Prosciutto Egg Panini recipe

From the moment I first bit into a warm, crispy Prosciutto Egg Panini, I knew I had discovered breakfast perfection. It wasn’t just a sandwich; it was an experience. The salty, savory prosciutto, the perfectly cooked runny egg, the melted cheese oozing out the sides, all nestled between slices of crusty, grilled bread – it was a symphony of flavors and textures that danced on my palate. Since that day, the Prosciutto Egg Panini has become a weekend brunch staple in our home. It’s surprisingly easy to make, yet feels incredibly gourmet, making it perfect for a lazy Sunday morning or even a quick yet impressive weekday breakfast. Whether you’re looking to elevate your breakfast game or impress guests with a sophisticated brunch offering, this Prosciutto Egg Panini recipe is your answer. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be hooked!

Ingredients

Crafting the perfect Prosciutto Egg Panini hinges on the quality and selection of your ingredients. Each component contributes to the overall flavor and texture profile, transforming simple elements into a truly gourmet experience. Here’s a detailed breakdown of what you’ll need to assemble this delectable sandwich, along with tips for choosing the best ingredients:

• 8 Slices of Prosciutto: Prosciutto is the star of this panini, lending its signature salty, savory, and slightly sweet flavor. Opt for thinly sliced prosciutto di Parma or prosciutto San Daniele for the best quality and taste. Look for prosciutto that is vibrant pink in color with streaks of white fat – this indicates good marbling and flavor. If you can find it, pre-sliced prosciutto from the deli counter is convenient. If not, ask your deli counter to slice it thinly for you.
• 4 Large Eggs: Fresh, high-quality eggs are essential for a perfect runny yolk, which is a key element of this panini. Free-range or organic eggs are often richer in flavor and have more vibrant yolks. You’ll be cooking the eggs to your preference, but for a classic panini experience, over-easy or sunny-side up eggs are ideal.
• 4 Ciabatta Rolls or Panini Bread: The bread you choose is crucial for a great panini. Ciabatta rolls are a fantastic option because of their slightly chewy texture and open crumb, which grills beautifully and holds up well to fillings. Panini bread, often pre-sliced and rectangular, is also a great choice and readily available. Other good alternatives include sourdough bread, focaccia, or even a hearty country loaf. Ensure your bread is sturdy enough to withstand grilling without becoming soggy.
• 4 Slices of Cheese (Provolone, Mozzarella, or Gruyere): Cheese adds a creamy, melty element that binds all the flavors together. Provolone cheese is a classic choice for panini due to its mild, slightly nutty flavor and excellent melting properties. Fresh mozzarella offers a milky, delicate flavor and a beautiful melt. Gruyere cheese brings a more complex, nutty, and slightly sweet flavor that elevates the panini to a gourmet level. You can use any of these cheeses individually or even combine them for a more complex flavor profile. Sliced cheese is most convenient, but you can also slice cheese from a block.
• 4 Cups Fresh Baby Arugula or Spinach: Adding greens provides a fresh, peppery (arugula) or mild (spinach) counterpoint to the richness of the prosciutto and egg. Baby arugula is particularly well-suited to panini with its delicate leaves and slightly spicy bite. Fresh spinach, lightly wilted by the heat of the panini, offers a milder, more earthy flavor. Wash and dry your greens thoroughly before assembling the panini.
• 2 Tablespoons Butter or Olive Oil: Butter adds richness and flavor to the bread as it grills, creating a golden-brown, crispy crust. Olive oil is a healthier alternative that still provides crispness and a subtle fruity flavor. You can use either butter or olive oil, or even a combination of both for the best of both worlds.
• Salt and Freshly Ground Black Pepper: Seasoning is crucial to enhance the flavors of all the ingredients. Use sea salt or kosher salt for better flavor and freshly ground black pepper for a more robust pepper taste. Season the eggs lightly as they cook and season the greens with a pinch of salt and pepper as well.
• Optional Additions:
  • Roasted Red Peppers: Jarred or homemade roasted red peppers add a sweet and smoky flavor that complements prosciutto and eggs beautifully. Slice them into strips and layer them into the panini.
  • Pesto: A smear of pesto (basil pesto, sun-dried tomato pesto, or even arugula pesto) on the bread adds a burst of herbaceous, garlicky flavor.
  • Sliced Tomato: Thinly sliced ripe tomatoes add freshness and acidity. Choose firm tomatoes and pat them dry to prevent the panini from becoming soggy.
  • Caramelized Onions: Sweet and savory caramelized onions add depth and richness. Prepare them ahead of time and add a spoonful to each panini.
  • Balsamic Glaze: A drizzle of balsamic glaze after grilling adds a touch of sweetness and tanginess that balances the saltiness of the prosciutto.

