Everyone said, “she’ll never use it – it’s heavy. It’s bulky. It takes up too much space. She’ll get bored with it. It will just collect dust. I’d put money on it.” Any guesses?
No, it’s not my treadmill. Although I’m certain everyone thought that about it, too! No, no. It’s my panini maker! (And I’m proud to say, my treadmill gets a workout at least 5 days a week. And the panini maker, at least once a week.) My panini maker gets used so often that it has its own permanent spot on the counter. Yes, it’s counter-worthy.
I think this sandwich speaks for itself, but just in case you missed the love affair this country was having with bacon jam back in January of 2011 – I’m going to tell you…um, it’s not weird. It’s not gross. It’s so completely the opposite of that.
You need to make it. Stat.
And then you need to make these sandwiches. Stat.
…and you might want to double the ingredients, because you’ll want another sandwich the next day. Probably the minute you wake up. Trust me.
Bacon Jam Panini with Fontina and Spinach
Makes 4 sandwiches
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 5 minutes
Ingredients
• 8 slices thick crusty bread
• extra virgin olive oil
• 3/4 cup bacon jam
• handful of fresh baby spinach
• 1 cup shredded fontina cheese
Directions
If you just made the bacon jam, you’re good to go. If you made it earlier and it’s been in the fridge, then place it in the microwave for 10 seconds to soften slightly.
Heat a panini press (or heavy nonstick frying pan or stovetop griddle.)
Evenly distribute the spinach leaves and shredded cheese on 4 slices of bread; spread the bacon jam on the other 4 slices. Put the halves together. Lightly brush the outside of the sandwich (top and bottom) with olive oil.
Place on the panini press; close lid and cook for about 3 minutes until the bread is toasted and the cheese is melted. (If you’re using a frying pan or griddle, place a heavy plate on top of the sandwich, cook for 2-3 minutes, then flip and cook for another 30 seconds.)
Serve right away and be carried off to a magical place :D
I gave my husband a panini maker for Christmas. Of course, he doesn’t cook but sure does love when I use it! A great investment! Just did grilled cheese last night and would love to have had the bacon jam recipe. Will have to make some up this weekend for sure!
Oh good grief – I missed the bacon jam. I fall of the planet too often. How could I miss something life changing like this?? I must make this crazy tasty madness. I bet you could walk around like the pied piper with this stuff on a spoon. I love melted fontina paninis, too, especially in the fall and winter.
Savory and sweet together in a sandwich? Count me in. :)
So many people said that about my belgian waffle iron…and well they were right. But a panini maker…now THAT I would get use out of!
This makes me want to go out and get a panini maker! Your photos are beautiful and this panini sounds delicious. I’m intrigued by the bacon jam. : ) Thank you!
Yum! Bacon jam?! Sign me up. This sounds too good. And my panini maker definitely needs a workout!
I had to come over from TasteSpotting and see what bacon jam was all about. Oh my!!
This looks delicious! Nice pictures too. Thanks for sharing!
what a fun mix of flavors!
Bacon jam is AMAZING. This sandwich looks sooooo good. I’ve wanted a panini press for forever and I have the most storage-challenged kitchen ever. Mine would live smack in the middle of the kitchen table if I thought I could get away with it.
bacon.
That looks really yummy.
I have a panini maker…so I must make this! I must!
I do want one RIGHT now so I think I will!! @ Pam a good sub for the counter electric type, if you have a grill pan heat that, put in your panini and set a smaller heavy cast iron skillet on top. Works like a charm!
You know I’m on board with this. :-) Looks terrific!
I want this so bad I could cry.
Weeping salty tears of jealousy right now…
I’ve been thinking that I needed a panini maker and you have just convinced me!