Who doesn't love the panini press aka sandwich press (not to be confused with the jaffle maker - which can of course create its own genius moments, such as these or these ).
But if you thought this hinged hero was good only for toasting sandwiches and making paninis, think again.
Here are some genius ideas, and clever ways we've spotted people putting their press to use.
Leftover pizza
If eating your leftover pizza cold isn't your thing, try the sandwich press: fold slices of pizza in half and then cook in your press. Hello crispy crust, hello melted cheese.
Now that's a sweet idea
French toast is always a good idea. Panini press toast is an extra good idea.
And then there's savoury french toast
Say hello to SBS Food's. This boozy, buttery, cheesy French toast is made for a lazy weekend breakfast - and you can make it in a sandwich press or a frying pan. (Yes, this one pretty much IS a panini! But we just couldn't leave it out!)
Bourbon French toast with ham and butter-braised tomato Source: Benito Martin
Crispy bacon
Kathy Strahs has been publishing panini recipes on her blog Panini Happy for 10 years, so we figure she knows her way around a grill. Check out .
No frying pan? No problem
"One of the most versatile appliances ever". Okay, we admit we haven't tried frying mushrooms in a panini press, but we like your thinking!
Haloumi happy
Ah, the squaky, salty wonder of grilled haloumi. You can use your sandwich press or grill pan for this too: cut the haloumi into slices about a centimetre thick, and then cook on the healed grill for a few minutes each side (depending on the grill, you might find it works best to cook with the lid closed, or to leave the press open).
Mark it up
Good for those snappy grill marks on bruschetta such as this .
...and other times when you need those distinctive grill lines:
Source: Alan Benson
Panini press omelette
Ten out of ten to Alton Brown for - use your panini press to cook crispy bacon and then your omelette!
Crouton creativity
Put some grill style in your salad:
... Or just make toasties from heaven
If you're just looking for some genius ideas for toasted sandwiches and paninis, we've got you covered there too. Tune in to on Friday July 20 from 6.30pm or afterwards on for to see her ideas for sweet and savoury panini, or check out SBS Food's , which includes this must-make (secret - the 50-50 ratio of bread to cheese!).
Lead image by CTO Zurich via .
To market: Kappacasein’s famous cheese sandwich Source: Feast Magazine