Ingredient Notes for Optimal Flavor:

• Prosciutto Quality: Investing in good quality prosciutto makes a significant difference in the overall taste. Look for reputable brands and if possible, taste a sample before buying.
• Egg Freshness: Use the freshest eggs possible for the best flavor and yolk consistency.
• Bread Freshness: Fresh bread is key for a great panini. If using ciabatta rolls, ensure they are not too dense and heavy. Slightly stale bread can actually grill even better, but avoid bread that is overly dry.
• Cheese Selection: Choose a cheese that melts well and complements the other flavors. Consider your personal preference – mild provolone, creamy mozzarella, or nutty Gruyere.
• Green Preparation: Ensure your greens are thoroughly washed and dried to remove any grit and excess moisture. Wet greens can make the panini soggy.

Instructions

Follow these step-by-step instructions to create a mouthwatering Prosciutto Egg Panini that will rival your favorite café. This recipe is designed to be straightforward and achievable for home cooks of all levels.

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

• Gather all your ingredients: prosciutto, eggs, bread, cheese, greens, butter or olive oil, salt, and pepper.
• If using ciabatta rolls, slice them in half horizontally. If using panini bread, ensure it’s pre-sliced or slice it if necessary.
• Wash and dry the baby arugula or spinach.
• If using optional additions like roasted red peppers, tomatoes, pesto, or caramelized onions, prepare them now and have them ready to assemble.
• Lightly beat the eggs in a small bowl with a pinch of salt and pepper (optional, you can also season directly in the pan).

Step 2: Cook the Eggs

• Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add a teaspoon of butter or olive oil to the skillet.
• Once the butter is melted or oil is heated, gently crack the eggs into the skillet. Cook them to your desired doneness. For a classic panini, over-easy or sunny-side up eggs are recommended, so the yolk is runny and adds richness to the sandwich.
  • For Over-Easy Eggs: Cook for 2-3 minutes until the whites are set but the yolks are still runny. Gently flip the eggs and cook for another 1 minute or less, just to slightly set the yolks.
  • For Sunny-Side Up Eggs: Cook for 3-4 minutes without flipping, until the whites are set and the yolks are still runny. You can add a tablespoon of water to the skillet and cover it with a lid for the last minute of cooking to ensure the whites are fully cooked while keeping the yolks runny (this creates a gentle steaming effect).
• Season the eggs with a pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper while they are cooking.
• Once cooked, carefully remove the eggs from the skillet and set aside.

Step 3: Assemble the Panini

• Lay out the bottom halves of the ciabatta rolls or panini bread slices.
• Layer the ingredients in the following order on each bottom half:
  • Start with a layer of cheese (provolone, mozzarella, or Gruyere). This will melt directly onto the bread and create a delicious base.
  • Next, add a generous layer of prosciutto slices, folding them if necessary to fit neatly on the bread.
  • Top with a cooked egg, carefully placing it on top of the prosciutto.
  • Add a handful of fresh baby arugula or spinach on top of the egg.
  • If using optional additions like roasted red peppers, tomatoes, pesto, or caramelized onions, add them now, layering them over the greens.
  • Top with another slice of cheese (optional, but extra cheese is always welcome!).
• Place the top halves of the bread on top of the assembled panini.

Step 4: Grill the Panini

• Heat a panini press according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Alternatively, you can use a large skillet and a heavy skillet or pot to press the panini.
• Brush the outside of the top and bottom bread halves with melted butter or olive oil. This will help the panini get golden brown and crispy.
• Place the assembled panini in the preheated panini press or in the skillet.
  • Using a Panini Press: Close the lid of the panini press and grill for 3-5 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and crispy and the cheese is melted and gooey.
  • Using a Skillet: Place the panini in the skillet over medium heat. Place a heavy skillet or pot on top of the panini to press it down. Grill for 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy and the cheese is melted. You may need to adjust the heat to prevent burning.
• Once grilled, carefully remove the panini from the panini press or skillet.

Step 5: Serve Immediately

• Slice the Prosciutto Egg Panini in half, if desired. This makes it easier to eat and showcases the delicious layers inside.
• Serve immediately while warm and crispy. The runny yolk, melted cheese, and crispy bread are best enjoyed fresh off the grill.
• Garnish with a drizzle of balsamic glaze or a sprinkle of fresh herbs, if desired.
• Serve alone or with your favorite breakfast or brunch sides.

