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This Ham and Swiss Panini is made with sliced ham, melty Swiss cheese, and a creamy mustard spread layered between slices of sourdough bread. It cooks in just a few minutes in a panini press for a hot sandwich with crisp, golden bread and plenty of melted cheese.
Easy Ham and Swiss Panini
A panini takes a simple ham and cheese sandwich and makes it so much better. The outside of the sourdough becomes crisp and golden while the Swiss cheese melts around the ham.
The creamy mustard spread adds plenty of flavor without overpowering the sandwich. Best of all, it only takes a few minutes to assemble and cook, making it an easy choice for lunch or a quick dinner. You'll also want to check out my other panini sandwiches: Turkey Panini and Breakfast Panini.
Key ingredients
This section reviews the best ingredients and substitutions for this recipe. For an exact list of ingredients and quantities, check the recipe card below.
- Ham – Use your favorite sliced deli ham. I use about four slices per sandwich.
- Swiss cheese – Two slices give you plenty of melted cheese in every bite. Provolone, Gouda, or cheddar can also be used.
- Sourdough bread – A sturdy sourdough holds up well in the panini press and gets nicely crisp. Ciabatta or another sturdy sandwich bread will also work.
- Mayonnaise and coarse mustard – Mixed together and spread on the inside of the bread for a creamy, tangy layer.
- Butter – Spread on the outside of the bread to help it become golden and crisp as it cooks.
Step-by-step directions
In this section, I share step-by-step photos, cooking methods, techniques, and a general overview. For detailed instructions, temperatures, and timing, check the printable recipe card below.
- Butter both slices of the outside of the bread
- Place buttered side down
- Combine mayo and mustard. Brush the inside of the bread with the mixture.
- Layer with ham and cheese
- Place the top slice of bread on the sandwich
- When the panini grill is fully preheated, place the sandwich on the grill and close the lid
- Press down on the lid and let cook for 4-6 minutes until the bread is nicely grilled and the cheese is melted.
- Remove from grill and let rest for 1-2 minutes. Slice and serve while still hot.
Recipe tips
- Preheat the panini press. A hot press helps the bread become crisp and golden while the cheese melts.
- Don’t overfill the sandwich. Too much ham or cheese can make the sandwich difficult to press and cause the filling to slide out.
- Watch the cooking time. Panini presses vary, so begin checking the sandwich around 4 minutes. It should be golden and crisp with fully melted cheese.
- Serve right away. A panini is best while the bread is still crisp and the cheese is hot and melted.
Frequently asked questions
Yes. Cook the sandwich in a skillet over medium-low heat, similar to a grilled cheese sandwich. Press the sandwich down with a firm spatula at the beginning. Flip the sandwich once the bottom is golden, then continue cooking until both sides are crisp and the cheese is melted.
- Make sandwich as directed
- Place on a preheated cast iron skillet or pan heated over medium-low heat
- Cook until the cheese is melted. You may need to flip the sandwich again to avoid burning the bread.
What to serve with a panini?
Serve your ham and Swiss panini with a bowl of soup for an easy lunch or dinner. It pairs especially well with homemade tomato soup or carrot ginger soup. For something lighter, add a simple green salad or fresh fruit on the side.
More sandwich recipes
For another easy lunch or dinner, try my Pesto Chicken Sandwich made with pesto, fresh mozzarella, tomato, and arugula. You might also enjoy a Chicken Philly Sandwich or use leftover shredded beef to make BBQ Beef Sandwiches.
If you make this recipe, I’d love to hear about it! Leave a comment below and snap a picture and tag me on Instagram @beyondthechickencoop
Check out all my delicious sandwiches!
Ham and Swiss Panini
Equipment
- Panini Press
- Chef Knife
Ingredients
- 2 slices sourdough sandwich bread
- 1 tablespoon butter (softened)
- 1 tablespoon mayonnaise
- 2 teaspoons coarse mustard
- 4 slices ham
- 2 slices Swiss cheese
Instructions
- Butter outside of bread.2 slices sourdough sandwich bread, 1 tablespoon butter
- Combine mayonnaise and mustard together. Spread on the inside of the bread.1 tablespoon mayonnaise, 2 teaspoons coarse mustard
- Place ham and cheese on one slice of the bread. Top with the other slice.4 slices ham, 2 slices Swiss cheese
- Place on a preheated panini grill. Close cover and press slightly down. Cook for 4-6 minutes until the bread is golden and the cheese is melted.
- Remove from grill and let sandwich rest for 1-2 minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
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- Every panini press is slightly different. Know how your panini press works.
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- Preheat your press. If you have a temperature control, set it to 350°-375°F. My press only has one setting.
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- Grill until the bread is nicely toasted and the cheese is melted.
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- Remove the cooked sandwich from the grill and rest for 1-2 minutes before slicing. The helps prevent all the cheese from oozing out.
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- Slice with a sharp knife.
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- Serve while still hot.
Nutritional Disclaimer:
Nutritional information is provided as a courtesy and should only be construed as an estimate rather than a guarantee. To obtain the most precise nutritional information in a provided recipe, you should calculate the nutritional information with the exact ingredients you are using when preparing the recipe using your preferred nutrition calculator.
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