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    Home » Eggless Baking » Panini Bread Recipe - Best Bread for Sandwiches

    Published: Feb 21, 2019 · Modified: Mar 27, 2022 by sushma iyer · This post may contain affiliate links

    Panini Bread Recipe - Best Bread for Sandwiches

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    Drooling over your favourite Panera Bread Sandwich and wondering how on earth do they make it?? Well, this Panini Bread Recipe is surely gonna blow your mind then..

    Soft and Chewy bread customised to your favourite fillings, grilled to perfection and that too right at the comfort of your home. What more could you ask for?

    pin image of panini bread

    What is a Panini?

    Panini is basically a sandwich but is made with not the regular bread recipe. A panino or panini is a sandwich made using Italian bread.

    Off lately, it has gained popularity in bakeries across the country.

    And one such bakery that we all know is the Panera Bread. The sandwiches that they sell are so good and trust me with this panini bread recipe you can totally crack it at home.

    A classic recipe that uses leftover meat or salad leaves as a filling and is usually pressed in a panini maker and served hot. A great filling sandwich perfect for your lunch.

    The crispy grilled bread with your favourite filling and the melting goey cheese - oh my gosh I am sorted for my lunch this weekend. What are your plans?

    panini bread held in my hands to show it closely

    The secret to making Bakery style Panini Bread

    There is a reason why I am claiming this as the best bread for panini. You can make the best panini using this secret bakery style recipe.

    And this is also the trick that I use to make the best Bakery Style Pizza Dough as well.

    Won't keep you waiting for long and that secret thing is to make the "BIGA" or the starter before actually making the dough.

    What is Biga?

    Biga is basically a starter culture or you may say a pre-ferment made from flour and yeast.

    Advantages of using Biga:

    1. It helps to increase the enzyme activity that is the yeast activity of panini dough. Not only panini but all yeast bread recipes.
    2. Also imparts a beautiful flavour and aroma to the baked bread.

    Apart from the Biga the other panini bread ingredients include:

    The usual Flour, Yeast, Salt and Oil.

    Other than that

    1. Maltexo : It does the work of adding sugar or food to the yeast. But I did not want to make a round to the stores to buy something that I am sure would be lying on one corner of my pantry unless I dig in to find ways to use it ;)So instead I have substituted it with honey which is a common ingredient in our pantry 😀
    2. Sun-Dried Tomatoes: It imparts an amazing flavour to the Panini bread recipe but of course you can skip it if it is not handy or not available in the place where you live 🙂

    6 steps to help you master making your own homemade Panini Bread?

    Step 1: Making the Biga

    step 1 making the biga of panini bread

    The night before just combine the flour, yeast and water until it comes together as a dough. There is absolutely no need to knead the dough.

    Cling wrap and let it ferment overnight.

    Step 2: How to make the Panini Bread Dough

    step 2 making panini bread dough

    Just combine all the ingredients - flour, salt, olive oil, honey, yeast dissolved in water into a stand mixer along with the biga that is the starter that you made on the previous night. Knead it in the stand mixer for 8 mins.

    Add in the sun-dried tomatoes and mix for 30 sec until it gets incorporated.

    A stand mixer really makes your life easier right!!

    But if you do not have a stand mixer you can still knead this bread manually. Knead it for 15-20 mins until you get a soft dough.

    This dough is not as tacky as the ones we made for Pita Bread but instead is a soft dough similar to our regular Indian chapati dough.

    Step 3: First Proofing

    Lightly oil the bowl in which you mixed the dough with some olive oil and spread all around.

    Place the dough in it and coat it with oil so that it does not dry out, cover it with a tea towel or cling wrap and then allow it for first proofing - 40 mins or proof in the Instant Pot for 20 mins.

    Step 4 : Scaling and Shaping

    step 4 scaling of panini bread dough

    After 40 mins take the dough out onto your work top. Scale and divide the dough into 100 gms each.

    You would get 12 roundels from this recipe.

    Lightly tuck the sides of each dough to the bottom and give it a round shape. Check this video on how to shape the bread into roundels. Super helpful for beginners.

    Cover the roundels with tea towel and allow an intermediate proofing of 10 mins.

    Shaping

    step 5 shaping the panini bread dough

    Take the roundel that you had done first.

    Flatten it out.

    Take the top portion of the dough and bring it to the centre and press well so that it sticks to the centre really well.

