Vegan Ideas for Your Panini Maker
“But paninis are supposed to be meat and cheese? That’s exactly what being vegan is—not eating those things—so how can you make one that still fits within those rules?” This is probably what you’d think when you would see this article title, and you would be correct. However, over time, these pressed sandwiches have evolved to include all sorts of great flavors and so there are still a lot of fun, easy, and delicious vegan ideas for your panini maker.
The first thing to know is that before you put your sandwich into the press you want to butter, or oil, the outsides of the bread on each side of the sandwich. Because we’re not using any dairy products you want to brush on olive oil, or use a butter substitute, like Earth Balance.
The essentials for your panini are some main ingredients, and something like a spread or something of a cheese consistency. When you’re looking at the pairings in this article, remember that these are vegan ideas for your panini maker, and that you can switch these things up all that you want as long as you remember the tips above. On to the sandwiches!
The first suggestion is to go a little fancy. Use a white bean spread, sage (either fresh leaves laid in, or use a bit of dried seasoning and whip it into the white bean spread), artichoke hearts, and tomato. If you were to serve this at a party people would be very impressed by your skills in the kitchen, and it’s still just making a sandwich!
For something a bit more simple, try grilling up some mushroom and onion and put it on a sandwich with tomato and either veganaise, or a vegan pesto (make sure to check for egg and such).
Go Italian with some thinly sliced zucchini, eggplant, black olives, and tomato sauce. If you need something a little more, try mixing in some minced garlic (it’s easiest to mix it into the tomato sauce), or throw on some grilled onions. You can pregrill these on the panini maker itself.
For more of an Italian touch, get some vegan cheese that melts (Daiya brand is a very popular choice) and use some pizza sauce and pepperonis, and whatever else you love on your pizza.
Speaking of a cheese substitute, you can always make a nice easy grilled cheese! For something a bit fancier, mix in some avocado slices, or some crumbled vegan bacon.
Hopefully all of these vegan ideas for what to do with your panini maker have you inspired to make yourself some great easy food and convinced that vegan cooking doesn’t have to be hard, confusing, or a big ordeal. If you have to make things for a group event making sandwiches is definitely the easiest way to go, and grilling them adds that extra touch that makes it still a fun way to eat.
