10+ Panini Recipes to Spice Up Your Lunch Game

Panini recipes are honestly one of my favorite ways to make a warm, satisfying sandwich at home. Whether you’re into classic combos or want to get a little creative, paninis let you throw together all sorts of ingredients for a meal that’s both quick and seriously tasty.

You can tweak paninis however you like, and they’re pretty forgiving. That’s part of the fun, right? Just mix and match until you find your perfect bite.

Making paninis is actually a great excuse to play around with different flavors and textures. All you really need is some decent bread, a few basics from your fridge, and either a panini press or just a regular grill pan.

You can whip up a panini for lunch, dinner, or even as a snack if you’re feeling a bit peckish.

Let’s check out some panini ideas you can try any time you want something a little extra.

1) Chicken, Bacon & Ranch Panini

This one’s all about big flavor: juicy chicken, crispy bacon, and creamy ranch. The cheese just melts in there and brings it all together.

Grab a good crusty bread—French bread or a sturdy sandwich loaf does the trick. Butter the outside for that golden, crunchy finish.

You can toss in some fresh spinach or greens if you’re feeling healthy-ish. Honestly, it’s easy and hits the spot for lunch or a fast dinner.

Ingredients

• 2 chicken breasts, thinly sliced
• 8 slices cooked bacon
• 8 slices crusty French bread
• 4 tablespoons softened butter
• 4 slices Monterey Jack or mozzarella cheese
• Ranch dressing
• Fresh spinach (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Butter one side of each bread slice.
2. Layer chicken, bacon, cheese, ranch, and spinach on the unbuttered side.
3. Close it up and heat in a panini press or skillet over medium.
4. Cook until the bread gets golden and cheese melts—figure 4–6 minutes per side.
5. Serve it up warm.

Chicken Bacon Ranch Panini recipe

2) Italian Panini with Mozzarella & Pesto

For a classic Italian vibe, go with fresh mozzarella and basil pesto. Spread pesto on both bread slices—it’s herby and just makes everything pop.

Pile on mozzarella, and if you’re into it, add tomato slices for a little juiciness. Prosciutto or roasted red peppers work too if you want more oomph.

Grill the sandwich until the bread crisps up and the cheese is all gooey. Usually takes about 4–5 minutes at 375°F (190°C).

Ingredients:

• Ciabatta or your favorite sandwich rolls
• Fresh mozzarella slices
• Basil pesto
• Tomato slices (optional)
• Prosciutto or roasted red peppers (optional)

Cooking Instructions:

1. Spread pesto on both bread slices.
2. Add mozzarella and any extras you like.
3. Close it and put it on a heated panini press or skillet.
4. Cook for 4–5 minutes at 375°F (190°C) until crispy and melty.
5. Let it cool for a sec, then dig in.

More on Italian Panini with Mozzarella and Pesto

3) Provolone Cheese & Tomato Panini

Simple, but it just works—fresh tomato slices and provolone cheese melted together. The flavors are classic, and it’s so easy to pull off.

Use ciabatta or even an English muffin to keep everything together. Brush the outside with olive oil or butter for that crispy crust.

If you want to change it up, add roasted red pepper or basil. This one’s quick and honestly good any time.

Ingredients

• 2 slices of ciabatta or English muffin
• 2 plum tomatoes, sliced
• 2 slices provolone cheese
• 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
• Optional: basil leaves or roasted red pepper

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your panini press or skillet to 375°F (190°C).
2. Brush the bread’s outside with olive oil or butter.
3. Layer cheese and tomato inside.
4. Add basil or roasted red pepper if you want.
5. Grill for 4–5 minutes until melty and golden.
6. Slice it up and enjoy while it’s warm.

Plum Tomato and Provolone Panini Recipe

4) Ham, Cheese & Tomato Grilled Panini

Ham, cheese, and tomato—sometimes you just want something classic. Use fresh bread, layer on the ham and cheese, and add tomato slices with a bit of salt and pepper.

Spread mayo or butter inside the bread for extra flavor. Press the sandwich until the bread’s golden and the cheese is gooey.

Pair it with a salad or chips if you want to make it a meal.

Ingredients

• 2 slices of bread
• 2 slices of ham
• 2 slices of cheese
• 2 tomato slices
• Mayonnaise or butter
• Salt and pepper

Cooking Instructions

1. Spread mayo or butter inside each bread slice.
2. Layer ham, cheese, and tomato. Season with salt and pepper.
3. Close it up, mayo side in.
4. Heat a panini press or grill pan to 375°F (190°C).
5. Grill until golden and melty, about 4–5 minutes.
6. Slice and eat right away.

5) Italian Sub Panini with Salami & Provolone

This Italian sub panini is a go-to for those classic deli flavors. Spread a little mayo on your bread for creaminess, but don’t go overboard.

Lay down salami and provolone. If you like a tangy bite, toss in banana peppers or other pickled veggies.

Toast it in a panini press until the bread gets crispy and cheese melts. It’s warm, filling, and honestly just what you want for a quick meal.

Ingredients

• 2 slices Italian bread
• Mayonnaise, as needed
• 4-5 slices salami
• 2-3 slices provolone cheese
• Banana peppers (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Spread mayo on each bread slice.
2. Layer salami and provolone, add banana peppers if you’re feeling it.
3. Close it up.
4. Heat up a panini press and cook for 3–5 minutes until crispy and melty.
5. Slice and eat while it’s hot.

Spicy Italian Sub Panini

6) Grilled Veggie & Hummus Panini

If you want something lighter but still full of flavor, go for roasted veggies and hummus. Roast bell peppers, zucchini, and mushrooms until they’re tender and a bit caramelized.

