Ham & Cheese Recipe

Name: The General Deli & Cafes HAM & CHEESE Recipe
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 20 min
Yield: 2 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 pieces panini bread (ciabatta or focaccia halves); 6 slices thinly sliced deli ham; 1 pieces ripe tomato; 4 tbs bacon jam; 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded or thinly sliced; 0.5 cup sharp cheddar, shredded; 0.5 cup gruyère (or Swiss), grated or thinly sliced; 2 tbs unsalted butter (room temperature) or olive oil; 0.25 tsp salt; 0.125 tsp freshly ground black pepper

Inspired by The General Deli & Cafe

Time20m

Serves2

Ham, Tomato, Bacon Jam, Three Cheeses on Panini Bread

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Ingredients

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Sandwich

2 pieces panini bread (ciabatta or focaccia halves)

6 slices thinly sliced deli ham

1 pieces ripe tomato

4 tbs bacon jam

1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded or thinly sliced

1/2 cup sharp cheddar, shredded

1/2 cup gruyère (or Swiss), grated or thinly sliced

2 tbs unsalted butter (room temperature) or olive oil

1/4 tsp Celtic sea salt

1/8 tsp freshly ground black pepper

Method

Sandwich

Prepare bread and tomato

Slice the panini bread in half horizontally so you have a top and bottom for each sandwich. Slice the tomato into 4–6 even slices (about 1/4-inch thick). Lay the bread cut-side up on a work surface. Lightly season the tomato slices with a pinch of salt and a crack of black pepper.

Assemble cheeses

Combine the mozzarella, cheddar, and gruyère in a small bowl and toss lightly so the cheeses are evenly distributed. This three-cheese blend will melt together for a rich texture and flavor.

Spread bacon jam

Spread about 2 tablespoons of bacon jam evenly over the cut side of the top half of each panini bread. If you prefer a lighter touch, use 1 tablespoon per sandwich. The bacon jam provides sweet-salty contrast to the ham and cheese.

Layer ham, tomato, and cheese

On the bottom half of each bread, arrange 3 slices of deli ham evenly. Place 2–3 slices of seasoned tomato on top of the ham. Sprinkle half of the three-cheese blend (about 1/2 cup) evenly over the tomato and ham so it will melt between the layers.

Close and butter

Close each sandwich with the top bread half (bacon jam side down). Spread about 1 tablespoon of softened butter (or brush 1/2 tablespoon olive oil) on the outside of each top and bottom bread surface—this will help achieve a golden crust when grilling.

Grill the sandwich (panini press or stovetop)

Option A - Panini press: Preheat the panini press to medium-high. Place the sandwich in the press and grill for 3–5 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and the cheeses are melted and bubbly. Option B - Stovetop: Heat a heavy skillet or grill pan over medium heat. Place the sandwich in the skillet and weight it with a cast-iron skillet or foil-wrapped bricks. Cook 3–4 minutes per side, checking after the first 3 minutes, until bread is golden and cheese is melted. Reduce heat slightly if bread browns too quickly before cheese melts.

Rest and slice

Remove the sandwich from the press or skillet and let rest for 1 minute to let the melted cheese settle. Slice the sandwich in half diagonally for serving.

Serve

Serve warm. Optionally pass extra bacon jam at the table for those who want more spread. Pair with a small green salad or kettle chips.