SUBSCRIBE BY EMAILLeftover Spaghetti & Meatball Panini is a great way to use up what’s left behind from last night’s dinner. This is a fun dish I hope you’ll try.
Today I’m sharing, not so much a recipe, but an idea for a fun meal. Leftover Spaghetti & Meatball Panini is definitely a fun dish that will make you happy to have those lingering leftovers in the fridge!
Looking for a recipe for meatballs? You seriously cannot beat these Mozzarella-Stuffed Meatball Sliders. They’re a favorite in my house.
My husband was telling me about a local restaurant that was serving spaghetti sandwiches. We laughed about it, then a few minutes later we could see each other’s wheels turning!
When the time came for us to put our leftovers to use, we decided to go the panini route and make these Leftover Spaghetti & Meatball Panini. We whipped up a little herbed garlic butter to spread on the outside of the bread (hello, garlic bread), and then simply piled on the leftovers with some extra sauce and shredded Mozzarella cheese.
If you’re interested in making your own pasta from scratch, check out my recipe for Homemade Pasta (Without a Machine) with Vodka Sauce. It’s not as hard to make as you might think, and it’s delicious!
If you’re a panini lover, check out my recipe for Broccolini, Salami, and Provolone Panini. It’s so hearty and tasty, too.
You can still enjoy Leftover Spaghetti & Meatball Panini even if you don’t have a panini maker. For a DIY version try this trick to replace the panini press:
- Place a skillet over medium-high heat and spray lightly with nonstick cooking spray.
- Arrange the buttered sandwiches in the pan.
- Place a second skillet on top of the sandwiches and carefully place a few canned goods in the top skillet to help weigh it down to press the sandwiches.
- Cook for a few minutes, or until the sandwiches begin to toast and turn golden.
- Remove the top skillet, flip the sandwiches, and replace the top skillet. Cook for a few more minutes, or until golden.
Now you can look forward to leftovers! I’m willing to bet you’ll enjoy serving Leftover Spaghetti & Meatball Panini.
Calories
Fat
Carbs
Protein
Patricia Conte/Grab a Plate
Serves Serves 2
Save Recipe5 based on 6 review(s)
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons softened butter
- 1-2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon coarse salt
- 1 teaspoon fresh parsley, minced
- 4 slices of thick, Italian-style bread
- Leftover spaghetti and meatballs (slice the meatballs into quarters)
- 1/4 cup favorite spaghetti sauce
- 1/4 cup shredded Mozzarella cheese, divided (more to taste)
Instructions
- Place the garlic on a cutting board and sprinkle with the salt. Use the side of a knife blade to press and scrape the garlic against the cutting board. Continue to press and scrape until the garlic turns to a paste.
- Add the garlic and the parsley to the softened butter and mix to combine.
- Adjust the press to high heat.
- Toss the spaghetti and meatballs with some of the spaghetti sauce.
- Butter one side of each slice of bread. On the unbuttered side of one slice, add some of the cheese, then add the spaghetti and meatballs. Sprinkle on a bit more of the cheese. Place a second slice of bread over the top, buttered-side up.
- Place each sandwich on the panini press (still set to high), close, and cook for 3-4 minutes or until the sandwiches turn golden. (If you don't have a panini press, see notes above for the DIY version.
- Remove, slice in half and serve immediately.
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