Savor the Season: The Ultimate Leftover Ham and Cheese Panini Recipe

Transform your holiday leftovers into an extraordinary meal with this incredible Leftover Ham and Cheese Panini. Perfectly suited for Easter, Christmas, or any festive occasion that leaves you with delicious ham, this sandwich reimagines traditional fare into a gourmet experience. Crafted with tangy sourdough bread, a delightful blend of Swiss and mozzarella cheeses, and pressed to golden, melty perfection, it’s a dish that proves leftovers can be even better the second time around, offering a quick, satisfying, and utterly delicious way to extend your festive culinary joy.

This post is proudly sponsored by Primal Kitchen. All opinions and culinary delights expressed here are genuinely my own.

Please note that this post may contain affiliate links. Should you make a purchase through these links, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. For more information, kindly refer to my full disclosure here.

The holidays often bring with them an abundance of festive feasts, and one perennial favorite on our family’s menu is my signature Air Fryer Glazed Ham. While the initial meal is always a triumph, the inevitable question arises: what to do with all that delicious leftover ham? After enjoying the conventional reheated slices, I love to get creative and transform ingredients into completely new and exciting dishes. This particular ham and cheese panini is more than just a sandwich; it’s a revelation, designed to elevate your leftovers into something truly epic and memorable. It’s a brilliant way to extend the holiday cheer and enjoy the flavors you love in a fresh, compelling format, ensuring no delicious ham goes to waste.

The Secret Ingredient: Primal Kitchen Ham Glaze

What truly elevates this ham and cheese panini from good to utterly unforgettable is the Primal Kitchen Ham Glaze. This isn’t just any glaze; it’s a game-changer that infuses your sandwich with a rich, complex flavor profile. As you bite into the warm, crispy bread, you’ll discover subtle notes of pineapple, clove, and cinnamon, creating a delightful sweetness that perfectly complements the savory ham and melted cheese. It’s an unexpected twist that brings a gourmet touch to a simple sandwich, making it ideal for a comforting meal.

Beyond its primary use for glazing ham, this versatile product shines in many applications. I’ve found it works wonders as a glaze for roasted vegetables, adding a layer of depth and sweetness to broccoli, carrots, or Brussels sprouts. Its robust flavor is truly perfect for warm sandwiches, lending a unique warmth and spice that sets this panini apart, making every bite a memorable experience.

For those mindful of their dietary choices, Primal Kitchen’s commitment to quality ingredients is a huge plus. This specific glaze is Whole30 Approved®, making it suitable for paleo-friendly diets. Furthermore, it’s crafted without common allergens and undesirable additives such as soy, canola, or dairy, ensuring a clean, wholesome, and delicious experience for everyone.

Unveiling the Panini: What Exactly Is It?

You might hear the term “panini” thrown around often, but do you know its origins and what makes it so distinct? The word “panini” is actually the plural of “panino,” an Italian term meaning “small bread” or “bread roll.” In culinary terms, a panini refers to a sandwich made with bread (often ciabatta, focaccia, or michetta) that is then toasted or grilled. The key characteristic is that it’s served warm, and traditionally, it’s pressed between two heated plates, which gives it its signature flattened shape and distinctive grill marks.

What’s truly captivating about a well-made panini, especially this ham and cheese version, is the delightful contrast in textures and flavors. The grilling process transforms ordinary bread into a crispy, golden shell, often adorned with appealing grill marks that add both visual and textural interest. This crunchy exterior gives way to a soft, warm interior filled with savory ham and wonderfully melted cheese. The heat from the press perfectly melds the ingredients, creating a harmonious burst of flavor in every bite. The melted cheese, gooey and stretchy, combined with the rich ham, is an experience that is nothing short of amazing. If you use a cast iron pan, you even get an extra layer of caramelized flavor that enhances the overall taste significantly, making for a truly satisfying meal.

Panini Perfection: Do You Need a Special Maker?

While a dedicated panini maker certainly streamlines the process and ensures those coveted grill marks, it’s by no means a mandatory piece of equipment. Don’t let the lack of a specialized gadget deter you from enjoying this fantastic sandwich! Many everyday kitchen tools can achieve equally delicious results, with just a little creativity.

