Gourmet Smoked Italian Meats Panini
Indulge in the rich, savory flavors of this Gourmet Smoked Italian Meats Panini, inspired by a classic Italian recipe I stumbled upon while watching the Food Network. From the infusion of spicy calabrese sausage to the aromatic notes of prosciutto and the creamy texture of smoked gouda, this panini is a symphony of taste! Combining a variety of flavorful Italian deli meats with fresh vegetables and a splash of balsamic vinegar, this recipe is a delightful journey for your senses. Perfect for a hearty lunch or a satisfying dinner, this panini promises to become a family favorite in no time.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
14
Ingredients
Ingredients
calabrese hot Italian sausage
3 ounces (thinly sliced)
pepper salami
3 ounces (thinly sliced)
hot capicolla sausage
3 ounces (thinly sliced)
prosciutto
3-5 ounces (thinly sliced)
smoked gouda cheese
3 ounces (sliced for 4 paninis)
balsamic vinegar
2 teaspoons (none)
extra virgin olive oil
2 teaspoons (none)
red onion
1/4 medium (sliced into rings)
sweet roasted red pepper
1/3 cup (sliced)
baby romaine lettuce
1 1/4 cups (washed and dried)
olive oil flavored cooking spray
to taste (none)
Italian seasoning
to taste (none)
shaved parmesan cheese
to taste (none)
asiago cheese rolls
4 (split in half)
Instructions
1
Start by slicing the calabrese sausage, pepper salami, hot capicolla, and prosciutto very thin. You can use the 'Italian Blend Gourmet Pack' from Daniele for convenience.
2
In a skillet over medium heat, fry the meats briefly, just until heated through and slightly caramelized. This will help release their juices and enhance the flavors.
3
Once cooked, place the meats on a paper towel to blot away any excess grease.
4
Preheat your oven broiler. Cut the asiago cheese rolls in half and lightly spray the insides with olive oil cooking spray. Sprinkle each half with Italian seasoning to add extra flavor.
5
Arrange the rolls on a baking sheet and place them under the broiler for 4-5 minutes or until they are nicely browned and toasty.
6
Begin assembling the panini: Layer the bottom half of each roll with a handful of baby romaine lettuce, followed by a few rings of red onion.
7
Add the calabrese sausage, pepper salami, and hot capicolla next, followed by slices of smoked gouda.
8
Top with prosciutto, sweet roasted red peppers, and drizzle 1/2 teaspoon of balsamic vinegar and olive oil over the filling.
9
Finish with a sprinkle of shaved parmesan cheese before placing the top half of the roll on.
10
Carefully place the assembled paninis back on the baking sheet and return them to the broiler for additional 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the bread is golden.
11
Slice in half and serve hot. Enjoy your gourmet creation!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Gourmet Smoked Italian Meats Panini?
It is a savory sandwich featuring a variety of Italian deli meats, smoked gouda, and fresh vegetables on toasted asiago rolls.
Which meats are included in this recipe?
The recipe includes calabrese hot Italian sausage, pepper salami, hot capicolla sausage, and thin-sliced prosciutto.
How should the meats be prepared before cooking?
All the deli meats, including the sausage and salami, should be sliced very thin.
Why should I fry the meats briefly?
Frying the meats in a skillet helps release their juices, enhances the flavors, and provides a slight caramelization.
What should I do with excess grease after frying the meats?
Place the cooked meats on a paper towel to blot away any excess grease before assembling the paninis.
What type of bread is recommended for this panini?
The recipe calls for four asiago cheese rolls, split in half.
How are the asiago rolls prepared?
Lightly spray the insides of the rolls with olive oil cooking spray and sprinkle them with Italian seasoning.
How long should I initially broil the rolls?
The rolls should be placed under the broiler for 4-5 minutes or until they are nicely browned and toasty.
What kind of lettuce is used in this recipe?
Baby romaine lettuce is used to add a fresh, crisp texture to the panini.
How should the red onion be prepared?
The red onion should be sliced into thin rings for even distribution across the sandwich.
Which cheese provides the smoky flavor?
The smoky flavor comes from slices of smoked gouda cheese.
Is there a second cheese used in the filling?
Yes, a sprinkle of shaved parmesan cheese is added on top of the filling before closing the rolls.
What type of peppers are included?
Sweet roasted red peppers are sliced and layered into the sandwich.
How much balsamic vinegar is used per panini?
Approximately 1/2 teaspoon of balsamic vinegar is drizzled over the filling of each sandwich.
How much olive oil is added to the filling?
About 1/2 teaspoon of extra virgin olive oil is drizzled over the filling along with the vinegar.
What is the purpose of the final broil?
The final broil for 2-3 minutes ensures the cheese is melted and the bread is golden.
Should the panini be served hot?
Yes, it is recommended to slice the panini in half and serve it hot immediately after the final broil.
Is there a convenient way to buy the meats?
You can use a pre-packaged 'Italian Blend Gourmet Pack' like the one from Daniele for convenience.
What seasoning is used for the bread?
Italian seasoning is sprinkled on the rolls before the initial toasting.
How many ingredients are required for this recipe?
There are 14 total ingredients used in this gourmet panini recipe.
Is this recipe spicy?
Yes, the calabrese hot Italian sausage and hot capicolla sausage provide a spicy flavor profile.
When is the best time to serve this panini?
This panini is perfect for a hearty lunch or a satisfying dinner.
How do I prepare the baby romaine lettuce?
The baby romaine lettuce should be washed and dried thoroughly before being placed on the bottom roll.
How many paninis does this recipe make?
Based on the ingredient quantities, this recipe is designed to make four gourmet paninis.
What was the inspiration for this recipe?
The recipe was inspired by a classic Italian recipe featured on the Food Network.
What is the layering order for the meats?
Layer the calabrese, pepper salami, and hot capicolla first, then add the gouda and top with prosciutto.
What is the first step in assembling the panini?
Start by layering the bottom half of the toasted roll with baby romaine lettuce and red onion rings.
Can I substitute the asiago cheese rolls?
While asiago rolls are recommended for flavor, you could substitute with other crusty rolls if needed.
How long is the total broiling time?
The total broiling time is approximately 6 to 8 minutes, split between the bread toasting and the final melt.
How should the finished panini be presented?
It is best served hot, sliced in half to reveal the colorful layers of meat and vegetables.