Pizza Panini Recipe
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Are you craving pizza but short on time? This pizza panini recipe is just what you need! You can make a tasty pizza-inspired sandwich in only 15 minutes. It’s perfect for a quick lunch or easy dinner.

The pizza panini combines all the flavors you love about pizza in a crispy, grilled sandwich. Gooey melted mozzarella, zesty pepperoni, and tangy pizza sauce are layered between slices of hearty bread.
When grilled, the outside gets golden and crunchy while the inside stays warm and melty. You’ll love how this sandwich captures the essence of pizza in handheld form.

Exact Ingredients List
Here’s what you’ll need to make this tasty pizza panini:
- 4 thick slices of hearty bread or 1 (12-14 ounce) loaf ciabatta
- 1/2 cup pizza sauce or marinara
- 4 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese, thinly sliced
- 3-4 ounces pepperoni slices
- Olive oil spray
You can easily find these items at your local grocery store. The bread is the base of your panini, so pick a type you enjoy. Fresh mozzarella gives the best melty texture, but pre-sliced works too if that’s what you have on hand.
For the sauce, use your favorite pizza or marinara sauce. If you like it spicy, try a arrabbiata sauce instead. The olive oil spray helps crisp up the outside of the bread, but you can brush on regular olive oil if you don’t have spray.
Feel free to add other toppings you like on pizza, such as bell peppers, onions, or mushrooms. Just make sure not to overstuff the sandwich or it might be hard to close and grill.

Instructions
Preheat your panini press, grill pan, or George Foreman grill to medium heat. This gets it nice and hot for perfectly crispy bread.
Grab your bread and slice it thick. If using ciabatta, scoop out some of the inside. This makes room for yummy fillings!
Spread pizza sauce on both cut sides of the bread. Don’t be shy – cover it well!
On one slice, layer mozzarella and pepperoni. The cheese will get all melty and gooey.
Put the other bread slice on top to make a sandwich. Give the outside a light spray of olive oil.
Place your sandwich on the hot grill. If you’re using a pan, put a heavy pot on top to press it down.
Grill for 3-4 minutes on each side. You want the bread golden brown and the cheese melted.
Take it off the heat and let it cool for a minute or two. This helps the cheese set a bit so it’s not too hot.
Slice your panini in half and dig in! The crispy outside and cheesy inside make for a perfect pizza-like bite.

Possible Substitutes List
You can swap out ingredients to make this pizza panini your own. Try these tasty substitutes:
Bread:
- Sourdough
- French bread
- Focaccia
Cheese:
- Provolone
- Cheddar
- Fontina
Meat:
- Ham
- Salami
- Cooked sausage
Sauce:
- Pesto
- Alfredo
- BBQ sauce
You can also add veggies like mushrooms, bell peppers, or onions for extra flavor and crunch. If you want a vegetarian option, replace the meat with grilled veggies or plant-based pepperoni.
For a healthier twist, use whole grain bread and low-fat cheese. You can also brush the outside with olive oil instead of using spray.
Don’t have a panini press? No problem! Use a regular skillet and press the sandwich down with a heavy pot or pan on top. Flip halfway through cooking for even browning.
Feel free to get creative and mix and match these substitutes. The possibilities are endless, so have fun making your perfect pizza panini!
How To Make It Diabetes-Friendly
To make this pizza panini more diabetes-friendly, you can try a few easy swaps. Use whole grain bread instead of white bread. This gives you more fiber and nutrients.
Cut the amount of cheese in half to lower the fat and calories. Try part-skim mozzarella for less fat.
Add more veggies like spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers. This boosts fiber and nutrition without many extra carbs.
Use turkey pepperoni instead of regular. It has less fat and calories.
Try a low-sugar pizza sauce or make your own with crushed tomatoes and herbs.
Here’s a quick breakdown of changes:
- Whole grain bread
- Half the cheese (2 oz part-skim mozzarella)
- Add 1 cup mixed veggies
- 2 oz turkey pepperoni
- 1/4 cup low-sugar sauce
These swaps can cut carbs and calories while adding fiber. The panini will still be tasty but better for blood sugar. You can enjoy your pizza fix in a smarter way!
Tips, Tricks & Storing
Use thick bread slices to hold all the yummy fillings. Try ciabatta or sourdough for extra flavor.
Spread a thin layer of butter on the outside of the bread before grilling. This gives a crispy, golden crust.
Don’t overstuff your panini. Too many toppings can make it hard to eat and may not heat through properly.
Try these tasty variations:
- Add veggies like spinach or roasted red peppers
- Use different cheeses like provolone or cheddar
- Swap pepperoni for ham or cooked sausage
Let your panini cool for 1-2 minutes before cutting. This helps the cheese set and makes it easier to handle.
To store leftovers, wrap tightly in foil and refrigerate for up to 2 days. Reheat in a pan or toaster oven until warm and crispy.
For a quick meal prep, assemble the paninis ahead of time. Wrap in plastic and refrigerate. Grill when ready to eat.