August 11th marks National Panini Day, a celebration of the beloved Italian sandwich that has captured the hearts (and taste buds) of food enthusiasts worldwide. As we indulge in the crispy, warm goodness of a well-made panini, let's take a moment to appreciate its rich history and explore how modern kitchen technology, like the MultiChef™ high-speed oven, has revolutionized the way we prepare this classic dish.

The History of the Panini

The word "panini" is Italian for "small bread" and originally referred to sandwiches made from small rolls of bread, such as ciabatta or baguette. While the concept of placing ingredients between slices of bread dates back centuries, the panini as we know it today gained popularity in Italy during the mid-20th century. Italian cafés, known as "paninoteche," became popular spots for locals and tourists alike to enjoy these deliciously toasted sandwiches.

The panini made its way across the Atlantic in the 1980s, quickly becoming a staple in American cafés and restaurants. Its appeal lies in its versatility and the perfect balance of crispy bread and warm, melty fillings. Whether you prefer a classic combination of mozzarella, tomato, and basil or a more adventurous mix of ingredients, the panini offers endless possibilities for culinary creativity.

Our Top 3 Favorite Paninis with the MultiChef High-Speed Oven

To celebrate National Panini Day, we're excited to share our top three favorite panini recipes, all made effortlessly with the MultiChef high-speed oven. This innovative appliance brings out the best in each sandwich, ensuring perfect results every time.

Ingredients:

• Ciabatta bread
• Fresh mozzarella
• Sliced tomatoes
• Fresh basil leaves
• Balsamic glaze
• Olive oil

Instructions:

1. Preheat the MultiChef high-speed oven.
2. Slice the ciabatta bread in half and drizzle with olive oil.
3. Layer fresh mozzarella, sliced tomatoes, and basil leaves on the bottom half of the bread.
4. Drizzle with balsamic glaze and top with the other half of the bread.
5. Place the sandwich in the MultiChef oven and cook until the bread is crispy, and the cheese is melted, approximately 45 seconds.

Turkey and Brie Panini

Ingredients:

• Sourdough bread
• Sliced turkey breast
• Brie cheese
• Cranberry sauce
• Arugula

Instructions:

1. Preheat the MultiChef high-speed oven.
2. Slice the sourdough bread and spread cranberry sauce on one side of each slice.
3. Layer sliced turkey breast, brie cheese, and arugula on one slice of bread.
4. Top with the other slice of bread, cranberry sauce side down.
5. Place the sandwich in the MultiChef oven and cook until the bread is golden brown, and the cheese is gooey, approximately 45 seconds.

Ingredients:

• Multigrain bread
• Hummus
• Roasted red peppers
• Roasted zucchini
• Sundried tomatoes
• Spinach

Instructions:

1. Preheat the MultiChef high-speed oven.
2. Spread hummus on one side of each slice of multigrain bread.
3. Layer roasted red peppers, roasted zucchini, sundried tomatoes, and spinach on one slice of bread.
4. Top with the other slice of bread, hummus side down.
5. Place the sandwich in the MultiChef oven and cook until the bread is toasted, and the vegetables are warmed through, approximately 45 seconds..

The MultiChef High-Speed Oven: A Modern Marvel

The MultiChef high-speed oven is a game-changer for preparing delicious paninis and a variety of other dishes. Here are some of its standout features:

Ventless Capabilities: MultiChef  is designed with a ventless cooking system, making it an ideal choice for any commercial kitchen, regardless of its ventilation setup. This feature allows for flexibility in kitchen design and placement, ensuring you can create culinary masterpieces without worrying about extensive ventilation requirements.

Rapid-Cook Technology: Equipped with rapid-cook technology, the MultiChef oven significantly reduces cooking times without compromising on quality. This technology combines multiple cooking methods, such as convection, microwave, and impingement, to ensure even cooking and perfect results in a fraction of the time.

Safety Benefits: Safety is paramount in any kitchen, and MultiChef excels in this regard. Its cool-to-touch exterior and advanced safety features, such as easy-to-use controls, and built in alarms make it a reliable and safe option for all kitchen staff.

Celebrate with Us!

This National Panini Day, we invite you to try our favorite panini recipes and experience the convenience and excellence of the MultiChef high-speed oven. Whether you're a seasoned chef or a foodservice newbie, MultiChef makes it easy to create gourmet paninis for your menu that will impress your customers. Here's to many more delicious panini adventures!