A panini maker offers the convenience of quick heating and simultaneous pressing, resulting in beautifully crisp bread and even grill lines on both sides. However, excellent results can be achieved with tools you likely already have in your kitchen. A heavy-bottomed skillet or a cast iron grill pan works wonderfully. The dense material of cast iron distributes heat evenly and helps create that desirable crispy crust and impressive grill marks, adding another dimension of flavor. To achieve the “press” effect without a panini maker, simply place your sandwich in the heated pan and use a second heavy pan, a foil-wrapped brick, or even a heavy pot to weigh it down, ensuring good contact and even cooking.

Another fantastic alternative is your air fryer! While it won’t produce the classic grill marks, the air fryer excels at creating an incredibly crispy exterior, making it a quick and efficient method for a warm, delicious sandwich. The circulating hot air crisps the bread evenly, and the cheese melts perfectly within. For detailed instructions on how to achieve air-fried grilled cheese perfection, which can be easily adapted for this ham and cheese panini, refer to my Air Fryer Grilled Cheese recipe. You can follow very similar steps to get a perfectly toasted panini without the need for a press, making it an accessible option for everyone.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Assemble Your Ham and Cheese Panini

Crafting the perfect ham and cheese panini is a simple yet rewarding process. Follow these easy steps to build a sandwich that’s packed with flavor, texture, and ready for grilling or pressing:

1. **Prepare Your Bread:** Begin by taking two slices of your chosen bread. Generously spread softened or melted butter over one side of each slice, ensuring full coverage. The butter is crucial here, as it not only adds incredible flavor and richness but also helps create that coveted golden-brown, crispy exterior we all love in a panini. This initial layer ensures a rich, flavorful crust forms during cooking, preventing dryness.
2. **Apply the Glaze & Build:** Flip your buttered bread slices so the unbuttered sides are facing up. Now, carefully and evenly spread the aromatic Primal Kitchen Ham Glaze over these inner surfaces. This glaze will infuse directly into the sandwich’s core, adding its signature sweet and savory notes and a complex spice profile. Next, layer your savory, thinly sliced ham, followed by your chosen cheeses (such as Swiss and mozzarella for optimal melt), and finally, a handful of fresh spinach or lettuce for a touch of freshness. Arrange the ingredients evenly to ensure a balanced and flavorful bite in every section of the sandwich. Gently place the second glazed slice of bread on top, butter-side out, to complete your panini assembly. Your masterpiece is now ready for cooking!

Choosing Your Canvas: The Best Bread for Paninis

The type of bread you choose forms the foundation of your panini, greatly influencing its texture, flavor, and how well it holds up to pressing. While many breads can be used, certain varieties truly shine when pressed and grilled. The beauty of a panini is that almost any bread will crisp up beautifully, but some offer unique characteristics that enhance the overall eating experience.

Traditionally, paninis are often crafted using robust Italian breads like ciabatta or focaccia. Ciabatta, with its airy crumb and sturdy crust, holds up exceptionally well to pressing, resulting in a satisfying crunch on the outside while remaining soft within. Focaccia, on the other hand, offers a softer, often oilier texture that toasts beautifully and absorbs flavors wonderfully. For this particular recipe, I enthusiastically recommend and went with sourdough bread. Its distinct tangy flavor provides a fantastic counterpoint to the sweetness of the ham glaze and the richness of the cheese, adding a sophisticated depth. The robust structure and slightly chewy texture of sourdough also ensures it gets wonderfully crispy without becoming too dense or soggy, creating a delightful textural contrast.

Don’t hesitate to experiment with your favorites! Thick-cut artisanal loaves, even a sturdy country white, can work effectively. The key is to select a bread that isn’t too thin (which might get overly brittle and collapse) or too soft (which might compress too much and lose its appealing texture). A good, hearty slice of bread will provide the perfect canvas for your delicious fillings, ensuring a substantial and satisfying panini every time.

The Melty Heart: Selecting the Ideal Cheese

No ham and cheese panini is complete without the perfect melty cheese. The right cheese not only adds creamy texture and a luxurious mouthfeel but also a depth of flavor that perfectly complements the savory ham and sweet-spicy glaze. Just like with bread, you have plenty of freedom here, allowing you to tailor the sandwich to your personal preferences and create your ideal flavor profile.

