Panini presses are a very common kitchen accessory nowadays. Consisting of two “grill pieces” that go on top and under the food to cook it, these grills are most commonly used in order to make grilled sandwiches.
However, did you know that these machines have lots of other uses? In fact, the name “panini press” is quite a misnomer considering all of the things that these nifty grills can do.
Here are three recommendations for things to do with your panini press.
Grill Meat
When you think about it, it makes all of the sense in the world to use a panini press to grill meat. Making hamburgers or chicken breasts becomes incredibly easy in a panini press, as the consistent heat on both sides of the meat means that it’ll cook perfectly and safely. Just be sure to clean off the residual juices well once you’re finished!
Make Smashed Potatoes
Have a bunch of new or redskin potatoes and just don’t quite know what to do with them? Baste them in olive oil, salt, and sprinkle herbs on top of them and put them into a panini press after you’ve softened them up! A panini press works perfectly for this.
Reheat Pizza
Ah, there’s nothing quite as satisfying as leftover pizza. Am I the only one that thinks that it tastes even better the second day? If you aren’t into cold pizza, a great way to reheat your pizza and keep it crispy is in a panini press.