College-Budget Cuisine: 1 loaf, 3 sandwiches, 5 ingredients or less

EGG AND AVOCADO BREAKFAST PANINI

Put down the Egg McMuffin because there's a new breakfast sandwich in town. This sandwich is tender and creamy from the combination of scrambled eggs and ripe avocado, which is nicely offset by the acidity of the sliced tomato. Monterey Jack cheese adds a great salty (and of course cheesy) finish; if you opt for the kind with peppers, it also lends a spicy kick. Goodbye, Mickey D's, and good morning, Egg and Avocado Panini!

Ingredients:

2 half-inch slices of Italian bread
2 eggs, scrambled (with salt and pepper to taste)
2 ounces (about 6 slices) of Monterey Jack cheese
4 slices of Roma tomatoes (about 2 ounces)
4 slices of Haas avocado
Kosher salt
Pepper
Non-stick spray (either butter- or olive oil-flavored)

Method:

1. Preheat the panini press to medium-high heat.
2. On the bottom slice of bread, layer the cheese, scrambled eggs, tomato, and avocado. Sprinkle on kosher salt and pepper to taste. Top the whole thing off with the second slice of bread.
3. Once it's come to temperature, spray the panini press with the non-stick spray. Place the assembled sandwich on the press and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until it's golden brown and the cheese is melted.

This sandwich is like a grilled ham and cheese "kicked up a notch." Between the richness of the Brie and the saltiness of the prosciutto, this sandwich is incredibly indulgent. Texturally, the contrast of the crunchy bread and creamy, oozy cheese is perfection; taste-wise, the subtle sweetness of the Brie and the roasted red peppers complements the slightly gamey prosciutto beautifully. Finished off with a few basil leaves, this sandwich is warm, fresh, and all-around delicious.

Ingredients:

2 half-inch slices of Italian bread
2 ounces of Brie cheese
3 slices of prosciutto (about 1.5 ounces)
1.5 ounces of roasted red peppers, sliced
5 leaves of fresh basil
Kosher salt
Pepper
Olive oil

Method:

1. Preheat the panini press to medium-high heat.
2. On the bottom slice of bread, layer the cheese, prosciutto, roasted red peppers, and basil. Sprinkle on salt and pepper to taste, and top the whole thing with the second slice of bread. Pour a little bit of olive oil into a small bowl, and brush it onto the outer sides of the bread using a pastry brush.
3. Once the press is heated, place the sandwich on the press and cook for five minutes, or until golden brown and the cheese is melted.

Sure, Nutella and banana sandwiches are already a thing...but how about sprinkling some smoked sea salt into the equation? Obviously Nutella and banana are a match made in heaven, but the addition of smoked sea salt makes the combination that much more incredible by toning down the sweetness of the sandwich ever so slightly and also intensifying the richness of the chocolate flavor. This sandwich is ideal for a snack or for dessert. But let's be real: Is there ever a time that Nutella isn't ideal? That said, this is the perfect anytime sandwich!

(Having trouble finding smoked sea salt? Check your local Trader Joe's or order online.)

Ingredients:

2 half-inch slices of Italian bread
1/2 of a banana (about 2.5 ounces), sliced lengthwise
1 heaping teaspoon of Nutella
Pinch of smoked sea salt (optional)
Pat of unsalted butter

Method:

1. Preheat the panini press to medium-high heat.
2. On the bottom slice of bread, slather on the Nutella. Sprinkle on the smoked sea salt, then layer on the slices of banana. Top your creation with the second slice of bread, and butter both outer sides of the bread.
3. Place the sandwich on the heated panini press and cook for 4-6 minutes, or until golden brown and the Nutella begins to ooze out.

About Kimberly -- I am a self-proclaimed foodie who loves to cook and eat. In 2010, I combined my passion for culinary arts with writing and founded 'The Moonlight Baker' food blog. Ever since, I've been baking up a storm, photographing countless cakes and cookies, and indulging in way too many sweets. Let's tweet -- @bakebymoonlight!

Want more TNGG? Send us an email. Go to our main site. Follow us on Twitter @nextgreatgen. Like us on Facebook. And subscribe to our newsletter!