Spicy Sausage Panini
This quick and easy panini combines several classic Italian flavours - spicy sausage "meatballs", crusty ciabatta bread, marinara sauce and Provolone cheese. If you can't find ciabatta, just substitute with your favourite crusty Italian-style bun.
Ingredients
- 2 spicy Italian sausages
- 2 ciabatta buns (or 1 small loaf, cut in half)
- ¼ cup bottled marinara sauce
- 2 tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (options)
- ¼ cup sliced roasted red pepper
- 4 slices Provolone cheese
Instructions
- Remove the casing from the sausages. Cut each sausage into six roughly even-sized pieces, the roll the pieces between the palms of your hands to form a dozen little meatballs.
- In a skillet set over medium-high heat, fry the sausage balls for 7-10 minutes, or until well browned and cooked all the way through.
- Meanwhile, insert plates into the Griddler with the ridged side facing out and preheat to High.
- Split the ciabatta buns lengthwise, and scoop out a small hollow from the inside of both the top and bottom halves to help keep the filling contained when it's pressed in the Griddler.
- Starting with the first bun, spread the top and bottom halves with half of the marinara, and sprinkle with half of the oregano and red pepper flakes (if using). Place a slice of cheese onto the bottom half of the bun, followed by half of the sausage, a second slice of cheese, half of the red peppers, and top off with the top half of the bun. Using the palm of your hand, press down gently to squish the sandwich together. Repeat with the remaining bun and fillings.
- Arrange the sandwiches on the bottom plate of the preheated Griddler, then lower the top and press down gently for 30 seconds to flatten the panini. Grill for 4 to 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the bread is toasted. Slice in half and serve immediately, or wrap up to take to work and make your coworkers jealous.
Recipe by Crumb: A Food Blog at https://www.crumbblog.com/canadian-tire-kitchen-crew-mission-1-spicy-sausage-panini/