Last Christmas, I hosted a delightful holiday panini bar for my family, and it was a huge hit! As the Christmas season kicks off, I’m excited to share how you can host your own panini bar for your next holiday gathering. To make things even easier, I’ve included a free printable to help you plan your event seamlessly.

Step 1: Gather Panini Presses

Start by making sure you have enough panini presses to handle a crowd. I used one large and one small press, which worked well for my family. If you don’t have enough, ask your guests to bring one or borrow from a neighbor. The more presses you have, the quicker everyone can make their sandwiches!

Step 2: Choose Your Bread

Bread is the foundation of a great panini, so having an assortment is key. I recommend including rolls along with traditional bread slices. Rolls are great because they allow guests to make smaller sandwiches and try multiple combinations. Plus, their smaller size means you can fit more on the panini press at once. If you have larger rolls, simply cut them in half to make them more manageable. For convenience, I purchased a variety of rolls from Walmart.

Step 3: Pick Your Meats

For the main fillings, select at least two types of meat. I went with thinly sliced turkey and ham, but roast beef or grilled chicken slices are also excellent options. Having a variety ensures that everyone can find something they like.

Step 4: Add Cheeses

Cheese is what takes a panini to the next level! For my bar, I offered provolone, havarti, and cheddar. You can also include options like pepper jack for a spicy kick, gouda for a creamy flavor, or even brie for a touch of elegance.

Step 5: Include Fresh Vegetables

Don’t forget to add some fresh vegetables to the mix for extra flavor and texture. I stuck with sliced tomatoes. However, spinach, arugula, red onion, or roasted red peppers are fantastic options. You can even include grilled zucchini or mushrooms for a gourmet touch. These fresh additions not only make the paninis more colorful but also offer a lighter balance to the meats and cheeses.

Step 5: Don’t Forget the Spreads

Spreads are the secret to creating flavorful and unique paninis. I made a quick pesto mayo, which is always a crowd-pleaser. For something sweet and seasonal, I also included apple butter and pepper jelly. You can easily find these spreads at the store, but if you have homemade versions, they’ll make the bar even more special. I have a delicious homemade hot pepper jelly recipe. Costco has a great pepper jelly option if you’re in a pinch, and store-bought apple butter works perfectly.

Hosting a panini bar is a fun, interactive way to feed a crowd and allow everyone to customize their meal. It’s perfect for holiday gatherings, and the possibilities for fillings and flavors are endless. Your guests will love creating their own delicious combinations!

To make your panini bar even more fun and user-friendly, I’ve created a free printable menu to guide your guests. It includes three delicious panini ideas that showcase how to mix and match the ingredients for incredible flavor combinations. Click on the image below to get the printable!

Here’s what’s on the menu:

The Costco

Inspired by one of my favorite sandwiches from Costco’s food court, this panini combines turkey, pesto mayo, sliced tomato, and provolone cheese for a fresh, savory classic.

The Peppered Turkey

This is one of my all-time favorite combinations! It pairs turkey with buttery Havarti cheese and a touch of sweet and spicy pepper jelly for a flavor-packed bite.

The Harmony Ham

A delightful pairing of sweet and savory, this panini features ham, cheddar cheese, and a generous spread of apple butter. It’s a combination that’s as comforting as it is unique.

These suggestions will inspire your guests and make it easy for them to create their perfect panini while enjoying the holiday festivities! I would love to hear from you on how your panini bar turns out.

For more sandwich recipes like this, try:

• Easy Hot Pepper Jelly
• Quick Cranberry Jalapeno Jelly
• Honey Mustard Sauce
• Roasted Red Pepper Mayonnaise