For a classic pairing that rarely disappoints, Swiss cheese is often the top choice with ham. Its mild, nutty flavor and excellent melting properties make it a natural and harmonious partner. When heated, Swiss cheese becomes wonderfully soft and stretches beautifully, creating that satisfying, Instagram-worthy cheese pull. If you’re chasing that quintessential “cheese pull” experience and prefer a milder, creamier flavor, mozzarella will work wonderfully. Its elasticity and super creamy texture when melted are unparalleled, ensuring a luscious, gooey center to your panini.

Cheddar cheese is another fantastic option, offering a sharper, more pronounced flavor that can stand up boldly to the richness of the ham. For those who enjoy a bit more tang or a stronger, more robust profile, a sharp cheddar can elevate the sandwich significantly. Don’t be afraid to mix and match! Combining a mild, melty cheese like mozzarella with a more flavorful one like sharp cheddar or Swiss can give you the best of both worlds: incredible melt and complex taste. Other exciting choices could include provolone for an Italian touch, Muenster for its mild, buttery flavor, or even a smoked gouda for a deeply smoky and sophisticated nuance, each adding its own unique character to your gourmet leftover ham panini.

Customize Your Creation: Substitutions and Add-Ins

While the classic ham and cheese panini is undeniably delicious on its own, one of its greatest strengths is its incredible versatility. Feel free to get creative and customize your sandwich with a variety of exciting additions or substitutions to suit your personal taste, dietary needs, or simply to add a new twist to your meal. These simple changes can transform the panini into a whole new culinary adventure:

• **Mashed Avocado:** For a creamy, rich texture and a boost of healthy fats, a layer of mashed avocado adds a delightful earthiness and a smooth contrast to the crispy bread. It’s a wonderful way to add a fresh element.
• **Tomatoes:** Sliced fresh tomatoes bring a burst of juicy acidity and vibrant color. For the best results and to prevent your panini from becoming soggy, remember to remove the seeds first before layering them in. This ensures a crispier, more enjoyable outcome.
• **Onions:** Thinly sliced red or white onions can add a sharp, pungent bite for those who love a bit of zest. Alternatively, caramelize them beforehand for a sweeter, more mellow, and deeply flavorful addition.
• **Cooked Eggs:** For a heartier breakfast or brunch panini, incorporating a fried or scrambled egg is a fantastic idea. The runny yolk of a perfectly fried egg, especially, is particularly delightful when it mingles with the ham and melted cheese.
• **Red Peppers:** Roasted red peppers offer a sweet and smoky flavor, along with a tender, slightly chewy texture that complements the other ingredients beautifully. They add a touch of gourmet flair.
• **Sundried Tomatoes:** For an intense, concentrated burst of umami and sweetness, a few chopped sundried tomatoes (either oil-packed or rehydrated) can add a sophisticated Mediterranean touch and a rich depth of flavor.
• **Mustard or Pesto:** A thin spread of Dijon mustard for a sharp kick, honey mustard for a sweet-tangy balance, or basil pesto for a fresh, herbaceous note on one of the bread slices can introduce an additional layer of dynamic flavor.
• **Greens:** Beyond fresh spinach, consider adding arugula for a peppery kick that adds a sophisticated edge, or thinly sliced romaine for a fresh, light crunch.
• **Different Meats:** If you don’t have leftover ham, this recipe is incredibly adaptable. Cooked turkey, savory roast beef, or even leftover shredded chicken can make equally excellent and delicious panini fillings.
• **Pickles or Pickled Onions:** For a tangy contrast, add a few thin pickle slices or some quick pickled red onions. Their sharp flavor cuts through the richness of the cheese and ham.

Nutritional Snapshot: Calories Per Panini

For those keeping an eye on their dietary intake, each serving of this delicious Leftover Ham and Cheese Panini typically contains approximately 396 calories. This provides a satisfying and flavorful meal without being overly heavy, making it a great option for lunch or a lighter dinner that keeps you feeling full and content. Please note that exact nutritional values can vary based on the specific brands of ingredients used, portion sizes, and any additions or substitutions you make. It’s always recommended to use your preferred nutrition calculator with your specific ingredients for the most accurate information.

