The Ultimate Gorgonzola and Bacon Panini You’ll Make Again and Again

There are certain flavor combinations that just feel like they were meant to be together. Peanut butter and jelly, tomato and basil, and, in my humble opinion, the king of them all: gorgonzola and bacon. The salty, smoky crunch of bacon paired with the bold, creamy tang of gorgonzola cheese is a match made in culinary heaven. Today, I’m going to share with you how to take that perfect pairing and turn it into the most incredible Gorgonzola and Bacon Panini you’ve ever had.

This isn’t just any sandwich. This is the sandwich you’ll crave for lunch, the one you’ll be excited to make for a quick weeknight dinner, and the one that will make you look like a kitchen hero. It’s a grown-up grilled cheese that’s sophisticated yet unbelievably easy to pull off. Ready to create some magic? Let’s get cooking.

Quick Recipe

• Preparation Time: 10M
• Cooking Time: 20M
• Total Time: 30M
• Type of dish: Sandwich, Main Course, Lunch
• Cuisine: American
• Recipe Yield: 2 Paninis
• Calories: 685 kcal per panini

Why This Gorgonzola and Bacon Panini Recipe Works

Over the years, I’ve made my fair share of paninis, and I’ve learned that the details make all the difference. This isn’t just about slapping some ingredients between two slices of bread. It’s about creating a symphony of textures and flavors.

The secret to this best panini recipe lies in the balance. The bacon needs to be perfectly crispy to stand up to the creamy cheese, and the bread has to be sturdy enough to hold everything together without getting soggy. We’ll walk through each step, and I’ll explain the why behind my methods, so you can feel confident in your own kitchen.

Choosing Your Ingredients: The Foundation of Flavor

A great sandwich starts with great ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need and why each component is so important.

The Star Players: Gorgonzola and Bacon

• Gorgonzola Cheese: You’ll likely see two types of Gorgonzola at the store: Dolce and Piccante. For this recipe, I recommend Gorgonzola Dolce. It’s younger, milder, and much creamier, which means it will melt beautifully into a luscious, savory spread. Gorgonzola Piccante is aged longer, making it firmer, crumblier, and much more pungent. While delicious, it can sometimes overpower the other flavors in a sandwich.
• Bacon: Opt for thick-cut bacon. It has a meatier texture and is less likely to become brittle and lost in the sandwich. The goal is a crispy bacon panini, and thick-cut bacon will give you that satisfying crunch in every bite.

The Supporting Cast

• Bread: The bread is your vessel, so choose wisely! You want something sturdy that can stand up to the heat and the hearty fillings. I love using a good-quality sourdough for its tangy flavor and chewy texture. Ciabatta or a rustic Italian loaf are also fantastic choices. Avoid pre-sliced sandwich bread, as it tends to flatten and become soggy.
• Arugula: This is my secret weapon! A small handful of fresh arugula adds a peppery, slightly bitter note that cuts through the richness of the cheese and bacon. It’s a small addition that makes a huge difference.
• Butter: Use real, unsalted butter, and make sure it’s softened to room temperature. This will allow you to spread it evenly on the outside of your bread, which is key to achieving that perfectly golden, crispy crust.

How to Make the Perfect Gorgonzola and Bacon Panini

I’ve broken this down into simple, manageable steps. Follow along, and you’ll be rewarded with a truly exceptional sandwich.

Step 1: Cook the Bacon to Crispy Perfection

The first step is to cook your bacon. I find that the best way to get consistently crispy bacon is to bake it in the oven. It’s less messy than pan-frying, and the bacon cooks more evenly.

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easy cleanup.
3. Arrange the bacon slices in a single layer on the baking sheet.
4. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the bacon is golden and crispy. The exact time will depend on the thickness of your bacon, so keep an eye on it.
5. Transfer the cooked bacon to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess grease.

Pro Tip: Don’t overcrowd the pan! If you’re making multiple paninis, cook the bacon in batches to ensure it gets nice and crispy.

Step 2: Assemble Your Creamy Gorgonzola Sandwich

Now for the fun part! It’s time to build your masterpiece.

1. Slice your bread into four ½-inch thick slices.
2. Spread a thin layer of softened butter on one side of each slice of bread. This is the outside of your sandwich.
3. Flip two of the bread slices over (buttered-side down). On the unbuttered side, crumble a generous amount of the Gorgonzola Dolce. Don’t be shy here!
4. Top the cheese with a few slices of your crispy bacon. I like to break the bacon slices in half so they fit nicely on the bread.
5. Add a small handful of arugula on top of the bacon.
6. Place the remaining two slices of bread on top, with the buttered side facing up.

Step 3: Grill to Golden-Brown Perfection

It’s time to apply some heat and transform your creation into a warm, melty, and utterly delicious Gorgonzola and Bacon Panini.

Using a Panini Press: If you have a panini press, preheat it to medium-high heat. Carefully place your assembled sandwich onto the press, close the lid, and cook for 4-6 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is completely melted.

No Panini Press? No Problem! You can easily make this in a skillet on the stovetop.

1. Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat.
2. Place the sandwich in the hot skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes per side.
3. To get those signature panini press marks, you can press down on the sandwich with another heavy pan or a foil-wrapped brick. This will help the ingredients meld together and create an extra-crispy crust.
4. Flip the sandwich carefully and cook for another 3-4 minutes, until the second side is golden brown and the gorgonzola is oozing out the sides.

(Optional) Tools & Materials

• Panini Press or Large Skillet
• Baking Sheet
• Spatula
• Bread Knife
• Butter Knife

Serving Your Masterpiece

Once your panini is perfectly grilled, transfer it to a cutting board and let it rest for a minute. This will allow the cheese to set up slightly, so it doesn’t all run out when you slice into it. Cut the sandwich in half diagonally and serve it immediately.

This creamy gorgonzola sandwich is a meal in itself, but it also pairs beautifully with a simple green salad or a cup of tomato soup.

A Recipe to Keep in Your Back Pocket

This Gorgonzola and Bacon Panini is more than just a recipe; it’s a technique. Once you master the art of balancing bold flavors and creating that perfect crispy crust, you can apply it to all sorts of sandwich creations. It’s a testament to the fact that simple, high-quality ingredients can create something truly special.

I hope you’ll give this recipe a try and that it becomes a beloved favorite in your home, just as it is in mine. Happy cooking!