We’re officially in the middle of our busy season. This means much less cooking for me. So we’ve been eating grilled chicken, grilled salmon, basic pasta… and then on really lazy nights… sandwiches. But don’t worry, Stephan and I aren’t suffering too much… I like to make tasty sandwiches.
This is a very simple sandwich, cooked on my grill pan. I don’t have one of those fancy Panini Pans (YET!) but I do have a basic cast iron grill pan. I simply place the sandwich on the hot pan and then place a glass pie dish on top to mash it down. After a few minutes, turn, press… and voila! Pressed sandwich. Easy Peasy, and without a $150 pan!
Pressed Chicken Sandwich Recipe
4 slices good bread (I used onion rye)
1 tbsp prepared pesto
4 slices swiss (I used KerryGold)
6-10 slices Boars Head deli chicken or turkey
small handful arugula
olive oil
1. Heat grill pan over medium heat for several minutes until hot. Spread pesto on one side of each piece of bread. Assemble sandwich with a slice of cheese on both sides of the bread (on the pesto side), and the turkey and arugula between the cheese slices. Brush outer pieces of bread with olive oil.
2. Carefully place the sandwich on the hot grill pan and press down with a pie pan or small casserole dish. Let cook for 3-4 minutes. Flip and repeat.
Makes 2 Servings
Previous / 
Looks yummy and healthy, included in today dinner menu.
http://www.thefind.com/food/
Reply to Gisselle
Why would anyone photoshop a sandwich? A head onto a body I’d understand but a sandwich?! Candace happens to be married to an EXTREMELY talented photographer. Stop the haterade and go fix yourself a sandwich.
Reply to Alicia
Mmmmmm!!! That looks like a truly yummy sandwich! When we had our kitchen extended, we practically lived on toasties – but never ones as good as that looks.
Reply to Lucy
@Phil… By the tone of your comment, I’m sure you have seen many photoshopped images in your day, and are clearly well informed when it comes to photography.
However… A: you must not be familiar with GOOD photography, and B: you are wrong.
All of the images on this blog are straight from the camera. The photographs are the result of a very talented and skilled photographer with a professional camera and lens. The effect on the image is called selective focus, but with your know-it-all tone, I’m sure you’re aware of that. Perhaps you should know what you’re talking about next time you make snarky comments like this. Mmmmkay?
Reply to Candace
Too much meat for my taste, but still looks good. Especially the bread!
Reply to Rachel
Those pics are totally photoshopped, I’d know, I’ve seen a few photoshooped image in my day.
Reply to Phil E. Drifter
I highly recommend the panni press. It gets used often. The sandwich looks wonderful…you can have a flavorful meal in minutes.
Reply to peabody
I’m so jealous about your grill pan! I actually went to buy one last week (a very nice circle one from my friends at Williams Sonoma) but found out they don’t work well on glass top stoves, since the bottom of the pan isn’t flat. So enjoy it – for me. You should know they tried to sell me a panini press. Ha! I haven’t won the lotto!
Reply to Dawn
Good idea Bill… I’ll try that!
Reply to Candace
Sandwiches are so underrated, and pesto is one of my favorite “glues.” And I’ve just become a huge fan of arugula and put it in everything. I’ll try sandwiches next.
Reply to My First Kitchen
Have you considered pressing the sandwich with another preheated cast iron pan? I picked up the trick from Alton Brown’s grilled cheese recipe and find that it works a trick any sort of sandwich I want squished.
Reply to BillJ
I love sandwich nights! Paninis are the best too! We make them all of the time, we got a press for our wedding and we love it!
Reply to Maria
It looks so crisp and delicious! Great idea.
Reply to Patricia Scarpin
Not to tempt you or anything…but my parents have a fancy panini pan and it is awesome! :)
Reply to robin
Hooray for quick, satisfying meals!!
Reply to VeggieGirl