This classic Italian panino is essentially a grilled cheese sandwich that is battered and fried. Yes, it is as delicious as it sounds!
Watch the Pasta Grammar video where we make this recipe here:
Makes one sandwich.
For this recipe, you will need:
- 2 slices fresh bread
- 3-4 slices mozzarella cheese (or enough to cover one slice of bread)
- All-purpose flour for battering (about 1 cup)
- 2 eggs
- Grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese to taste
- Salt
- Pepper
- Bread crumbs for battering (about 1 cup)
- Vegetable oil for frying
Begin by assembling the sandwich. Cover one slice of bread with mozzarella cheese. Place the second slice on top and press it down firmly to seal the sandwich closed as much as possible.
Handle the sandwich gently as you proceed. When thoroughly battered, the frying process with seal it shut. If, however, you find it difficult to keep the sandwich closed, we recommend breaking off some short segments of toothpicks and pinning it shut. Just remember to remove them before eating!
Assemble the battering station by filling a shallow dish or plate with flour and another with breadcrumbs. In a third dish, whisk two eggs with a quick grating of Parmigiano and a pinch of salt/pepper.
Dip the sandwich first in the flour and dust it thoroughly. Next, dip the sandwich in the egg mixture and coat it completely. Finally, dust it with bread crumbs. Repeat the egg bath and bread crumbs to ensure that it is completely battered.
Fill a pan with about 1 1/2-inch of vegetable oil and bring up to medium/high temperature on the stovetop. To test the oil, simply drop a bread crumb in. If the crumb starts to bubble and sizzle immediately, the oil is hot enough to fry.
Carefully lower the sandwich into the oil. Fry, flipping occasionally, until golden brown on all sides. Remove to a paper towel to drain for a minute before serving.
Buon appetito!