    Repeat the same on the bottom side. Take the bottom side and bring it to the centre such that it overlaps the first fold. Seal well.

    Turn around and roll it forwards and backwards such that you get two narrow ends and a broad centre. This shape is called "Torpedo shape" in culinary terms.

    Shape all the roundels in the same manner.

    Using a rolling pin roll the torpedo's to get an elongated oval shape.

    Let it proof for 10-12 mins before hitting the oven.

    Step 5: Baking

    step 6 baking the panini bread

    Bake them in a preheated oven of 160°C for 14-18 mins.

    The bread would be pale in colour even after baking. Do not worry that is how it should be. Soft and pale.

    Once the bread is cooled completely make a slit in the centre fill in with your favourite filling and then grill in a panini press or panini sandwich maker until crispy and toasted. Enjoy your toasted panini warm 🙂

    two grilled panini bread served on a white oval plate

    Which is the best Panini Maker to own?

    Cuisinart panini press and Breville panini press are a really good ones to own.

    Can I make this easy panini bread recipe without panini maker?

    Yes, of course, you can. Even I used my sandwich grill maker for the same. And it turned out absolutely amazing in it.

    How to store the Panini Breads?

    Cling wrap the panini bread individually and then store it at room temperature for 2 days or in the freezer for upto a month.

    When needed let it thaw to room temperature and then slice, fill, grill and enjoy.

    panini bread placed on a bowl

    And here is how to make panini bread at home?

    Liked this recipe?Let us know by giving it a star rating
    panini bread placed on a bowl
    Print
    4.97 from 26 votes

    Panini Bread Recipe

    The only 6 simple steps to make your own Panera Bread Style Homemade Panini Bread. This soft and chewy bread is the best bread to make panini, sandwiches; when filled with olive oil tomato mozzarella red peppers and grilled to perfection makes an ideal lunch or dinner.
    Course Main Course
    Cuisine American
    Prep Time 15 minutes minutes
    Cook Time 18 minutes minutes
    Proofing Time 1 hour hour 10 minutes minutes
    Total Time 33 minutes minutes
    Servings 12 breads
    Author Sushma Iyer

    Ingredients

    Biga/Starter

    • 2 gms Yeast
    • 250 gms Flour
    • 140 ml Water

    Panini Bread Dough

    • 500 gms Flour
    • 10 gms Salt
    • 25 gms Olive Oil
    • 10 gms Honey
    • 12 gms Yeast
    • 300 ml Water
    • 50 gms Sun dried Tomato

    Instructions

    • Start by making the biga or starter culture. Mix everything mentioned under the Biga Ingredients and combine to form a dough. No need to knead the dough here. Just mix to form a dough. Cling wrap and let it ferment overnight or a minimum of 8 hours.
    • Next day to make the dough, take the flour, salt, olive oil, honey and the biga in the stand mixer. Dissolve the yeast in the water and add to the stand mixer. Knead the dough for 8 mins. 
    • After 8 mins add the sun-dried tomato and mix for another 30 sec. 
    • Lightly oil the bowl and transfer the dough into it and allow it to proof for 40 mins. Alternatively you can proof in the instant pot for 20 mins.
    • After 40 mins, scale and round the dough to 100 gms each and allow an intermediate proofing of 10 mins.
    • Then take a roundel, flatten it and give it a torpedo shape. (Refer the above paragraph for a pictorial representation or check out the video) Using a rolling pin just flatten them to give an oval shape the size of your palm.
    • Line it on a baking tray that has been pre-lined with parchment paper. Allow it to proof for 10 mins and then bake in a preheated oven of 160°C for 14-18 mins.
    • Allow it to cool completely before slicing, filling and grilling your favourite sandwich 

    Video

    Notes

    1. Since I am using the Instant variety of yeast there is no need to activate it. Please keep in mind that if you use any other variety make sure to activate it before use.
    2. Please refer the video tutorial for a clear understanding of shaping your bread dough.
    3. The panini bread once baked is pale in colour as compared to other bread. Do not panic that is how it is supposed to be. 
    4. These are a really soft bread however once grilled it becomes so crispy and so tasty with the filling inside enhancing the flavour quotient of the bread.
    Did you make this recipe? Tag me today!Tag me @spicesandflavors to get featured on my FB and Insta pages

    Now instead of looking for where to get panini bread, make your own with this Panera bread copycat recipes.

