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–+ servings
2 ham and cheese paninis cut in half and stacked showing the layers of cheese and meat on white plates

Ham and Cheese Panini

A ham and cheese panini is the perfect way to take a sandwich or leftovers to the next level! Layers of savory ham, melty cheese, and a buttery crust make this a sandwich worth trying any time for lunch or dinner!
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Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Course: Sandwiches
Cuisine: American
Keyword: ham and cheese panini
Servings: 2 sandwiches
Calories: 770kcal
Author: Jenna Fletcher

Ingredients

  • 4 slices ciabatta or artisan sandwich bread
  • 4 tablespoons butter softened
  • 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
  • 6 slices Swiss cheese
  • 4 slices ham

Instructions

  • Butter one side of each slice of bread, making sure to cover the whole of the side you are buttering.
    4 slices ciabatta or artisan sandwich bread, 4 tablespoons butter
  • Mix the mayo and mustard in a small bowl until well combined.
    2 tablespoons mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
  • Spread the mustard-mayo combo on the unbuttered side of each slice of bread.
    2 tablespoons mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
  • Place one slice of bread, butter-side down in the pan. 
  • Add a layer of cheese, followed by ham. 
    6 slices Swiss cheese, 4 slices ham
  • Repeat two times, ending with a slice of cheese on top. 
  • Place the second slice of bread, mustard-mayo side down on top of the ham and cheese layers.
  • Cook the first side over medium-high heat for about 3 to 5 minutes.
  • If you have a weight or press, place it on top of the sandwich and push down just a bit. 
  • When the cheese on the bottom is melted, flip the sandwich over carefully with a spatula and cook the second side over medium-high heat.
  • Place a weight or press on top and let it cook for an additional 3 to 5 minutes or until all the cheese is melted and the bread is gold-brown.
  • Remove from heat and cut down the middle or across. 
  • Serve with your favorite sides.
  • Enjoy!

Notes

Make sure to layer the sandwich so that a slice of cheese is both the bottom and top layer.
You can substitute butter for olive oil or a cooking spray to reduce calories. To do this, add about a tablespoon of olive oil to the pan and coat it well or liberally spray the cooking spray on the pan before adding the first piece of bread.
You can use whatever cheese floats your boat or different combinations of cheese. You could also use a different meat if you prefer, like turkey or roast beef.

Nutrition

Serving: 1sandwich | Calories: 770kcal | Carbohydrates: 28g | Protein: 32g | Fat: 59g | Saturated Fat: 29g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 9g | Monounsaturated Fat: 17g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 148mg | Sodium: 1467mg | Potassium: 228mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 0.3g | Vitamin A: 1143IU | Vitamin C: 0.1mg | Calcium: 475mg | Iron: 1mg
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