Grilled Olive Paste Provolone Sopressata Panini

Prep: 5 minCook: 8 min1 servingsmediumItalian
Grilled Olive Paste Provolone Sopressata Panini

A rustic Italian-inspired pressed sandwich featuring briny olive paste, creamy Fontina cheese, and spicy sopressata salami on whole grain bread. The panini-style preparation creates a golden, crispy exterior while melting the cheese inside. Perfect for lunch or a casual dinner, this sandwich combines Mediterranean flavors with Italian cured meat tradition. The olive paste acts as both spread and flavor base, while the sopressata adds richness and mild heat.

VegetarianNut-Free

Ingredients

1 servings
  • 2 slices whole grain bread, good
  • 2 tablespoons olive paste
    sun-dried tomato paste1:1none

    different flavor profile

  • 2 slices Fontina cheese
    mozzarella1:1vegetarian

    milder flavor

  • 4 slices Sopressata, thin
    prosciutto1:1gluten-free

    different texture

  • 1 tablespoon butter(optional)

Instructions

  1. 1

    Spread olive paste on one slice of bread

  2. 2

    Layer Fontina cheese and sopressata over olive paste

  3. 3

    Cover with second slice of bread

  4. 4

    Place in panini maker and press periodically until both sides are crusty and brown

  5. 5

    Alternatively, melt butter in non-stick saute pan until sizzling

  6. 6

    Add sandwich and hold down with spatula until bottom is browned

  7. 7

    Turn over and brown the other side

Tips

Tip 1

Press the sandwich firmly in the panini maker to ensure even browning and proper cheese melting

Tip 2

Use high-quality sopressata for the best flavor - the thin slicing allows it to warm through without overcooking

Good to Know

Storage

Best served immediately while warm and crispy

Serve With

Serve hot immediately after grilling for best texture

See pairing guide →

Common Mistakes

Watch

Don't overstuff the sandwich or it won't press properly

Watch

Keep heat at medium to avoid burning bread before cheese melts

Substitutions

Gluten-Free Swaps

sopressata→
prosciutto1:1gluten-free

different texture

Full guide →

General Alternatives

Fontina cheese→
mozzarella1:1vegetarian

milder flavor

Full guide →
olive paste→
sun-dried tomato paste1:1none

different flavor profile

Find more substitutions →

FAQ

Can I make this without a panini maker?

Yes, use a skillet with butter and press down with a spatula, or use a heavy pan as a weight on top while cooking.

What if I can't find sopressata?

Substitute with salami, prosciutto, or even pepperoni for a similar cured meat flavor and texture.

How long will this keep?

This sandwich is best eaten immediately while hot and crispy, as it will lose texture when stored.