Tips for Perfect Results:

• Don’t Overfill the Panini: While generous fillings are tempting, avoid overfilling the panini, as it can make it difficult to grill evenly and the fillings may spill out.
• Press Evenly: Ensure the panini press or heavy skillet presses the panini evenly for consistent grilling and melting.
• Grill to Golden Brown: Grill the panini until the bread is golden brown and crispy and the cheese is fully melted and gooey. This is key to achieving the perfect panini texture.
• Serve Immediately: Panini are best enjoyed immediately after grilling while they are still warm and crispy. The longer they sit, the softer the bread will become.
• Adjust Cooking Time: Cooking times may vary depending on your panini press, skillet, and bread type. Adjust grilling time as needed to achieve the desired level of browning and cheese melting.

Nutrition Facts

This Prosciutto Egg Panini is not only a flavorful indulgence but also provides a good source of protein and essential nutrients. The nutritional information below is an estimate and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.

Servings: 4 Panini (1 Panini per serving)

Approximate Calories Per Serving: 500-600 calories (This is an estimate and can vary significantly based on the type of bread, cheese, and amount of butter/oil used.)

Approximate Nutritional Breakdown Per Serving (Estimated):

• Protein: 25-30 grams
• Fat: 30-40 grams (can vary depending on cheese and butter/oil)
• Saturated Fat: 15-20 grams (primarily from cheese and butter/oil)
• Cholesterol: 200-250 mg (from eggs and cheese)
• Sodium: 800-1000 mg (can be high due to prosciutto and cheese)
• Carbohydrates: 30-40 grams
• Fiber: 2-3 grams
• Sugars: 2-4 grams (naturally occurring sugars in ingredients)

Nutritional Highlights:

• High in Protein: Prosciutto and eggs are excellent sources of high-quality protein, essential for muscle building and satiety.
• Good Source of Healthy Fats: While the fat content is moderate to high, it includes healthy fats from olive oil, eggs, and cheese, which are important for energy and nutrient absorption.
• Rich in Vitamins and Minerals: Eggs are packed with vitamins D, B12, and choline, while cheese provides calcium and vitamin B2. Prosciutto contains iron and zinc. Arugula and spinach contribute vitamins A, C, and K, as well as folate and iron.
• Moderate in Carbohydrates: The carbohydrate content comes primarily from the bread. Choosing whole-grain bread options can increase the fiber content and provide more complex carbohydrates.

Disclaimer: These nutritional values are estimates. For precise nutritional information, especially if you have dietary restrictions or health concerns, it is recommended to use a nutrition calculator with the specific brands and quantities of ingredients you use. The calorie and fat content can be reduced by using less cheese, olive oil instead of butter, and whole-wheat bread. Sodium content can be high due to prosciutto and cheese; consider using lower-sodium cheese and prosciutto options if sodium intake is a concern.

Preparation Time

This Prosciutto Egg Panini is wonderfully quick to prepare, making it an ideal choice for a satisfying breakfast, brunch, or even a light lunch.

Total Preparation Time: Approximately 20-25 minutes

Breakdown of Preparation Time:

• Ingredient Prep (Slicing Bread, Washing Greens, Preparing Optional Additions): 5-7 minutes
  • Slicing bread and preparing ingredients: 3-5 minutes
  • Washing and drying greens: 2 minutes
• Cooking Time: 15-18 minutes
  • Cooking eggs: 5-7 minutes
  • Assembling panini: 3-5 minutes
  • Grilling panini: 7-9 minutes

Overall, from start to finish, you can have these delicious Prosciutto Egg Panini ready to enjoy in about 20-25 minutes.

Tips to Speed Up Preparation:

• Use Pre-Sliced Prosciutto and Cheese: Buying pre-sliced prosciutto and cheese saves time on slicing.
• Use Baby Spinach or Pre-Washed Arugula: These greens require minimal preparation and are ready to use directly from the package.
• Prepare Optional Additions in Advance: If using caramelized onions or roasted red peppers, prepare them ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until ready to assemble the panini.
• Efficient Workflow: While the eggs are cooking, you can prepare the bread and assemble the panini, maximizing your time.
• Read the Recipe Through: Familiarize yourself with the recipe instructions before you begin cooking. This will help you work more efficiently and ensure you don’t miss any steps.

This recipe’s quick preparation time, combined with its gourmet flavor, makes it a fantastic option for a delicious and impressive meal any time of day.