    If you are someone who truly enjoys good panini bread then definitely try this out yourself and if you do then let me know by tagging me, tweeting me or Instagram me. I would love to connect with you. 

    Pin this to your Bread Board

    pin image of panini bread

    I will see you soon with yet another recipe

    Until then

    Hugs

    Sushma

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Kavitha says

      March 09, 2025 at 5:08 pm

      5 stars
      Made it today!! Simply superb and so easy. I have never made breads before and this was amazing. Thank you for such a well explained and good recipe

      Reply
      • sushma iyer says

        April 04, 2025 at 7:15 pm

        Hi Kavitha.. thank you so much! I'm so happy to hear that you tried it and loved it—especially as your first time baking bread! That truly means a lot. Your kind words made my day. Grateful to be a small part of your baking journey

        Reply
    2. Margaret Cleare says

      February 28, 2025 at 6:52 am

      Hi, I would like to try this recipe today but don't want to have to wait overnight to finish it. Can I just proof the yeast & continue with the remainder of the recipe or do you have another recipe for same day baking? Thank you.

      Reply
      • sushma iyer says

        April 04, 2025 at 7:16 pm

        Hi Margaret.. So glad you're planning to try the recipe 😊 This particular one is designed for an overnight proof, which really helps develop the flavour and texture. I currently don’t have a same-day version of it, but I totally get the need for quicker options—I'll definitely consider working on one! For now, you could try proofing it in a slightly warmer spot to speed things up a bit, but the overnight rest does make a big difference. Let me know how it goes

        Reply
    3. Gavy says

      January 05, 2025 at 11:41 pm

      Hi,
      I am interested in making these paninis. But a bit confused about the yeast, is it fresh yeast or instant yeast?

      Reply
      • sushma iyer says

        January 20, 2025 at 5:40 pm

        Hi Gavy.. you are right.. these are made using fresh yeast. If using instant yeast please reduce the quantity in the actual bread to 4 gms

        Reply
    4. BHarti says

      April 08, 2024 at 4:29 pm

      Hi Sushma

      What flour do ou use to make the pannini bread? Bread flour or regular AP?

      Reply
      • sushma iyer says

        April 13, 2024 at 10:38 am

        Hi.. Bread Flour

        Reply
    5. emmajune says

      January 20, 2024 at 2:05 am

      Recipe sounds and looks wonderful !! I can't wait to try it.
      Do you use regular AP flour ? Thanks !

      Reply
      • sushma iyer says

        January 22, 2024 at 11:20 pm

        Waiting for your feedback now.. thank you 🙂

        Reply
    6. Melanie says

      June 02, 2023 at 11:03 pm

      Hi . I tried this recipe , happy with that. Thank you

      Reply
      • sushma iyer says

        June 12, 2023 at 6:43 pm

        Pleasure is all mine.. thank you

        Reply
    7. Christina says

      April 24, 2023 at 2:28 am

      Do you have a conversion to teaspoons, tablespoons and cup measurements? I'd love to make but it's overwhelming.

      Reply
      • sushma iyer says

        May 06, 2023 at 8:21 am

        sorry I don't.. may be I will update the recipe sometime soon 🙂

        Reply
    8. sri says

      May 26, 2021 at 1:15 pm

      5 stars
      I made this. Decided the dough into 2, one using sun dried tomato and one plain. The plain came out lighter crumb. Both are very good. Thank you for your recipe.

      Reply
      • sushma iyer says

        June 15, 2021 at 11:46 am

        so good to know this.. thank you

        Reply
    9. Carine says

      April 17, 2021 at 5:20 pm

      Hi

      I have some starters. Can i use it instead of making the biga? If so, how many grams of starter should i use?
      Thx

      Reply
      • sushma iyer says

        April 19, 2021 at 12:07 pm

        Hi Carine.. I have not tried this recipe with sourdough starter yet. so I won't be able to guide you on the same. Sorry about that

        Reply
    10. Greer Jacobs says

      March 18, 2021 at 8:30 pm

      5 stars
      I have these in the oven at the moment, they're about 2 mins from done, look perfect, and the dough was so nice to work with. From the smell I have no doubt they're going to taste divine!

