Craving a sandwich that's not just a sandwich, but a gourmet experience? Look no further than these mouthwatering Ham and Turkey Paninis that transform ordinary lunch ingredients into a crispy, melty masterpiece! With golden-brown ciabatta bread, layers of savory ham and turkey, and perfectly melted cheese, this recipe is about to become your new go-to meal that will impress both family and friends.
Prep Time: 5 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 15 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 2 servings
Ingredients
- 4 slices of ciabatta bread
- 100g sliced ham
- 100g sliced turkey
- 2 slices of cheese (e.g., Swiss or cheddar)
- Butter for spreading
Instructions
- Remove the ciabatta bread from packaging and let it sit at room temperature for 5 minutes to ensure even heating.
- Lightly butter the exterior sides of each bread slice, which will help create a golden, crispy exterior when grilled.
- On the non-buttered side of two bread slices, layer the sliced ham evenly, ensuring complete coverage of the bread surface.
- Add a slice of cheese on top of the ham layer for melting and additional flavor.
- Place sliced turkey on top of the cheese, creating a second protein layer.
- Add another slice of cheese on top of the turkey to complete the filling.
- Cover each prepared sandwich with the remaining bread slices, buttered side facing outward.
- Preheat a panini press or heavy skillet to medium-high heat for even grilling.
- If using a panini press, place sandwiches directly and close the lid, pressing gently to create distinctive grill marks.
- If using a skillet, place sandwiches and use another heavy pan to press down, flipping once to ensure even browning.
- Grill for approximately 3-4 minutes per side until bread is golden brown and cheese is fully melted.
- Remove from heat, let rest for 1-2 minutes, then slice diagonally and serve immediately.
Tips
- Room Temperature Bread: Always let your bread sit out for a few minutes before grilling to ensure even heating and better texture.
- Butter Technique: Spread butter evenly on the exterior bread surfaces for that irresistible golden-brown crispiness.
- Cheese Melting Hack: Layer cheese between meats to help it melt more effectively and distribute flavor evenly.
- Press with Purpose: Whether using a panini press or skillet, apply gentle, consistent pressure for those classic grill marks and even cooking.
- Rest Before Serving: Allow your paninis to rest for 1-2 minutes after grilling, which helps the cheese set and prevents burning your mouth.Pro tip: Experiment with different cheese varieties like Swiss, cheddar, or provolone to customize your panini experience!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 472kcal
Carbohydrates: 40g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 130mg
