Best Cheese and Ham Panini Sandwich With Apple Slices

Later sunsets this time of year means more time outside which means more sandwich nights and fewer heavy meals for us! One sandwich we like to keep in our dinner rotation is this cheese and ham panini sandwich with apple slices. The great thing about this cheesy ham panini is that you can customize it as you wish. Add your favorite cheese. Add mustard or don’t. Add green apples or don’t.

We prefer mozzarella, provolone, or Asiago cheese as all provide the gooey stretch that you hope to have with a grilled cheese style sandwich. Some people like Brie while others prefer Swiss. Others like go to with classic American cheese.

Types of Bread for Panini Sandwiches

When it comes to the bread, a sturdy bread – like a medium to thick sourdough – is ideal as this sandwich will have some girth!

Also, the size of the bread slices will determine the size of the ham slices you use. 

Spreads for Cheese and Ham Panini Sandwiches

The first step in building a great ham and cheese panini involves adding softened spread to the outside of each slice of bread. 

The two most common spreads for the outside of grilled sandwiches are butter or mayonnaise. If using butter, the butter should be softened. Softening the butter is key when it comes to buttering the outer pieces of any panini or grilled sandwich. Cold butter can be difficult to spread.

I prefer to play around with some of the flavored mayonnaise variations easily found at stores these days. I really like the chipotle mayonnaise!

Some people prefer to go the mustard route with their cheese and ham panini sandwich. The Hubs is a huge mustard fan. On the inside of his sandwich, he likes to add Creole mustard or honey mustard.

Selecting Ham for Ham and Cheese Panini Sandwiches

Whatever type of deli ham you already keep on hand will work fine for this recipe. Honey maple ham from the deli is one of my favorite choices as is any sweet variety of ham. For this type of sandwich, I recommend a thinner deli cut – like a 1-1.5 slice. 

Adding Green Apples

If you intend to add the green apples to your cheese and ham panini sandwich, you will want to slice them thinly and evenly.

First, slice the apple in half from top to bottom, cutting out the core and removing seeds. Next, cut those two pieces into halves – which will give you quarters.

Next, slice each apple quarter into thin slices – about one-quarter inch thick. One apple typically provides enough slices for three to four sandwiches. 

Do your apples need to be Granny Smith? Not necessarily. Although Granny Smith are known as top tart apples, there are other apples with a tart profile that you can use – such as McIntosh, and Braeburn.

What You Can Use Instead of a Panini Press

Not everyone owns a panini press. But not to worry! If you do not own a panini press, you can enjoy this ham and cheese panini using other tools.

Use a Skillet – Prepare the sandwich as instructed and place in a skillet on the stove on medium heat. Grill one side for 3-4 minutes. Flip the sandwich and cook an additional 2-3 minutes until golden brown on both sides and cheese is melted.

Use a Griddle Pan – Any type of griddle pan will due. Follow similar instructions as with the skillet preparations.

Use a George Foreman Grill – Build the sandwich according to the recipe and place on a preheated George Foreman grill. Cook for 5-7 minutes, checking for doneness. Remove when the sandwich appears golden brown. 

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