This Ham and Swiss Panini sandwich is a delicious grilled sandwich perfect for lunch or a light dinner.
Crunchy bread, melty cheese, and flavorful ham make a delicious sandwich!
Grilled ham and cheese sandwich
I've always been a fan of a grilled cheese sandwich and love to add ham from time to time. Recently I acquired a panini press and now my grilled sandwiches have gone from good to great!
It's really all about the press. Both sides of the bread are cooked at the same time and you can press the lid down a bit which slightly compresses the sandwich making it just like the ones they serve in restaurants.
The panini press perfectly grills the bread so it's crispy and golden brown and the cheese gets hot and melty. You'll also want to check out this Turkey 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. Plan on about 4 slices per sandwich.
- Cheese - I use Swiss cheese, but you could also use gouda, provolone, or cheddar. You'll need 2 slices per sandwich.
- Bread - I love to use good sourdough bread. You could also use your favorite sandwich bread or ciabatta bun.
- Condiments - Use butter for the outside of the bread and a mixture of mayo and coarse mustard for the inside.
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 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 3-5 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
- Every panini press is slightly different. Know how your panini press works.
- Preheat your press. If you have temperature control, set it to 350°-375°F. My press only has one setting.
- Grill until the bread is nicely toasted and the cheese is melted.
- Remove the cooked sandwich from the grill and rest for 1-2 minutes before slicing. The helps prevent all the cheese from oozing out.
- Slice with a sharp knife.
- Serve while still hot.
Frequently asked questions
It depends on the size of your panini press and the size of your bread.
You can still make this sandwich, just use a griddle or a cast iron skillet. Heat over low and add once the pan is hot.
To make without a panini press
- Make sandwich as directed
- Place on a preheated cast iron skillet or pan heated over medium-low heat
- Cook until the bottom piece of bread is nicely toasted. Flip the sandwich and press down the sandwich with the spatula.
- Cook until the cheese is melted. You may need to flip the sandwich again to avoid burning the bread.
Serving suggestions
More delicious recipes with ham and cheese
Ham and cheese pair so well together! Check out these favorite recipes:
- Baked Ham and Cheese Sandwich
- Cheesy Baked Eggs with Ham
- Creamy Pasta with Ham
- Ham and Cheese Biscuits
- Breakfast Strata
- Ham Tetrazzini
- Ham and Scalloped Potatoes
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
-
- Every panini press is slightly different. Know how your panini press works.
-
- Preheat your press. If you have a temperature control, set it to 350°-375°F. My press only has one setting.
-
- Grill until the bread is nicely toasted and the cheese is melted.
-
- Remove the cooked sandwich from the grill and rest for 1-2 minutes before slicing. The helps prevent all the cheese from oozing out.
-
- Slice with a sharp knife.
-
- 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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