How to Use a Cast Iron Panini Press
You can easily make crisp panini at home with a cast iron panini press. This inexpensive tool is space-efficient and only requires simple prep for perfectly pressed sandwiches every time.
Servings 1
Calories 589kcal
Equipment
- Cast iron panini press
- Cast iron pan (ideally a grill pan)
Ingredients
- 1 assembled sandwich
Instructions
- If you are using a corresponding cast iron grill pan, place the cast iron panini press inside the pan with interlocking grates. Otherwise just place it right inside a regular cast iron pan. Place pan with the press inside on the middle rack of a cold oven. Set the oven to 450°F.
- Once the oven comes up to temperature, set the timer for 30 minutes to allow the panini press and pan to preheat.
- Use the preheating time to assemble your sandwich to be ready right as the timer goes off.
- After 30 minutes, carefully (using oven mitts!) remove the pan and panini press from the oven and place the pan with the press inside it on a stovetop burner set to medium heat.
- Using oven mitts, lift up the panini press by the handle and place your sandwich on the ungreased cast iron pan. Place the press on top of the sandwich and press down for several seconds.
- Cook for 5-7 minutes, or until your sandwich is well-heated: cheese is melted, the bread is crisp and grill marks have formed, etc. If your sandwich is particularly tall or requires more heat, you can transfer the whole cast iron pan/sandwich/panini press situation right into the oven for a few minutes after it cooks on the stovetop.
Notes
- Always use oven mitts when touching hot cast iron. Only use handle oven mitts when the pan is on the stovetop, never in the oven.
- Two sandwiches can be cooked at the same time. Make sure the press lays evenly across them both.
- Follow all manufacturer's directions regarding cooking and cleaning your cast iron equipment.
Nutrition
Serving: 1sandwich | Calories: 589kcal
Nutritional information is provided as an estimate. As it can vary due to many factors (brands used, quantities, etc.), we cannot guarantee its accuracy.
