Modern Hotel Panini

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A gourmet sandwich with smoked salmon, cream cheese, and fresh herbs, grilled to perfection for a sophisticated bite. This french-inspired sandwiches & wraps ready in about 25 minutes pairs sourdough bread, smoked salmon, cream cheese for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 380 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 10 min Serves 4 French cuisine 380 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat grill to medium-high heat. Spread 1 tbsp butter on one side of each sourdough slice.
  2. Step 2: In a small bowl, mix cream cheese with 1 tbsp chopped dill and 1 tsp lemon juice. Spread evenly on the buttered side of 2 slices.
  3. Step 3: Top with smoked salmon, a handful of red onion slices, and a drizzle of remaining lemon juice. Close the sandwich with the remaining bread slices.
  4. Step 4: Grill for 3-4 minutes per side until the bread is toasted and the cheese is melted, with crispy edges.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Modern Hotel Panini take to make?

Total time is about 25 minutes (15 min prep + 10 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Modern Hotel Panini?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep sourdough bread from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Modern Hotel Panini?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Modern Hotel Panini for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Modern Hotel Panini?

French sandwiches & wraps like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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