This satisfying, hearty, scrumptious chorizo sandwich is topped with queso cheese, garlic, and peppers.
Panini sandwiches are like warm blankets on crisp, cool autumn days.
I love how easy this chorizo sandwich is to make, and even though I am dairy-free, I develop recipes for some of my favorite food brands that are not dairy-free. This panini with chorizo slices, queso cheese, and peppers is one of them!
A Hearty Chorizo Sandwich Panini
I developed this recipe for Franz Bakery (see other recipes I have created so far for them on their pretty new website!), to highlight their awesome gluten-free Great Seed bread.
The bread itself is sturdy and packed with nutrient-rich seeds and grains, so I wanted to make a sandwich that was worthy of this noble bread. You can find chorizo slices in your neighborhood grocery store's deli section. It's a nice savory, slightly spicy (but not too spicy!) change from traditional salami slices.
To complement the richness of the chorizo slices, I sliced red, orange, and yellow bell peppers, as well as yellow onion. I also sliced up some queso cheese. You can find queso cheese usually in 6 or 8 0unce cheese balls also in your grocery store's deli section – or in the cheese section next to cheeses like ricotta and mascarpone. Finally, for some green and a bit of fresh herb flavor, I chopped up parsley and sprinkled it on top.
Time for the Panini Press!
You could eat this chorizo sandwich cold, but this honestly is SO amazing when you heat it up in a panini press. If you don't have a panini press, you can simply heat it up in a skillet with a tablespoon of olive oil or butter.
I love watching the queso cheese get all melty. The ooey gooey yumminess of the cheese is a nice texture balance to the slight crunch (softened by the heat) of the peppers.
I normally cut sandwiches on the bias and create triangles, but this panini begs for a classic down-the-middle cut. Obviously, you choose – I simply love the even cut of all of the layers that you see with a straight cut. YUM!
These chorizo sandwich paninis are great for lunch or dinner. You can also make 6-8 sandwiches, and then cut them into small squares to create a mouthwatering appetizer that would be divine for your next holiday party!
Enjoy! Have you ever made a panini at home? What's your favorite sandwich during the fall/winter months?
Chorizo Sandwich Panini with Queso and Peppers
Ingredients
- 8 slices Franz Gluten Free Great Seed bread or your favorite bread
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ cup thinly sliced red pepper
- ½ cup sliced onions
- 1 minced garlic clove
- 16 slices Chorizo usually found in your grocery store’s deli department
- 8 ounces Queso fresco cheese sliced thinly into 6 slices (can substitute with mozzarella if you can’t find Queso)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon finely chopped cilantro can substitute with parsley
Instructions
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat in a large skillet or sauté pan.
- Once the pan is hot, add red pepper slices and sauté for 2 minutes, stirring to ensure even cooking.
- Add onions and garlic to the pan and sauté for 1-2 minutes, just until the onions are soft. Remove from heat.
- Using the other two tablespoons of olive oil, lightly and evenly oil one side of each of the slices of Franz Gluten Free Great Seed bread. Place oiled side down onto a plate.
- Set four slices aside to use as the sandwich tops. Onto the remaining four slices of bread, top each evenly with 4 slices of Chorizo.
- Add two thin slices of Queso fresco cheese evenly over the Chorizo.
- Top each sandwich filling with an even amount of sliced red peppers, onions, and minced garlic.
- Sprinkle chopped cilantro (or parsley) on top of each.
- Then use the remaining slices of bread to top each sandwich.
- Heat a Panini press or grill pan and grill each sandwich until the cheese has melted slightly, about 4-5 minutes in a Panini press or 5-6 minutes (2-3 minutes each side) on a hot grill pan.
- Remove, slice each sandwich in half, and enjoy immediately.
Nutrition information is a general estimate. Actual nutrition details may vary depending on the exact foods & brands you use to make this recipe. It does not take into account any substitutions, toppings, or optional ingredients.
Cathy M says
Yummy!! This looks so good!! Saving to Pinterest for when I need recipe inspiration!
Angie says
Oh yum, this looks SO good!
Rachel Lloyd says
What a beautiful and simple dish. This one would go over well with Drew- its a lot of his favorite flavors. I'll have to give this one a try.
Bobbi | Bobbi's Kozy Kitchen says
WOW that looks amazing. I wish I was having this for lunch!
Madeline says
These look delicious! I love the addition to chorizo to them too.
Catherine says
First of all, I genuinely love Franz. I adore that it's local!
Secondly, I am completely with you on the warm sandwich bandwagon. I am a big fan of sandwiches, but I get SO COLD in the fall and winter that I hate eating cold meals. A warm panini is the perfect solution!
Jennifer Quisenberry says
Those paninis look delicious! This gives me a great idea for my menu plan next week! Thank you!
Bella says
Oh my this looks so good. I love grilled cheese or any kind of grilled sandwich,
xoxobella.com
Michele Francisco says
I love this combo! When I make a panini at home, I place it in a warm skillet and then use a second one to push down on top of the sandwich. But not too hard as I want to avoid the fillings squishing out the sides.
Create/Enjoy says
That bread looks great, not like what I think of when I think big brand gluten-free bread! I haven't made a panini at home since I don't eat any breads anymore, but I love the chorizo and pepper combination!
GREAT photos, too, as usual!