a few bites.
The dough takes just minutes to mix up and knead (or you can always purchase store-bought refrigerated pita dough). To get a crunchy outer crust, place pitas on an oiled grill or hot griddle until they blister.
The cooked pita can then be filled with deli meats, cheeses, vegetables, sauces, and more before being grilled again till golden brown and crispy.
Pitas also make excellent veggie panini ― try stuffing them with hummus, roasted vegetables (eggplant or bell peppers) tomato slices, and ricotta cheese slathered generously on the inside. Serve warm with an extra dash of olive oil drizzled on top!
8. French Baguette
The French baguette is a classic bread that pairs perfectly with any kind of panini sandwich.
It has a thin, crispy crust and soft, chewy center which allows it to absorb the flavors of whatever ingredients you use while still keeping its shape when pressed on the grill or sandwich press.
The lightness of the French baguette also helps to balance out heavier meats like ham and chicken, as well as herbed oils for spreading onto your sandwiches before grilling.
For vegetarians, throw some roasted vegetables (such as bell peppers and onions), tomatoes, cheese slices, or even mashed avocado into your sandwich mix-ins. Grilled halloumi or mozzarella are especially delicious toppings for vegetarian paninis!
9. Artisanal White Bread
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/448319337916835587/When it comes to panini sandwiches, artisanal white bread is a great choice. Artisanal white bread has a soft, slightly chewy texture and light flavor profile which makes it the perfect base for an array of flavors.
The shape and size of your artisanal white bread will depend on the size and style of your sandwich—small rolls or baguettes can work well for smaller sandwiches, while larger loaves are ideal if you’re crafting towering stacks with thick layers.
Artisanal white bread also pairs particularly well with any variety of cheese: from sharp cheddar slices to creamy provolone or brie. It also provides a balance against other deeply flavored ingredients like cured meats or pesto mayonnaise.
And what’s even better is that this type of bread easily absorbs juices from add-in ingredients making it extra flavorful!
Enjoy creating delicious one-of-a-kind panini sandwiches – inspired by whatever culinary tastes you come up with – using artisanal white bread as your main foundation!
10. Multigrain Bread
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/206110120438044327/Multigrain bread is a great option for making delicious panini sandwiches at home. The combination of grains and seeds provides the perfect foundation for holding fillings without them slipping out the sides.
The nutty, earthy taste and texture will balance the sandwich filling perfectly — whether cheese, salami or veggies — while adding additional flavors and crunch to every bite.
You’ll be able to find multigrain bread in most grocery stores these days; however if you can’t find it readily available then look for artisanal bakeries that produce artisanal sourdoughs with different types of ancient grain flour like spelt, rye, and einkorn.
And don’t forget that a well-buttered slice of multigrain bread adds extra flavor as it deliciously sizzles away on the grill!
11. Brioche Bread
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/90283167523400002/Brioche is an ideal choice for a panini sandwich because its texture can hold fillings without crumbling and its sweet flavor really complements savory ingredients.
Brioche bread has a soft, fluffy interior and golden exterior crust. This egg-enriched and buttery French bread is light in taste with a slightly sweet finish that contrasts wonderfully with salty meats like ham or salami.
It also stands up to being grilled well since it doesn’t turn dry as quickly as some other types of bread may do when pressed on both sides in high heat.
With plenty of room to hold all your favorite fillings, Brioche makes the perfect vehicle for any type of panini creation!
Conclusion
In conclusion, panini sandwiches are a delicious way to enjoy a variety of flavors in one meal.
To ensure that your sandwich is extra delicious, it is important to choose the right type of bread.
The best breads for making panini sandwiches are focaccia, ciabatta, whole grain baguette, sourdough, rosemary olive oil bread, rye bread, pita bread, French baguette, artisanal white bread, multigrain bread, whole wheat bread, brioche bread, bagels, naan, and wraps.
Each of these breads offers its own unique flavor and texture, and will make sure that your panini sandwich is nothing short of delicious.
So, the next time you’re in the mood for a delicious panini sandwich, choose one of these breads as the base for your creation.
The 11 Best Breads for Panini Sandwiches
Ingredients
- Focaccia
- Ciabatta
- Whole Grain Baguette
- Sourdough
- Rosemary Olive Oil Bread
- Rye Bread
- Pita Bread
- French Baguette
- Artisanal White Bread
- Multigrain Bread
- Brioche Bread
Instructions
- Select your favorite bread.
- Organize all the required ingredients.
- Prep a panini sandwich recipe in 30 minutes or less!
Jenny has always been passionate about cooking, and she uses her platform to share her joy of food with others. Her recipes are easy to follow, and she loves giving tips and tricks to help others create their own unique culinary creations.