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Ham and Cheese Panini

Ham and Swiss cheese are pressed between crusty bread with a swipe of Dijon mustard, grilled until crispy and the cheese melts.

⏱ 5 minPrep time
🔥 10 minCook time
🍽 2Servings
🏷 LunchCategory
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Panini, meaning ‘little breads’ in Italian, have been a staple of Italian cafes for generations, but the pressed, grilled sandwich format became a major American trend in the 1990s and 2000s as panini presses became popular kitchen appliances. Ham and cheese remains one of the most classic and beloved combinations.

Pressed, crispy, and filled with melty cheese

Ham and Swiss cheese are pressed between crusty bread with a swipe of Dijon mustard, grilled until crispy and the cheese melts.

Step by stepInstructions

  1. Spread Dijon mustard on one side of each bread slice.
  2. Layer ham and Swiss cheese onto two of the slices.
  3. Top with the remaining bread slices, mustard-side down.
  4. Butter the outside of the sandwiches.
  5. Grill in a panini press or skillet, pressing down, for 4-5 minutes per side until golden and the cheese is melted.
  6. Slice and serve hot.

💡 Chef tips & storage

If you don't have a panini press, use a heavy skillet on top of the sandwich to press it down while it cooks. Crusty, sturdy bread holds up best to the pressing and heat.

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Recipe details

Prep5 min
Cook10 min
Servings2
CategoryLunch
PublishedAugust 12, 2026
Emily — the cook behind My Comfort Recipes

Hi, I'm Emily 🧡

Hi, I'm Emily — the cook behind My Comfort Recipes. Simple, tested comfort food for real weeknights, written down the way grandma would. Pull up a chair. More about me →