This Turkey Panini is topped with avocado and crispy bacon for a delicious hot sandwich. It's easy to make, and I'm showing you how to make it with a panini maker or in a skillet. Add a bowl of soup on the side for a great lunch or light dinner.
It's fun to get fancy sandwich shop sandwiches like paninis, but they can be expensive! A lot of the time, you can replicate them at home for a fraction of the cost, and they taste just as good. This turkey bacon avocado panini is one that I love to make – it has a great combination of flavors.
What is a Panini?
It's a type of Italian sandwich. "Panini" actually means "sandwiches" in Italian, and they are usually made with an Italian-style bread like ciabatta or focaccia.
They are also toasted and often made in a panini maker, which is like a grill that presses the sandwich, toasting it on both sides. The good news is you don't need a press to make one – you can use a skillet and cook the sandwich on the stove.
This panini combines sliced turkey with crispy bacon and avocado. Some melted mozzarella holds it all together, and sliced tomato adds a fresh bite.
Ingredients
- Sliced ciabatta rolls
- Shredded mozzarella cheese
- Sliced turkey
- Sliced tomato
- Cooked bacon
- Mashed avocado
To assemble the sandwiches, top one half of each roll with the avocado, tomato, turkey, and bacon. Top with the other half.
Panini Maker Instructions
Heat the panini maker to medium heat and place the sandwiches on it. Close the lid and cook the sandwiches for three to five minutes or until the cheese is melted and the sandwiches are hot.
Stove Instructions
You can use a non-stick skillet to toast the sandwiches, too, like a grilled cheese sandwich. Warm it over medium heat and place the sandwiches in the pan.
Use a spatula to press the sandwiches down – do this a few times while they cook. Once browned, flip the sandwich over and cook it on the other side. Once it's hot and the cheese is melted, it's ready to serve.
Tips for Making Turkey Avocado Panini
For turkey bacon panini, I like to use good-quality deli turkey for the best flavor. There are a lot of varieties, so choose your favorite.
The reason I like mashed avocado instead of sliced is that it sort of acts like a glue for the bread. Also, sliced avocado tends to slide out of the sandwich's sides when you press it – with mashed, you don't have to worry about that happening.
I like mozzarella cheese, but you can substitute sliced provolone or Havarti cheese, which melts well, too.
Try switching the ciabatta roll for another type of Italian bread to change it up.
Side Dish Ideas
Add a side to go with your turkey panini sandwich to make it a meal:
- Potato chips or French fries
- A light soup like tomato-basil
- A fresh green salad with your favorite dressing
This turkey panini recipe is simple but so delicious. Even if you don't have a press, you can still make one, and it will taste just as good as a fancy restaurant one. I hope you give it a try!
Other Sandwiches You'll Enjoy
Turkey, Avocado and Bacon Panini
Ingredients
- 4 Ciabatta rolls
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¾ pound sliced turkey
- 1 medium tomato sliced
- 6 slices bacon cooked and halved
- 1 avocado mashed
- Cooking spray
Instructions
- Cut Ciabatta rolls in half. On the bottom slice put mashed avocado, tomato, 2-3 slices of turkey and 3 half slices of bacon. Add 1/4 of the cheese on top.
- Put the top half of the roll on top and spray with cooking oil.
- If you have a panini maker, on medium heat, place two sandwiches on the surface and shut the lid. Cook for 3-5 minutes so that the sandwich is heated, and cheese is melted. Repeat for the other two sandwiches. If you are using a frying pan, on medium heat place two sandwiches and press them with a spatula occasionally. Cook until roll browns and cheese melts. Repeat for the other two sandwiches. Serve while hot.
Nutrition
My Turkey, Avocado and Bacon Panini combines sliced turkey with crispy bacon (or however you like your bacon) and avocado. Add some melted cheese and tomato and it’s complete!
Mel is an IT guy turned blogger and is discovering his love of cooking and photography. If you ever have Fantasy Football questions, he's your guy.
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