4.24.2012

Turn Your Waffle Iron into a Panini Press

I had a hankering for a panini the other day. I'm not talking about a grilled sandwich but a pressed sandwich with golden-brown ripples of crunchy texture. Sweet or savory, a panini press takes an ordinary sandwich and turns it into a melty masterpiece.

The problem was, I didn't have a panini maker. And then a lightbulb went off. What if I could use my waffle maker to toast up my ordinary sandwich?


I powered up my waffle maker on the highest setting (an engagement gift from a lovely Belgian woman- get it?) and put my sandwich together. No butter required on a panini (another plus!), the non-stick surface doesn't need it.

I gave the sandwich a good squish and let it cook until the built in timer went off. After about three minutes, I had this golden-brown beauty waiting for me.

Don't let the waffle pattern throw you, the waffle maker worked just as well a specialized sandwich press. The cheese was melted perfectly and it had that great crunch to the bread. I'm still keeping the panini press on our wedding registry, but in the mean time, this works like a charm!

What kind of panini will you toast up? I see Nutella and strawberries in my future...


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19 comments:

Unknown said...

LOVE this idea!

Unknown said...

I have that same waffle iron :o) This is an awesome idea. I love finding a new purpose for a "regular old" household item!

Lauren said...

@Laura Beth GunterHope you'll try it out! Works like a charm. Thanks for stopping by!

Brandi said...

Love this idea! I will be using this for sure!

Lauren said...

@Brandi Glad I could share! Thanks for stopping by!

Jenna @ Newlyweds said...

Such a brilliant idea!! I will so use this I have a waffle iron and no panini press, perfect.

Thanks for sharing this with Newlyweds Recipe linky. I pinned this recipe feel free to follow me. http://pinterest.com/newlyweds/

Lauren said...

@Jenna @ NewlywedsThanks for the pins! Hope you enjoyed stopping by :)

Unknown said...

LOVE this...very resourceful! :)

Pati @ A Crafty Escape said...

Mmmm looks great!

Anonymous said...

I love clever solutions to anything and especially making kitchen wares multitask! In addition to this solution "working" I bet for some the waffle pattern even makes the sandwich taste better!

Robin
happilyhomeafter.blogspot.com

Miz Helen said...

Hi Lauren,
Your recipe looks awesome. Hope you have a great week end and thank you so much for sharing with Full Plate Thursday.
Come Back Soon!
Miz Helen

Lauren said...

@Miz HelenThanks for hosting!

Diane Balch said...

Brilliant idea, thanks so much for sharing this on foodie friday, see you next week.

Jami said...

Thanks for linking up to the Tuesday To Do Party! Hope you'll come again this week! This month's Pretty Packages party is now up for any of your lovely wrapped gifts!
http://blackberryvine.blogspot.com/2012/04/pretty-packages-party-14-highlights.html
Smiles!
Jami
www.blackberryvine.blogspot.com

Unknown said...

This was a great duh moment for me when I saw this. Thanks so much for sharing at Whimsy Wednesdays!

Lauren said...

@Me And My SweetsThanks for stopping by! Would love to join in on your party :)

Sweet Designs said...

That's a great idea, I shall give it a try.

Richard C. Lambert said...

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Quinton De Cock said...

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