Quick and Yummy Meatball Panini’s

May 10, 2023May 10, 20230 16

Quick and Yummy Meatball Paninis - A Hearty Italian Sandwich

by The Chefin Sandwich

Prep

5 min

Cook

10 min

Ready In

15 min

Level

Easy

Rating

Ingredients

	1 loaf ciabatta , sliced in half lengthwise and then in quarters to make 4 sandwiches
	1 jar marinara sauce
	12 ounces frozen meatballs ( varies depending on size of meatballs )
	3 tablespoons olive oil
	2 garlic cloves , minced
	2 tablespoons italian seasoning
	4 slices mozzarella cheese ( deli sliced )

Nutrision Information

Servings Per Recipe

Calories

680

Sugar

Fat

41g

The Meatball Panini is an Italian-inspired sandwich that is perfect for a quick and hearty weeknight dinner. The meatballs are cooked in garlic-infused olive oil, giving them a delicious flavor and crispy texture. The sandwiches are then assembled with marinara sauce and mozzarella cheese, making them a classic Italian dish. This recipe is a great way to use up leftover meatballs, or alternatively you can use store-bought frozen meatballs for convenience. The sandwich is then pressed in a Panini press until the cheese is melted and the bread is crispy. Serve with a side salad for a complete meal.

Instructions

1.	Preheat your Panini press, or alternatively heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2.	Heat the olive oil in the skillet over medium heat, then add the minced garlic and cooked meatballs.
3.	Cook for 5-7 minutes until meatballs are browned on all sides.
4.	While the meatballs are cooking, spread 2-3 tablespoons of marinara sauce over the inside of each ciabatta slice.
5.	Place 3 meatballs on top of the sauce on each sandwich.
6.	Next, add a slice of mozzarella cheese to each sandwich.
7.	Finally, place the other half of the ciabatta bread on top of each sandwich.
8.	Once assembled, place the sandwiches on the Panini press and cook for 3-5 minutes until golden brown and the cheese has melted.
9.	If using a skillet, press the sandwiches down with a spatula and cook for around 2-3 minutes on each side, until cheese is melted and bread is crispy.

PROS

These sandwiches are quick and easy to make, perfect for a busy weeknight dinner.

The meatballs are already cooked, so it’s a great way to use up leftovers and save time in the kitchen.

The sandwiches are packed with flavor and will satisfy even the hungriest of appetites.

CONS

These sandwiches are quite high in calories and fat.

The cheese and marinara sauce add to the calorie count.
They should be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

The recipe requires a Panini press or large skillet, which may not be available in every kitchen.

HEALTH & BENEFITS

These sandwiches are a good source of protein, providing around 20g per serving, and are also high in fiber thanks to the ciabatta bread.
The marinara sauce contains lycopene, an antioxidant that has been linked to reducing the risk of heart disease and some cancers.
While these sandwiches are not low in calories, they can be enjoyed as part of a balanced diet in moderation.