Spread hummus on your bread—any sturdy bread works, honestly. Add the veggies and mozzarella or whatever cheese you like.

Grill until the cheese melts and the bread’s golden. It’s simple, filling, and you can swap in any veggies you have.

Ingredients

• 2 slices of bread (sourdough, ciabatta, or brioche)
• ½ cup roasted bell peppers
• ½ cup roasted zucchini
• ½ cup roasted mushrooms
• 2 tablespoons hummus
• 2 slices mozzarella cheese

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat oven to 450°F (230°C).
2. Roast veggies for 10–15 minutes.
3. Spread hummus on each bread slice.
4. Add roasted veggies and mozzarella.
5. Top with the other bread slice.
6. Grill in a pan or press until golden and melty, about 3–5 minutes.

7) Turkey, Swiss & Cranberry Panini

Turkey, Swiss, and cranberry sauce—this combo is underrated. The cranberry’s sweetness balances the savory turkey and melty cheese.

Sourdough or ciabatta works best for crunch. Add arugula or apple slices if you want something fresh in there.

Toast it until the cheese melts and bread turns golden. It’s honestly perfect for lunch or even a snack.

Ingredients

• 2 slices sourdough or ciabatta bread
• 100 grams turkey slices
• 2 slices Swiss cheese
• 1 tablespoon cranberry sauce or jam
• A handful of fresh arugula or apple slices (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Spread cranberry sauce on one bread slice.
2. Layer turkey, Swiss, and any extras.
3. Top with the second slice.
4. Heat a panini press or skillet over medium (about 350°F / 175°C).
5. Grill until the cheese melts and bread’s golden, about 4–5 minutes.
6. Let it cool a bit, then serve.

8) Caprese Panini with Fresh Basil

Here’s a Caprese panini that’s just ridiculously simple but so good. Fresh mozzarella, juicy tomatoes, and a bunch of basil come together for a sandwich that tastes like summer on a plate.

I like to slather basil pesto or just toss a few fresh basil leaves right onto the bread. Then I stack up the mozzarella and tomato slices.

Press the sandwich until the cheese gets gooey and the bread crisps up to a golden brown. Sometimes I’ll add a little drizzle of balsamic glaze for that sweet-tangy kick.

This one’s a breeze to make, honestly. It makes a great quick lunch or snack when you want something fresh and satisfying.

Ingredients

• 2 slices of bread
• Fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced
• Ripe tomatoes, sliced
• Fresh basil leaves or basil pesto
• Olive oil or mayonnaise (optional)
• Balsamic vinegar or glaze
• Salt and black pepper

Cooking Instructions

1. Spread pesto or basil leaves on the bread.
2. Add mozzarella and tomato slices on one piece.
3. Season with salt and pepper.
4. Close the sandwich and drizzle oil or mayo if you want.
5. Heat a panini press to 375°F (190°C).
6. Grill the sandwich for 4-5 minutes until golden and cheese melts.
7. Drizzle with balsamic vinegar before serving.

For more details, check Caprese Panini with Basil Pesto.

9) BBQ Chicken & Cheddar Panini

This one’s for anyone who loves a little smoky BBQ flavor. BBQ chicken and sharp cheddar cheese melted together—what’s not to like?

You can use shredded chicken or grilled chicken, whatever you’ve got. Toss it with BBQ sauce, then add cheddar cheese slices.

If you want, throw in a few basil leaves or thin slices of onion for a fresh bite. Press the sandwich in a panini maker, or just use a hot skillet.

No panini press? No problem. Pop the sandwich in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes until the cheese melts and the bread crisps up.

Ingredients

• Cooked chicken, shredded or sliced
• BBQ sauce
• Cheddar cheese slices
• Fresh basil leaves (optional)
• Bread slices (ciabatta or sourdough work well)

Cooking Instructions

1. Mix chicken with BBQ sauce.
2. Layer chicken and cheddar on one bread slice.
3. Add basil leaves if you want.
4. Top with another bread slice.
5. Heat in a panini press until crispy and cheese melts.
6. If no press, bake at 350°F (175°C) for 3-5 minutes.
7. Cut and serve warm.

For a detailed recipe, visit this BBQ Chicken Panini with Cheddar and Basil.

10) Roast Beef & Caramelized Onion Panini

This panini’s a fun way to enjoy roast beef. Caramelized onions bring a mellow sweetness that plays off the savory meat.

You get a warm, crispy sandwich with gooey cheese tucked inside. Rye or country bread both work—use whatever you like best.

I’d spread on some horseradish cream or mayonnaise for a little kick. Just don’t rush the onions; they need time, but it’s worth it for that deep flavor.

Grill your sandwich until the bread turns golden and the cheese melts. Honestly, this one’s great for lunch or a light dinner, maybe with a little salad.

Ingredients:

• Rye or country bread (4 slices)
• 1 lb thick-sliced roast beef
• 2 cups caramelized onions
• 4 slices Swiss cheese
• 2 tbsp mayonnaise or horseradish cream
• Olive oil for grilling

Cooking Instructions:

1. Spread mayonnaise or horseradish cream on the bread slices.
2. Layer roast beef, caramelized onions, and Swiss cheese on two slices.
3. Top with the remaining bread slices.
4. Brush both outside sides with olive oil.
5. Heat a panini press or skillet to 375°F (190°C).
6. Grill the sandwich for 4-5 minutes until bread is crispy and cheese melts.
7. Remove, slice, and serve warm.

Roast Beef & Caramelized Onion Panini with Avo Horseradish Sauce has a similar recipe if you want to try a twist with avocado.