National Panini Day

It's National Panini Day! Created by John-Bryan Hopkins, the man behind Foodimentary, National Panini Day takes place during National Panini Month. A panini is a grilled sandwich made with Italian bread—such as ciabatta or focaccia—that is not sliced, but cut horizontally, and stuffed with any number of combinations of meat, cheese, and vegetables, and then made with a grill press or panini press. Common meats are salami and prosciutto, common cheeses are mozzarella, provolone, and asiago, and common vegetables are tomatoes, roasted red peppers, olives, and leafy greens like spinach, oregano, and basil. Olive oil and balsamic vinaigrette are also regularly added.

Panini is an Italian word that means "small bread" or "little sandwich." Paninis are thought to have originated in the Lombardy region in northern Italy, being created for office workers in Milan who wanted a quick lunch but didn't want to sacrifice quality. The first reference to them in the United States came in 1956 in an article about Italian street food where they were called a "pan-warmed Italian sandwich." The current popularity of the panini started in the 1970s and '80s, when they became popular in sandwich shops or bars in Milan called paninoteche. They then began being sold in trendy restaurants in the United States, especially in New York City. They have since gained widespread popularity, and we celebrate and enjoy them today on National Panini Day!

How to Observe National Panini Day

• Order a panini at a local restaurant, cafe, or deli.
• Make some paninis at home. Find recipes online or pick up a cookbook to make some from like The Ultimate Panini Press Cookbook, The Everything Panini Press Cookbook, or The Essential Panini Press Cookbook: 100 Creative and Classic Recipes.
• Buy a new panini press.
• Post pictures of your panini on social media along with the hashtag #NationalPaniniDay or #PaniniDay.

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