      Reply
      • sushma iyer says

        March 22, 2021 at 11:03 am

        Yay!! that's awesome Greer.. Thank you for taking the time out to try and share your experience with us 🙂

        Reply
    11. Jackie says

      February 20, 2021 at 6:00 pm

      Hi! This is exactly what I was looking for. Only question I have is can I freeze half the dough or do you recommend baking it first then freezing the baked bread? Assuming the former but wanted to get your thoughts.

      Reply
      • sushma iyer says

        February 23, 2021 at 10:24 am

        Hi Jackie.. Personally I have never tried freezing the dough but you can very well freeze the baked bread.

        Reply
        • Maxine says

          December 27, 2021 at 10:22 pm

          Freeze it already shaped. Take it out of the freezer and thaw overnight in the fridge then bring up to room temperature before baking.
          I have used this dough to also make buns. Shape into balls, rest 10 minutes then flatten to about 10cm thick. Proof to double size then bake.

          Reply
    12. brian Stephen Williams says

      January 23, 2021 at 5:07 am

      5 stars
      Perfect. Very nice and simple to make.

      Reply
      • sushma iyer says

        January 24, 2021 at 6:16 am

        Thank you so much.. glad to know that you liked them Brian 😀

        Reply
    13. dan says

      December 13, 2020 at 8:04 am

      5 stars
      Great recipe ! Thank You

      Reply
    14. Linda says

      November 24, 2020 at 4:04 pm

      Can I make the dough in my bread maker?

      Reply
      • sushma iyer says

        November 25, 2020 at 9:00 pm

        Hi Linda.. I do not own a bread machine so have never tried using one and hence am unable to comment. Sorry

        Reply
        • Maxine says

          April 22, 2021 at 4:20 pm

          No reason why not using the dough function putting ingredients in in the order your breadmaker recommends.

          Reply
    15. Connie says

      November 02, 2020 at 5:29 am

      Do I refrigerate the starter or leave room temperature. Thanks

      Reply
      • sushma iyer says

        November 03, 2020 at 11:47 am

        Hi Connie..

        You leave it at room temperature. No need to refrigerate.

        Regards
        Sushma

        Reply
    16. Barbara Moore says

      March 18, 2020 at 8:36 am

      Is this the same recipe they use for rolls?

      Reply
      • sushma iyer says

        March 19, 2020 at 5:34 am

        Hi Barbara..

        Not really.. Rolls follow a basic proofing method. I have a separate post for the same too.. Here is the link if you would like to have a look.. https://spicesnflavors.com/ladi-pav-dinner-rolls-cooker-oven/
        but a similar recipe is used for pizza.. here is the link if you are interested to see: https://spicesnflavors.com/tawa-pizza-no-oven-homemade-pizza-dough/

        Reply
        • Maxine says

          December 27, 2021 at 10:24 pm

          I have made buns from this recipe and they turn out lovely and soft. Made them twice now and perfect.

          Reply
    17. Angel Wilson says

      October 22, 2019 at 6:47 am

      5 stars
      I made this with my new 500 watt Cuisinart stand mixer but I keep a sourdough starter going year round. It turned out wonderful. I use throwaway starter for pancakes waffles and pizza crust but friends always want starter to. Mine is about 20 years old and if I'm not making bread I put it in the fridge and pull out the night before I need it. One other thing I do is if I'm making 12 sandwiches for a crowd I put them on a large sheet pan and then put another one on the top and bake at 425 degrees for about 12 to 15 minutes. Really quick. My favorite right now is grilled apple brie argula paninis with either pesto or honey or sweet pepper relish.

      Reply
      • sushma iyer says

        October 30, 2019 at 9:48 am

        Hi Angel..

        That sounds delish.. thanks a bunch for sharing your tips and tricks it would be helpful to many others reading this.. that is so generous of you.. Grilled apples plus brie two of my favourite things need to try this soon.. so yum!!!

        Reply
        • Eva says

          August 30, 2020 at 3:05 pm

          Hi Angel
          So you replaced biga with starter? Could you share the amout and process

          Reply
    18. Freda @ Aromatic essence says

      February 23, 2019 at 10:50 am

      5 stars
      This is so awesome, it looks just like the bakery kinds!! Love the detailed tutorial to make this bread.

      Reply
      • sushma iyer says

        February 27, 2019 at 9:49 pm

        Thank you freda.. so glad to know that this post on panini bread was informative.. thank you <3

        Reply
    4.97 from 26 votes (19 ratings without comment)

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