Description

This Panini Bread recipe yields the perfect crispy crust with a soft, fluffy interior, ideal for grilling sandwiches. Using simple, everyday ingredients, it creates a versatile and flavorful bread that holds up well to a variety of fillings, from meats to vegetables or vegan options. Enjoy freshly baked homemade bread that elevates your sandwiches for any meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 ¼ cups warm water (about 110°F / 43°C)
2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast (1 packet)
2 tbsp olive oil
1 ½ tsp salt
1 tbsp sugar

Instructions

Activate the Yeast: Begin by dissolving the active dry yeast and sugar in warm water. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy, which means your yeast is ready to work its magic.
Mix the Dough: In a large bowl, combine the flour and salt, then slowly pour in the yeast mixture along with olive oil. Stir everything together until a sticky dough forms.
Knead for Perfection: Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. This develops the gluten needed for a great texture.
Let the Dough Rise: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm spot for 1-2 hours, or until it doubles in size.
Shape the Bread: After the dough has risen, punch it down gently, then shape it into oval or rectangular loaf shapes that will fit your panini press or grill.
Final Rest: Let the shaped dough rest for another 30 minutes to puff up further, creating that light and airy interior.
Bake to Crisp Perfection: Bake the bread in a preheated oven at 450°F (230°C) for about 15-20 minutes, until the crust is golden and crisp. Cool before slicing for your paninis.

Notes

Ensure your water is warm, not hot, to properly activate the yeast without killing it.
Take your time kneading to achieve the perfect dough consistency—over kneading makes it tough but under kneading leaves it crumbly.
Find a warm draft-free place for rising to help the dough double nicely in size.
Use a baking stone for a crispier crust if available.
Let the bread cool fully so the crumb sets and slicing doesn’t crush the loaf.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
Category: Appetizers
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 slice (approx. 50g)
Calories: 120
Sugar: 1.2g
Sodium: 210mg
Fat: 3.5g
Saturated Fat: 0.5g
Unsaturated Fat: 3g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 20g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 4g
Cholesterol: 0mg

Keywords: panini bread, sandwich bread, homemade bread, grilled sandwich bread, easy bread recipe, crispy bread, soft bread