HOT BROWN PANINI

Hot Brown Panini image

Provided by SarahBeth

Time 35m

Yield 8 sandwiches, 8 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 14

3 cups warm white cheese sauce, divided (ingredients below)
1/4 cup butter
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
3 1/2 cups milk
1 cup shredded swiss cheese
1 cup grated parmesan cheese
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground red pepper
2 tablespoons melted butter
16 Italian bread, slices
1 cup shredded swiss cheese, divided
3 cups chopped cooked chicken or 3 cups turkey
4 plum tomatoes, sliced
13 cooked bacon, slices crumbled

Steps:

CHEESE SAUCE.
Melt butter in a heavy saucepan over low heat; whisk in flour until smooth.
Cook 1 minute, whisking constantly.
Gradually whisk in milk; cook over medium heat, whisking constantly, until mixture is thickened and bubbly.
Whisk in Swiss and Parmesan cheeses, salt, and red pepper, whisking until cheeses are melted and sauce is smooth.
SANDWICHES.
Brush melted butter evenly on 1 side of 16 bread slices. Place, butter sides down, on wax paper.
Sprinkle 1 tablespoons Swiss cheese on top of each of 8 bread slices; top evenly with chicken, tomato slices, and 1 cup warm White Cheese Sauce. Sprinkle with bacon and remaining cheese, and top with remaining bread slices, butter sides up.
Cook sandwiches, in batches, in a preheated panini press 2 to 3 minutes or until golden brown. Serve with remaining 2 cups warm White Cheese Sauce for dipping.