This Leftover Ham and Cheese Panini is perfect for Easter, Christmas or holiday leftovers. This sandwich is made with sourdough bread, swiss and mozzarella cheese, then grilled and pressed to perfection.
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My Air Fryer Glazed Ham recipe is on the menu for holidays like Christmas and Easter! There’s always leftover ham. Once I’ve gotten tired of eating the standard leftovers, I like to re-purpose the food into different meals. This sandwich is pretty epic and will do just that!
Ham Glaze
The Ham Glaze from Primal Kitchen will take your sandwich to the next level. The taste is rich and I can taste hints of pineapple, clove, and cinnamon. It’s absolutely perfect for a warm sandwich. It isn’t just for glazing ham! It works wonderfully as a glaze for veggies, too.
This glaze is Whole30 Approved®, paleo-friendly, and made with no soy, no canola, and no dairy.
What’s a Panini?
The word panino is similar and it is Italian and means bread roll and small bread. It’s a sandwich served warm and is usually grilled or toasted.
I love to make them because the grill marks make the bread so crunchy! And if you use a cast iron there’s so much flavor! The melted cheese paired with ham is nothing short of amazing.
Do You Have to Use a Panini Maker
Using a panini maker is a fast way to make this recipe and it will also crisp the bread and add grill marks.
You can also use a cast iron or cast iron grill pan. You can even use your air fryer! You won’t get the grill marks, but check out my Air Fryer Grilled Cheese recipe. You can follow the same instructions.
How to Make a Ham and Cheese Panini
- Spread butter over both slices of bread.
- Flip the bread slices and spread ham glaze over the other sides. Add ham, cheese, and spinach to the bread and form a sandwich.
What Type of Bread to Use
You can use any bread you like. Any bread will crisp. Paninis are often made with ciabatta. I went with sourdough bread for this one.
Best Cheese to Use
You can also use whatever cheese you like. Swiss typically pairs well with ham. If you want an intense cheese pull, mozzarella will work wonderfully. Cheddar cheese is also great.
Substitutions or Add-Ins
- Mashed Avocado
- Tomatoes (remove the seeds first)
- Onions
- Cooked Eggs
- Red Peppers
- Sundried Tomatoes
How Many Calories
Each sandwich has 396 calories.
Recipe Tips
- For crunchy bread with fine grill marks you will need oil, such as olive oil or butter.
- Thick-cut bread works best.
- Cook in batches if necessary.
Pair This Sandwich With These Recipes
Air Fryer French Fries
Roasted Ranch Potatoes
Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad
Southern Macaroni Salad
Keto Broccoli Salad
How to Make a Charcuterie Cheese Board
Ham Potato and Vegetable Soup
Turkey and Cheese Sliders
Traeger Smoked Turkey
Leftover Ham and Cheese Panini
Ingredients
- 2 slices bread I used sourdough.
- 1 teaspoon butter Melted
- 1-2 tablespoons Primal Kitchen Ham Glaze
- 2 slices swiss cheese
- 2 oz sliced ham
- fresh spinach or lettuce
- cooking oil If using a cast iron or grill pan. I use olive oil.
Instructions
- Spread the butter over both slices of bread.
- Flip the bread slices and spread the ham glaze over the other sides. Add the ham, cheese, and spinach, to the bread and form a sandwich.
Panini Press
- Add the sandwich to a panini press and press down firmly for 5-10 seconds. Allow the sandwich to cook for 3-4 minutes or until golden.
Air Fryer
- Add the sandwich to the air fryer basket. Anchor the sandwich with a trivet (you can use anything that's oven safe) to prevent it moving around in the air fryer.
- Air fry on 370 degrees for 5 minutes.
- Open the air fryer fry and flip the sandwich. Air fry on 370 degrees for an additional 3-4 minutes or until crisp.
Pan or Grill Pan Skillet (A cast iron works best)
- Heat the skillet on medium-high heat. Glaze the pan with olive oil to prevent sticking. Use enough to coat the surface you will be using.
- Add the sandwich to the pan.
- Cook both sides for 3-4 minutes each or until crisp.
Notes
- For crunchy bread with fine grill marks you will need oil, such as olive oil or butter.
- Thick-cut bread works best.
- Cook in batches if necessary
Ian p Harris
Wednesday 2nd of October 2024
I love to get recipe of all kinds of sandwich please
staysnatched
Thursday 3rd of October 2024
Here you go: https://www.staysnatched.com/category/sandwiches-and-wraps/
Tuesday 17th of January 2023
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Tuesday 17th of January 2023
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Emily
Sunday 26th of December 2021
Made this with our leftover honey baked ham. We always love Brandi’s suggestions for ways to spice up leftovers!
staysnatched
Tuesday 28th of December 2021
I'm so glad you enjoyed it.
Cassandra
Tuesday 6th of April 2021
Omg Brandi has another home run on her hands! I did our sandwiches in the air fryer and they were delish. I can honestly say I haven’t made a recipe from StaySnatched that didn’t have me reaching for more. If have not made this sandwich, go make it now!!
staysnatched
Wednesday 7th of April 2021
YAY! I'm so glad to hear it!