Panini with ham and cheese
Instructions
Tip
If using a panini press, gently press the sandwiches down to ensure they are toasted evenly, and the cheese melts properly. Avoid pressing too hard, as you risk squeezing out the fillings.
Tip
Paninis are best enjoyed hot off the grill when the cheese is gooey and the bread is crispy. Serve your paninis immediately to enjoy the melted cheese. However, they are also delicious cold if you need to transport them to a picnic or for lunch.
Ingredients
|
Wholemeal bread
|
8 slices |
|---|---|
|
Cream cheese, preferably with added flavour
|
200 g |
|
Green pesto
|
4 tbsp |
|
Tomatoes, in slices
|
150 g |
|
Serrano ham
|
8 slices |
|
Fresh mozzarella, in slices
|
200 g |
|
Rocket salad
|
60 g |
|
Butter
|
80 g |
Enjoy our tasty panini with ham and cheese
Paninis have grown in popularity over the past years, and when you taste our ham and cheese panini, you will understand why. Each ingredient has been chosen carefully to make the perfect grilled toast. Ham and cheese are two classic ingredients that fit together perfectly. Ham brings a savoury and mildly salty touch to the panini, while the mild mozzarella adds a soft texture. Cream cheese coats the bread in a luscious layer, and tomatoes and pesto add a refreshing touch.
For other bread-based snacks and treats, try our recipes for mushroom sandwich, tuna melt sandwich, or avocado sandwich with cream cheese and tomato.
Crispy and cheesy with savoury notes
As you sink your teeth into the bread, you feel your taste buds ensnared with rich and savoury flavours. The secret weapon of the panini really is its combination of crunchy and creamy textures. Not only do the cream cheese and pesto deliver a layer of spreadable delight, but the mozzarella also melts, giving the panini delicious stringy bits of fresh cheese.
Italian flair with mozzarella, tomatoes, and pesto
Allow the classic duo of mozzarella and tomatoes to mix their fresh and tangy flavours. When pressed together, the two release their tasty juices that seep into the rest of the panini. To seal the deal, the pesto brings its signature combination of pine nuts, basil, and oil, adding a burst of vibrant flavours to the dish. These ingredients will quickly transport you to the sun-drenched streets of Rome.
The perfect lunch or snack treat
Whether you are looking for a quick snack to bring on the go or a satisfying lunchtime treat, the ham and cheese panini is the right choice for you. It is quick to make and tailor-made to bring for lunch or picnics. Let the paninis cool and pack them in an airtight container to bring on a trip. For a light dinner option, pair the panini with a crisp salad.
Get creative with the ingredients
The great thing about paninis is that they are easy to personalise, turning them into exactly what you are after.
While you can use coarse bread or pretty much any bread you want, we recommend you seek out any leftover or stale bread you may have stored in the kitchen. Stale bread is especially good at soaking up juices and liquids, making it perfect for paninis.
Instead of a regular cream cheese to spread on the bread, you can opt for a wide variety of different flavours. If you prefer cheddar or parmesan cheese, try substituting the mozzarella with the one you like.
A great number of vegetables also work perfectly in a panini with ham and cheese. Try adding roasted peppers, caramelised onions, or thinly sliced avocado. The peppers and onion bring a delicious sweetness, while avocado turns your panini extra creamy.
