Making lunch isn’t always a quick and easy process, and the idea of just grabbing a plain, boring sandwich likely leaves you uninterested in stepping away from your desk for a bite. Rather than opting for the same old food options, take one extra step to elevate your lunch with minimal effort using these quick and easy panini prep ideas.
Buffalo Chicken Panini
For all you meat eaters out there that enjoy a little spice in your life, a buffalo chicken panini is the perfect lunch for you! This simple panini can be made with little to no prep work, too!
If you do choose to devote time for prep, simply add chicken breasts to a crockpot with a combination of buffalo sauce and ranch dressing and cook for about 4 hours on high. When ready, shred the chicken, and you’ve got your lunch meat for the week! For those that aren’t big on meal prep, simply purchase sliced buffalo chicken from your local deli. Both options are equally yummy.
To build this panini, choose a sturdy bread that you like, and add your buffalo chicken. Drizzle on hot sauce, ranch dressing, a sprinkle of cheese, and tomatoes. Add shredded carrots or kale if you want a little added crunch. Press the sandwich in your panini maker or heat it on the stove, and you’re all set!
Spinach & Mozzarella Panini
If you’re looking for a good vegetarian option for lunch, a spinach and mozzarella panini is the best grilled cheese you’re going to find! Full of Tuscan flavor, you will feel like you’re enjoying a five-star meal.
To make this panini, take a sturdy bread of your choice and spread sun-dried tomato paste on one piece, adding pesto spread to another. Lay raw spinach leaves down on one piece of bread, top with slices of mozzarella, and place the other piece of bread on top. Press the sandwich in your panini maker or heat it on the stove, and you have a panini that tastes like a tomato soup and grilled cheese in one, all in a matter of minutes!
Ham & Provolone Panini
If you typically opt for a basic, no-nonsense sandwich, then this panini is for you. A ham and provolone panini is just as it sounds and can be dressed up or down, depending on your preference.
For this sandwich, it’s recommended that you use sourdough bread, though again, as long as you’re opting for a sturdy bread option, the choice is yours. Add mayo to both pieces of bread, add your sliced deli ham and sliced deli provolone, and voila! Just add the sandwich to your panini press or cook it on the stove, and you have a simple but delicious sandwich within seconds.
Arugula, Tomato and Egg Panini
Another delicious twist on the panini is to make an arugula, tomato, and egg panini. It will require a few more ingredients but is well worth the effort put in.
Take your bread of choice, and on one slice, add raw arugula, cooked egg, and tomato. For additional flavor, add in sunflower seeds and/or pesto. Press the sandwich in your panini maker or cook it on the stove, and you’ll be glad you did.
Peanut Butter & Jelly
Last but certainly not least, it’s time for another spin on a classic sandwich: the PB&J. While this sandwich can be easily deemed one of the least exciting sandwich options out there, the PB&J can be potentially amazing if made right.
To create this delicious panini, make your favorite PB&J sandwich, but layer in more peanut butter. Once created, simply press your PB&J in your panini maker or grill on the stove, and you’ll have a gooey treat that’ll forever change the way you enjoy PB&J sandwiches.
Everybody loves a good panini, and these recipes are as quick as they are easy to put together. So even though making your lunch is a breeze, you’ll feel like you’re sitting down to a gourmet meal when it comes time to eat.