How to Serve Prosciutto Egg Panini

Serving Prosciutto Egg Panini is all about enhancing the delicious flavors and creating a satisfying and enjoyable meal experience. Here are some fantastic ways to serve this versatile panini:

Serving Suggestions:

• For Breakfast or Brunch:
  • Classic Brunch Plate: Serve the panini alongside classic brunch sides like fresh fruit salad, yogurt with granola, or a side of breakfast potatoes or hash browns.
  • Coffee or Tea: Pair with a freshly brewed cup of coffee, latte, cappuccino, or your favorite tea.
  • Juice or Smoothie: Serve with fresh orange juice, grapefruit juice, or a healthy fruit smoothie for a complete breakfast or brunch.
  • Mimosa or Bellini: For a special brunch occasion, offer mimosas (orange juice and sparkling wine) or bellinis (peach puree and sparkling wine) as a celebratory drink pairing.
• For Lunch or Light Dinner:
  • Side Salad: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette or a Caprese salad (tomato, mozzarella, basil) complements the richness of the panini and adds freshness.
  • Soup: Pair with a light soup like tomato soup, vegetable soup, or a creamy potato soup for a heartier lunch or dinner.
  • Potato Chips or Fries: Serve with your favorite potato chips, sweet potato fries, or regular French fries for a more casual and satisfying meal.
  • Pickles or Olives: A side of pickles, olives, or marinated vegetables adds a tangy and briny counterpoint to the panini.
• Presentation Ideas:
  • Slice in Half: Slicing the panini in half not only makes it easier to eat but also showcases the appealing layers of prosciutto, egg, cheese, and greens.
  • Garnish: Garnish the plate with a sprig of fresh rosemary or thyme, a drizzle of balsamic glaze, or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for visual appeal.
  • Warm Plates: Serve on warm plates to keep the panini warm for longer and enhance the dining experience.
  • Rustic Platter: Arrange the sliced panini on a rustic wooden platter or serving board for a more casual and inviting presentation, especially when serving a group.
• Accompaniments and Condiments:
  • Balsamic Glaze: A drizzle of balsamic glaze adds a touch of sweetness and tanginess that complements the salty prosciutto and savory flavors.
  • Pesto: Offer a side of pesto for dipping or spreading extra pesto on the panini for added flavor.
  • Hot Sauce: For those who like a bit of heat, provide a bottle of hot sauce or chili flakes on the side.
  • Dijon Mustard: A small amount of Dijon mustard can be spread on the bread for a tangy and savory kick.
  • Olive Oil and Balsamic Vinegar: Offer a small dish of high-quality olive oil and balsamic vinegar for dipping the panini or side salad.

Serving Ambiance:

• Casual Brunch Setting: Perfect for a relaxed weekend brunch at home with family or friends.
• Quick Weekday Breakfast: Enjoy as a satisfying and elevated weekday breakfast to start your day right.
• Light and Elegant Lunch: Serve for a sophisticated yet easy lunch at home or for a casual gathering.
• Outdoor Dining: Ideal for enjoying outdoors on a patio or balcony on a pleasant day.

By considering these serving suggestions and presentation ideas, you can elevate your Prosciutto Egg Panini into a truly delightful and memorable meal for any occasion.

Additional Tips for the Best Prosciutto Egg Panini

To ensure your Prosciutto Egg Panini is consistently delicious and restaurant-quality, here are five additional tips to keep in mind:

1. Use High-Quality Bread and Ingredients: The foundation of a great panini is excellent bread and quality ingredients. Invest in fresh, flavorful bread like ciabatta or panini bread. Opt for good quality prosciutto di Parma or San Daniele, fresh eggs, and flavorful cheese. The quality of your ingredients will directly impact the final taste and experience.
2. Don’t Overcrowd the Panini: Resist the temptation to overload the panini with fillings. Overfilling can make it difficult to grill evenly, prevent the bread from crisping properly, and cause the fillings to spill out. A balanced layering of ingredients is key for a well-constructed and delicious panini.
3. Press the Panini Evenly and Firmly: Whether you’re using a panini press or a skillet with a weight, ensure you press the panini evenly and firmly during grilling. Even pressure helps to flatten the panini, create a crispy crust, and melt the cheese uniformly throughout. If using a skillet, ensure the weight is distributed evenly across the panini.
4. Grill at the Right Temperature: Grill the panini over medium heat. If the heat is too high, the bread may burn before the cheese is melted and the inside is heated through. Medium heat allows the bread to become golden brown and crispy while ensuring the cheese melts and the fillings warm up without burning the outside. Adjust the heat as needed to maintain a consistent golden-brown color.
5. Serve Immediately for Optimal Crispness and Flavor: Panini are best enjoyed immediately after grilling, while the bread is still warm, crispy, and the cheese is melted and gooey. The longer they sit, the softer the bread will become, and the overall texture will diminish. Prepare your side dishes and drinks in advance so you can serve and enjoy the panini at their peak freshness.

