This toasted ham and cheese panini is the ultimate comfort food. A layer of pepper jelly adds extra flavor to this easy lunch or dinner recipe.
For many families, Sunday nights are traditionally the time for a big meal. Whenever my parents and I went to my grandparents' home for dinner, the table was laid with roast beef, Yorkshire pudding, potatoes, and vegetables. As much as we looked forward to those meals, we were just as happy with the Sunday dinners we ate when it was just the three of us at home. It was always simple, light and easy - a bowl of soup, a fresh salad, or a toasted sandwich.
As an adult with my own family, I appreciate why my mum took the "light and tasty" route. After a weekend of soccer games, play dates and baking, pulling out the roasting pan is akin to dusting the blinds. For the record, dusting blinds is my least favorite household chore. My kids think mummy's gone cuckoo when I tell them I would rather clean toilets than dust blinds. That would explain why our once-white blinds are now distinctly a few shades darker than white, while our toilets are...well...cleaner than that.
My point is that I like to keep it simple on Sundays. Whether it's a brothy soup, such as Mediterranean Chicken, Bean & Pasta Soup or a protein-packed salad, such as a Mushroom, Caramelized Onion & Bean Spinach Salad, the goal is to keep prep work and clean-up to a minimum.
This panini fits the bill. It follows the same formula as my favorite Turkey, Brie and Pear Panini - a healthy dose of meat, a sweet sauce with a kick, and plenty of oozing, melted cheese. It requires nothing more than a panini press or a hot frying pan. Now that's my kind of Sunday night dinner.
How to Make Ham and Cheese Panini
Preheat panini press or large grill pan or skillet.
Cut ciabatta rolls in half crosswise.
Divide the pepper jelly evenly between the four rolls, spreading on top and bottom halves. Top the bottom of each roll with slices of ham, cheddar cheese and arugula. Lay the top of each roll over the fillings.
Place the sandwiches on the panini maker or pan, working in batches if necessary. Close the panini press. If using a grill pan or skillet, place a brick, washed and wrapped in foil, on top of the sandwiches to emulate a panini press. When the bread is toasted and the cheese is melted, remove the sandwiches from the press, cut in half, and serve immediately.
Toasted Ham and Cheese Panini
Ingredients
- 4 ciabatta rolls preferably whole wheat
- ½ cup pepper jelly
- 6 ounces ham cut into ¼-inch thick slices
- 4 ounces sharp Cheddar cheese sliced
- ¾ cup (packed) arugula leaves or spinach
Instructions
- Preheat panini press or large grill pan or skillet.
- Cut ciabatta rolls in half crosswise. Divide the pepper jelly evenly between the four rolls, spreading on top and bottom halves. Top the bottom of each roll with slices of ham, cheddar cheese and arugula. Lay the top of each roll over the fillings.
- Place the sandwiches on the panini maker or pan, working in batches if necessary. Close the panini press. If using a grill pan or skillet, place a brick, washed and wrapped in foil, on top of the sandwiches to emulate a panini press.
- When the bread is toasted and the cheese is melted, remove the sandwiches from the press, cut in half, and serve immediately.
Notes
Nutrition
Disclosure: I am a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for me to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.
katrina
Panini's are so tasty. I love the jam you used in this recipe. Delish!
Ang
Never have I thought to put pepper jelly on a sandwich. I have a confession to make. Very often I take a scoop of cream cheese and pour pepper jelly over the top and scoop it up with wheat thins. FOR MY DINNER! I love it, and I love this idea.
Diana Bauman
Beautiful photos and the flavors of the panini are great! You inspire me Dara!!
Belinda @zomppa
Love paninis, especially with pepper jelly!!
Jessica @ How Sweet
What a fabulous panini! My mouth is watering.
Sprinkled with Flour
What a great tradition to keep the Sunday meal simple:) I love the pepper jelly and all the layers look so delicious! Simple and delicious is always the best way to go:)
Georgia | The Comfort of Cooking
I absolutely love making panini, and I love the flavors you used in yours. What a great addition with the pepper jelly, too... I have to get my hands on some of that! Beautiful photos, as always, too!
Explora Cuisine
I'm not a sandwich lover, but it does look yummy 🙂
ravienomnoms
Sunday was always a big meal day for my family too. That sandwich looks really really good
Lindsey @ Gingerbread Bagels
Wow these look so full of flavor! I love the addition of hot pepper jelly, my mama just loves it. She would just adore this panini and so would I. 🙂
Lana @ Never Enough Thyme
Sometimes there's just nothing like a good, warm substantial sandwich. Love the flavors in this one. And, I just posted another jam that would be really good in it as well!
A Thought For Food
Great way to use the jam! Looks like quite the sandwich!
RecipeGirl
ohhhh, hot pepper jelly tucked in there sounds great! I really need one of those panini presses!
EatLiveRun
these look great! I've never had pepper jelly--it's intriguing me 😉
Jenny
Loving this Dara! I am wishing I had all the ingredients right now!
Maria
Love the flavors in this panini!
Tickled Red
Sandwich night is always one of our favorites. The boys like being able to design their own and I love adding pesto roasted potatoes for a side. I can not wait to add the pepper jelly to the mix...YUM!
Pretend Chef
I am giddy over the pepper jelly! I love trying new condiments and that sounds like a great addition to this sandwich. I miss having big family dinners but it is nice when we do get to sit down together and enjoy a meal. This would be perfect for itty bitty and I for lunches. Yummy!
Heather (Heather's Dish)
i heart paninis...they're so easy and delicious and versatile! i love the addition of the pepper jelly too 🙂
Pegasuslegend
Very elegant panni the color is awesome for a bruch... lovely Dara!