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Banh Mi Pizza Panini
This clever fusion sandwich uses a folded frozen cheese pizza as the crispy exterior for a Vietnamese-inspired filling. It comes together quickly by stuffing the crust with shredded chicken, crisp carrots, red bell peppers, and savory peanut sauce. A quick press in a panini maker melts the cheese and toasts the outside to a golden brown. It makes a fun, unexpected lunch or a fast weeknight dinner when you want something completely different.
Ingredients
- 1 frozen crisp crust cheese pizza (9.8 oz)
- 3 tablespoons peanut sauce
- ⅓ cup shredded cooked chicken
- ⅓ cup shredded carrot
- ¼ cup diced red bell pepper
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro leaves
Instructions
- 1Preheat a contact grill or panini maker for 3 to 5 minutes. Unwrap the frozen pizza and set it on a microwave-safe plate.
- 2Microwave the pizza uncovered on the defrost setting for 2 to 3 minutes, stopping as soon as the crust is pliable enough to fold.
- 3Transfer the thawed pizza to a flat surface. Spread 2 tablespoons of peanut sauce over one half of the crust. Layer the shredded chicken, carrots, and bell peppers evenly over the sauce, then fold the pizza in half to cover the filling.
- 4Place the folded pizza onto the preheated grill. Close the lid and cook for about 5 minutes, until the cheese melts, the crust turns golden brown, and the center reaches 160 degrees Fahrenheit. Take it off the grill.
- 5Carefully open the hot panini slightly and sprinkle 1 tablespoon of fresh cilantro inside. Drizzle the top with the remaining peanut sauce and cilantro, then cut in half and serve right away.
- 6Select your preferred brand of peanut sauce, opting for one with a hint of spice for the best flavor.
- 7Use a skillet over medium heat to cook the panini for 3 to 4 minutes per side if you do not own a contact grill.