By following these additional tips, you’ll be well on your way to creating Prosciutto Egg Panini that are consistently perfect, bursting with flavor, and sure to impress every time you make them.

FAQ About Prosciutto Egg Panini

Here are some frequently asked questions about making Prosciutto Egg Panini, to help you troubleshoot and perfect your panini-making skills:

Q1: Can I use different types of bread for this panini?

A: Yes, you can definitely use different types of bread. While ciabatta and panini bread are classic choices, other good options include:

• Sourdough Bread: Sourdough offers a tangy flavor and a nice crust that grills well.
• Focaccia: Focaccia bread is soft and flavorful and creates a delicious panini, especially when brushed with olive oil.
• Baguette: A sliced baguette can be used, but ensure it’s not too thick, or the panini may become too dense.
• Country Loaf: A hearty country loaf, sliced into substantial pieces, can also work well.

Avoid using very soft or thin sliced sandwich bread, as it may become soggy and not hold up well during grilling. Choose bread that is sturdy enough to withstand pressing and grilling.

Q2: Can I use different types of cheese?

A: Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different cheeses based on your preferences. Some excellent cheese alternatives or additions include:

• Fontina: Fontina cheese melts beautifully and has a nutty, mild flavor.
• Asiago: Asiago cheese offers a sharper, more pronounced flavor than provolone.
• Pepper Jack: For a spicy kick, pepper jack cheese adds heat and flavor.
• Gouda: Gouda cheese melts well and has a slightly sweet and nutty flavor.
• Swiss Cheese: Swiss cheese provides a mild, slightly nutty flavor and a good melt.
• Brie or Camembert: For a richer and creamier panini, try brie or camembert (remove the rind).

You can also combine different cheeses for a more complex flavor profile.

Q3: Can I make this panini vegetarian?

A: Yes, you can easily make this panini vegetarian by omitting the prosciutto. To maintain the savory flavor, you can add other vegetarian fillings such as:

• Roasted Vegetables: Roasted bell peppers, zucchini, eggplant, or mushrooms add flavor and texture.
• Grilled Halloumi Cheese: Halloumi cheese is a firm cheese that grills beautifully and adds a salty, savory element.
• Marinated Artichoke Hearts: Marinated artichoke hearts provide a tangy and flavorful filling.
• Sun-dried Tomatoes: Sun-dried tomatoes add a concentrated tomato flavor and chewiness.
• Pesto and Roasted Red Peppers (vegetarian): Combine pesto with roasted red peppers for a flavorful vegetarian panini.

Q4: Can I prepare the panini ahead of time?

A: It’s best to assemble and grill Prosciutto Egg Panini just before serving for optimal crispness and flavor. However, you can prepare some components ahead of time to speed up the process:

• Cook Eggs in Advance: You can cook the eggs ahead of time and gently reheat them before assembling the panini. Be careful not to overcook them during reheating.
• Prepare Optional Additions: Caramelized onions or roasted red peppers can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator.
• Assemble Panini (Uncooked): You can assemble the panini (without grilling) a few hours in advance and store them in the refrigerator, wrapped in plastic wrap or parchment paper. Grill them just before serving.

Avoid fully grilling the panini ahead of time, as they will lose their crispness and become soggy as they sit.

Q5: Can I make panini without a panini press?

A: Yes, you can definitely make delicious panini without a panini press! You can use a large skillet and a heavy object to press the panini:

• Skillet and Heavy Pot/Skillet Method: Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Place the assembled panini in the skillet. Place another heavy skillet or pot on top of the panini to press it down. Grill for 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy and the cheese is melted. You can use cans of food or weights inside the top skillet for extra pressure.
• Outdoor Grill: You can also grill panini on an outdoor grill. Preheat the grill to medium heat. Place the panini on the grill grates and place a heavy object (like a grill press or a brick wrapped in foil) on top to press them down. Grill for 3-4 minutes per side, or until grill marks appear and the panini is heated through and crispy.

By understanding these common questions and answers, you’ll be well-equipped to make delicious Prosciutto Egg Panini and customize them to your liking, even without specialized equipment! Enjoy your gourmet sandwich creation!

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