Waffle Maker Panini Recipe

This toasty Waffle Maker Panini Recipe is an amazing way to make a hot sandwich, using sliced bread, provolone cheese, turkey, and a little butter for extra crispiness. The result is a perfectly golden-brown and crispy sandwich with deep pockets full of gooey, melted cheese, all made without a special panini press. It’s the ultimate quick and easy lunch or simple dinner for any day of the week, and this recipe makes one delicious panini in minutes.

Waffle Maker Panini Recipe Ingredients

• 2 slices of sturdy bread (sourdough, ciabatta, or thick-cut white bread)
• 2 tbsp softened butter
• 2 slices provolone or Swiss cheese
• 3-4 slices deli-style turkey or ham
• Optional: 1 tbsp pesto or Dijon mustard

How To Make a Waffle Maker Panini

1. Preheat the waffle iron: Turn on your electric waffle iron to a medium or medium-high heat setting and allow it to preheat completely.
2. Butter the bread: While the iron is heating, lay your two slices of bread on a plate. Spread a thin layer of softened butter evenly on one side of each slice. These will be the outsides of your panini.
3. Assemble the panini: Flip one slice of bread over so the buttered side is down. Layer it with one slice of cheese, the folded slices of turkey, and the second slice of cheese. If you are using pesto or mustard, spread it on the unbuttered side of the top slice of bread.
4. Close the sandwich: Place the second slice of bread on top, with its buttered side facing up.
5. Cook the panini: Carefully place the assembled sandwich into the center of the hot waffle iron. Close the lid and press down gently but firmly for a few seconds to compress the sandwich.
6. Serve immediately: Cook for 3-5 minutes, or until the bread is deeply golden-brown and crispy, and the cheese is melted and gooey. Use a spatula to carefully remove the panini, let it rest for one minute, then slice in half and serve hot.

Recipe Tips

• Use Sturdy Bread: For the best results, choose a sturdy bread with a tight crumb, like sourdough, ciabatta, or a thick-cut country loaf. Regular, thin sandwich bread can become too compressed or tear easily.
• Butter the Outside: Spreading softened butter on the outside of the bread is the secret to getting a perfectly golden, non-stick, and deliciously crispy crust, just like a classic grilled cheese.
• Cheese on Both Sides: The “cheese glue” method is key. Placing a slice of cheese directly against each slice of bread helps hold the entire sandwich together and guarantees maximum gooeyness in every single bite.
• Don’t Overstuff: It can be tempting to load up your panini, but a modest amount of fillings works best. This ensures the sandwich heats through evenly and prevents the fillings from spilling out and making a mess in your waffle iron.

What To Serve Waffle Maker Panini

This delicious waffle maker panini is a satisfying meal all on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with classic sandwich sides. For a comforting lunch, serve it alongside a warm cup of tomato soup for dipping. For a simple and satisfying crunch, a side of potato chips is perfect. To make it a lighter meal, pair it with a simple green salad.

How To Store Waffle Maker Panini Leftovers

• Refrigerate: A panini is always best enjoyed immediately while it’s hot and crispy. If you have leftovers, wrap them tightly in aluminum foil and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Reheat in an air fryer, toaster oven, or even back in the waffle maker for a minute to restore its crispiness.
• Freeze: Freezing is not recommended for a finished panini, as the texture of the bread can become soggy upon thawing and reheating.

Waffle Maker Panini Recipe Nutrition Facts

• Serving size: 1 panini
• Calories: 540 kcal
• Total Fat: 32g
• Saturated Fat: 16g
• Sodium: 1350mg
• Total Carbohydrate: 35g
• Dietary Fiber: 2g
• Sugars: 3g
• Protein: 28g

Frequently Asked Questions

• Can I use different meats and cheeses? Absolutely! This method works perfectly with any of your favorite panini combinations. Try classic pairings like ham and cheddar, roast beef and Swiss with caramelized onions, or a vegetarian Caprese version with mozzarella, fresh tomato, and pesto.
• My bread is burning before the cheese is fully melted. What can I do? This likely means your waffle iron is set to too high of a heat. Try turning it down to a medium setting. A slightly lower temperature will give the heat more time to penetrate the sandwich and melt the cheese completely before the outside gets too dark.
• Can I make more than one panini at a time? This depends entirely on the size of your waffle iron. Most standard, round, or square waffle makers will only fit one sandwich at a time. However, if you have a larger, double-waffle maker, you may be able to cook two paninis at once.