Delicious Ham and Cheese Panini

This mouthwatering ham and cheese panini makes for a delightful meal, perfect for lunch or a light dinner. It combines the flavors of savory ham, melted cheese, and fresh tomatoes all nestled between crispy baguette slices. The use of salad leaves adds a refreshing crunch, while the warmth from grilling intensifies the deliciousness. This recipe is simple yet satisfying, taking only around 15 minutes to prepare and cook. A panini press brings out the best flavors, but an oven can also do wonders. The ingredients are flexible, allowing for personal customization with additional spices and sauces. Whether you're dining alone or whipping up a quick meal for two, this panini will hit the spot. Not only is it easy to make, but it also offers a balanced blend of textures and flavors, making it a popular choice for food lovers of all kinds. Enjoy this classic recipe and bring a taste of delightful satisfaction to your table.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

2 baguettes
4 slices of ham
4 slices of cheese
1 tomato
Salad leaves

Preparation Time

Total Time: Approximately 15 minutes

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Ingredients: Gather all the ingredients. Slice the baguettes in half and wash the salad leaves thoroughly.
Assemble the Base: Place the bottom halves of the baguettes on a clean surface. Lay out the salad leaves to cover the bottom layer uniformly.
Layer the Tomato: Slice the tomato into thin rounds and place them evenly over the salad leaves.
Add the Ham: Lay two slices of ham per baguette, ensuring they cover the tomato slices neatly.
Include the Cheese: Place two slices of cheese over the ham, allowing it to melt evenly during grilling.
Top with More Salad: If desired, add another layer of salad leaves for extra crunch and freshness.
Close the Panini: Place the top halves of the baguettes on top of the layered ingredients.
Preheat the Panini Press or Oven: If you have a sandwich press, preheat it. Alternatively, preheat your oven to a moderate temperature.
Grill the Panini: Place the assembled sandwiches in the press or on a baking tray. Heat them until the bread turns golden and crispy, and the cheese is melted, roughly 3-5 minutes.
Check Consistency: Open the press or oven to see if the cheese has fully melted. If not, give it another minute to ensure everything is nicely warm.
Serve Hot: Transfer to a cutting board and slice each panini diagonally for a stylish presentation.
Enjoy: Serve immediately while the cheese is still gooey and enjoy the textures.

Tips

Substitute the Cheese: Feel free to use your favorite type of cheese such as mozzarella or cheddar for varied flavors.
Sauce It Up: Add mustard or mayonnaise for an extra zing.
Bake to Perfection: If using an oven, wrap the sandwiches in aluminum foil for even heat distribution.

Variations

Vegetarian Option: Replace ham with grilled veggies like bell peppers or zucchini for a vegetarian alternative.
Spice It Up: Add jalapeños or hot sauce for an extra kick.

Serving Suggestions

Pair with Soup: Serve alongside a warm bowl of tomato basil soup.
Salad on the Side: Include a simple side salad with vinaigrette for a light, refreshing meal.

Nutritions

Calories: Approximately 400 per sandwich
Protein: 22g
Fats: 18g
Carbs: 40g

Best Places

Eataly NYC Flatiron - Known for its authentic Italian paninis in a bustling market environment. Location: 200 5th Ave, New York, USA.
Bar Central - Offers a unique twist on the classic panini, popular with locals. Location: Mercedesstrasse 67, Stuttgart, Germany.
Le Pain Quotidien - Features daily fresh ingredients in their artisanal paninis. Location: 1350 6th Ave, New York, USA.
Café de Paris - Enjoy a rich selection of French-style paninis. Location: 52 St Martin's Ln, London, UK.
Panini Toscani - Masters of Tuscan flavors served in each panini. Location: Piazza del Duomo, Florence, Italy.
Panini al Volo - Delivers delightful panini with Italian authenticity. Location: Cannaregio, Venice, Italy.
Panini Bar Ghent - Offers a variety of creative options for panini lovers. Location: Botermarkt 15, Ghent, Belgium.
Il Panino di Raffaele - Known for its rich fillings and crisp breads. Location: Via Dante, Milan, Italy.
Sándwich Bar La Carmela - Serves fusion panini with Mexican flair. Location: Polanco, Mexico City, Mexico.
Pane e Vino - Combines wine selection with gourmet panini. Location: 118 Gloucester Rd, London, UK.