A grilled panini is a delightful and simple way to enjoy a warm, crispy sandwich filled with gooey cheese and savory ham. Perfect for a quick lunch or a light dinner, this recipe brings together the best of both worlds with its crunchy exterior and melty interior.
If you don't have ciabatta or sourdough bread at home, you might need to visit the bakery section of your supermarket. These types of bread are essential for achieving the perfect texture and flavor. Additionally, make sure to pick up some mozzarella or your favorite cheese and ham from the deli section.

Ingredients For Grilled Panini Recipe
Ciabatta: A type of Italian white bread known for its crisp crust and airy texture.
Sourdough bread: A tangy, chewy bread made from naturally fermented dough.
Mozzarella: A mild, creamy cheese that melts beautifully.
Cheese: Your choice of cheese can be used if you prefer something other than mozzarella.
Ham: A savory, cured meat that adds a deliciously salty flavor.
Butter: Softened butter is used to create a golden, crispy exterior on the bread.
Technique Tip for Perfect Paninis
To achieve a perfectly crispy and golden panini, make sure to spread the butter evenly on the outer sides of the bread. This ensures that the bread browns uniformly and adds a rich flavor. Additionally, for an extra layer of taste, consider adding a thin spread of mustard or pesto inside the sandwich before grilling.
Suggested Side Dishes
Alternative Ingredients
ciabatta bread - Substitute with baguette: Baguette has a similar texture and can hold up well to grilling, providing a crispy exterior and soft interior.
sourdough bread - Substitute with whole wheat bread: Whole wheat bread offers a different flavor profile but still provides a sturdy base for the panini.
mozzarella - Substitute with provolone: Provolone melts well and has a mild flavor that complements many sandwich fillings.
mozzarella - Substitute with cheddar: Cheddar adds a sharper taste and melts nicely, making it a good alternative for a panini.
ham - Substitute with turkey: Turkey is a leaner option and provides a different but equally delicious flavor.
ham - Substitute with grilled vegetables: For a vegetarian option, grilled vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and eggplant can add a flavorful and hearty filling.
softened butter - Substitute with olive oil: Olive oil can be brushed on the bread to achieve a crispy texture without using butter.
softened butter - Substitute with margarine: Margarine can be used as a direct replacement for butter, offering a similar texture and flavor.
Alternative Recipes Similar to Paninis
How To Store or Freeze Your Panini
- Allow the grilled panini to cool completely before storing. This prevents condensation, which can make the bread soggy.
- Wrap each sandwich tightly in aluminum foil or plastic wrap to maintain freshness and prevent freezer burn.
- Place the wrapped panini in an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag. Label with the date to keep track of storage time.
- Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, place in the freezer for up to 2 months.
- To reheat, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the panini from the wrapping and place it on a baking sheet. Heat for 10-15 minutes if refrigerated, or 20-25 minutes if frozen, until the bread is crispy and the cheese is melted.
- Alternatively, you can reheat in a panini press or a skillet over medium heat. Cook for 3-5 minutes per side if refrigerated, or 5-7 minutes per side if frozen, until heated through.
- For a quick microwave option, unwrap the panini and place it on a microwave-safe plate. Cover with a damp paper towel to retain moisture. Heat on high for 1-2 minutes if refrigerated, or 3-4 minutes if frozen, checking halfway through. Note that the bread may not be as crispy with this method.
How To Reheat Leftovers
Oven Method:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Wrap the grilled panini in aluminum foil to prevent it from drying out.
- Place the wrapped panini on a baking sheet.
- Heat for about 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the bread is crispy.
- Remove from the oven, unwrap, and enjoy your reheated panini.
Stovetop Method:
- Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat.
- Place the grilled panini in the skillet and cover with a lid to help retain moisture.
- Cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side, pressing down gently with a spatula to ensure even heating.
- Once the cheese is melted and the bread is golden brown, remove from the skillet and serve.
Microwave Method:
- Place the grilled panini on a microwave-safe plate.
- Cover with a damp paper towel to keep the bread from becoming too hard.
- Microwave on medium power for 30-60 seconds, checking halfway through to ensure even heating.
- If the cheese isn't fully melted, continue microwaving in 10-second intervals.
- Let it sit for a minute before serving to allow the heat to distribute evenly.
Toaster Oven Method:
- Preheat your toaster oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Place the grilled panini directly on the toaster oven rack or on a baking sheet.
- Heat for about 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the bread is crispy.
- Remove carefully and let it cool for a minute before slicing and serving.
Air Fryer Method:
- Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
- Place the grilled panini in the air fryer basket.
- Heat for about 3-5 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure even heating.
- Once the cheese is melted and the bread is crispy, remove from the air fryer and enjoy.
Essential Tools for Grilling Paninis
Panini press: A specialized grill that presses and heats the sandwich from both sides, ensuring even cooking and a crispy texture.
Butter knife: Used to spread the softened butter evenly on the bread slices.
Cutting board: Provides a stable surface for assembling the sandwiches and slicing them after grilling.
Chef's knife: Essential for slicing the sandwich into halves or desired portions after grilling.
Spatula: Useful for safely removing the hot sandwich from the panini press without burning your hands.
Plate: Used to serve the hot, freshly grilled panini.
How to Save Time on Making Paninis
Pre-slice ingredients: Pre-slice bread, cheese, and ham ahead of time to streamline assembly.
Use pre-cooked ham: Opt for pre-cooked ham to save cooking time.
Soften butter in advance: Leave butter out at room temperature to ensure it spreads easily.
Batch prep: Make multiple sandwiches at once and store them in the fridge for quick grilling later.
Clean as you go: Clean your panini press immediately after use to save time on cleanup.

Grilled Panini Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 4 slices Bread Preferably ciabatta or sourdough
- 4 slices Cheese Mozzarella or your choice
- 4 slices Ham
- 1 tablespoon Butter Softened
Instructions
- Preheat your panini press.
- Butter one side of each bread slice.
- Layer cheese and ham between two slices of bread, with the buttered sides facing out.
- Place the sandwich in the panini press and grill for 3-5 minutes until golden brown and the cheese is melted.
- Remove from the press, slice, and serve hot.
Nutritional Value
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