Expert Tips for Panini Success

Achieving panini perfection is easy with a few insider tricks that ensure your sandwich is consistently golden, crispy, and utterly delicious. These tips will help you master the art of the perfect pressed sandwich:

• **Achieve the Perfect Crisp and Grill Marks:** For bread that’s wonderfully crunchy with distinct, appealing grill marks, don’t skimp on the fat! Generously spreading softened or melted butter or brushing with a good quality oil, such as olive oil, on the exterior of your bread slices is absolutely essential. This not only prevents sticking to your cooking surface but also actively helps develop that coveted golden crust and irresistible crisp texture during the grilling process, adding depth of flavor.
• **Choose Thick-Cut Bread:** While any bread can theoretically be used, thick-cut bread truly works best for paninis. Thicker slices provide a sturdy base that can withstand the intense pressing without becoming too dense, brittle, or completely flattening out. They also offer a more substantial interior to perfectly hold your generous fillings, preventing them from oozing out, and ultimately contribute to a more satisfying and enjoyable bite.
• **Cook in Batches if Necessary:** If you’re making multiple paninis and don’t have a large enough cooking surface or panini press to accommodate them all comfortably, it’s always better to cook them in batches. Overcrowding your pan or press can lead to uneven cooking, causing the sandwiches to steam rather than grill, and ultimately resulting in a less crispy and less appealing result. Give each panini adequate space to ensure even heat distribution and maximum crispiness.
• **Evenly Distribute Fillings:** When assembling your panini, take a moment to spread your ham, cheese, and any other fillings evenly across the bread. This ensures that every single bite contains a balanced mix of all the delicious ingredients and crucially helps the sandwich press uniformly without creating awkward bulges or unevenly cooked sections.
• **Preheat Your Equipment Thoroughly:** Whether you’re using a dedicated panini press, an air fryer, or a traditional skillet, ensure it’s fully preheated to the correct temperature before adding your sandwich. This initial high heat is vital for achieving an immediate sear and a crisp crust, preventing the bread from soaking up too much oil or becoming greasy, and getting that perfect golden-brown finish from the start.

Serving Suggestions: What to Pair with Your Panini

A warm, savory ham and cheese panini is a delightful and satisfying meal in itself, but it truly shines when accompanied by the right side dishes. Whether you’re looking for something light and fresh, hearty and comforting, or simply a classic complement, here are some fantastic ideas to complete your meal and elevate your dining experience:

• Air Fryer French Fries: Crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside, these homemade fries are a timeless and universally loved panini companion.
• Roasted Ranch Potatoes: Tender, flavorful potato wedges coated in savory ranch seasoning offer a delicious, easy-to-make side that’s bursting with flavor.
• Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad: A creamy, savory pasta salad with the irresistible combination of crispy bacon and zesty ranch dressing provides a cool and refreshing contrast.
• Southern Macaroni Salad: A comforting and classic side dish that perfectly balances the richness of the panini with its creamy, slightly sweet profile.
• Keto Broccoli Salad: For a lighter, healthier, and low-carb option, this crunchy and vibrant salad offers a refreshing contrast in both texture and flavor.
• How to Make a Charcuterie Cheese Board: If entertaining or wanting to add an elegant touch, a small charcuterie board featuring complementary cheeses, fruits, and nuts can enhance the flavors of the panini beautifully.
• Ham Potato and Vegetable Soup: Pairing your panini with a warm, hearty soup makes for a perfectly comforting and wholesome meal, especially on a chilly day.
• Turkey and Cheese Sliders: While similar in concept, these offer a delightful bite-sized alternative or a great addition if you’re serving a larger crowd.
• Traeger Smoked Turkey: If you have more holiday leftovers or are looking to experiment, leftover smoked turkey can make a different but equally delicious panini, offering a distinct smoky flavor profile.
• **Simple Green Salad:** A fresh, crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette dressing is always a fantastic way to add freshness and cut through the richness of the sandwich, offering a cleansing balance to the palate.
• **Fresh Fruit Salad:** A vibrant bowl of fresh mixed berries, melon, or a simple fruit salad can offer a sweet and refreshing palate cleanser, rounding out the meal beautifully.

Leftover Ham and Cheese Panini

By Brandi Crawford

This irresistible Leftover Ham and Cheese Panini offers a gourmet twist on holiday leftovers. Featuring golden sourdough bread, a decadent blend of Swiss and mozzarella cheeses, and a special Primal Kitchen ham glaze, it’s grilled and pressed to absolute perfection for a quick, satisfying meal that elevates any leftover ham into a culinary delight.

5 from 3 votes

Print Recipe
Pin Recipe

Rate this recipeLeave a review!

Course Dinner, Lunch

Cuisine American

Servings 1 sandwich

Calories 396 kcal