Panini Sandwich Throwdown - Corner Bistro vs Lean Cuisine

The Chef has resisted getting frozen panini sandwiches from the cold case at 99c only Stores.

I could resist no more after working on a recent commercial shoot with an on-set chef, who wielded her portable sandwich grill to make this hearty everyday Italian dish. Now having something to compare, I picked up a frozen Stouffer's Corner Bistro Grilled Chicken Italian and a Lean Cuisine Southwest-Style Chicken Panini (again Stoffer's) from this 99c only Store.

Needless to say, microwaved frozen sandwiches do not compare. Bread and a microwave do not go together; it loses that crispy crust that you get from grilling and turns to a spongy texture.

Time for the Panini Throwdown. The most difficult part of this taste test was removing the panini from its tough plastic casing - make sure to have a pair of scissors on hand.

As for toppings, both of these frozen paninis have a good amount of cheese and chicken, however, Corner Bistro uses a tastier provolone cheese while Lean Cuisine's panini is topped with a mild, dull Monterey Jack. Both have a good amount of chicken, sauteed onion and bell pepper.

After a two and a half minute zapping, the panini comes out nice and hot with gooey melted cheese. Be careful -- the cheese holds heat a little too well.

Both brands are made with plain tasting white bread; although each is described as being sourdough or Italian, I could not tell the difference. So while Lean Cuisine has half the fat, it has half the flavor of Corner Bistro Panini.

If you look at this as a simple, quick, inexpensive lunch, both do fine; however this being a Panini Throwdown, the Cheap$kate Chef gives the victory to Stouffer's Corner Bistro Panini!