Panini bread?

Question

Is there a specific kind of bread to use when making a panini?

or just any old kind of bread I have laying around?

Answer 1

Ciabatta always works really well. It's thick enough to absorb moisture from whatever you're putting on the sandwich, as well as the heat from cooking, without getting mushy. Plus, the bread is delicious and substantial, if you're looking to make panini the entire meal.

Answer 2

1

Answer 3

First, in the Italian language, the technically correct definition of the word panini is "little breads". Pan = bread, ini = plural of the masculine diminutive suffix ino.
So "Panini Sandwitches" would be "little breads sandwiches," or "a Panini would be "A little Breads" which hurts the ears of anyone who's Italian or knows something about the language.

Second, after World War II, the concept of the sandwich became more universal throughout Europe, courtesy of our GIs. The Italians had no word for "sandwich" so panino took on that definition as well in the common vernacular. In fact, there is still no other word or synonym in Italian that means "sandwich". Thus, if panino = sandwich, then "panini sandwiches" really means "sandwiches sandwiches".

there is no such thing as "panini bread". Traditionally, the "pan" in panino has meant "roll" - these might be round (paisano-style), oval (baguette-style) or flat (like ciabattina) but foccacia is used at times, as are other breads. Thus, panini can be made on any bread: baguettes, ciabatta, foccacia - or wheat, white, rye or pumpernickel if you're so inclined (although it's unlikely you'll see those last two in Italy).

Traditionalists may argue about using sliced bread for panini, but with the increasing worldwide popularity of panini, more types of breads are being used in panini preparation in every large Italian city in order to accomodate diverse tastes. There is a cousin of the panini - the tramezzini - which are tiny snack sandwiches made with white bread with the crusts trimmed. These are often served as appetizers with drinks.

Answer 4

Panini just means little breads in Italian. No big deal.

Answer 5

you can pretty much use any ol' bread lying around.. the best ones, though, are the ones that you actually cut with a knife (the whole loaves, like sourdough, etc.)... it's usually more sturdy and solid and just hold up better. of course you can use just plain toast, but it's just not the same. whatever you use, if you want it to hold up a bit better, use a more firm bread. good luck! :o)

Answer 6

I've used whatever's around and it all works. But sourdough and ciabatta are my favorites.

Answer 7

how about french bread?