Savory Ham and Manchego Panini with Apricot-Dijon Dipping Sauce
Indulge in a deliciously pressed sandwich that marries the savory flavors of thinly sliced ham with the nutty richness of aged Manchego cheese. This delightful panini is perfect for lunch or as a snack, bringing a taste of Spain right into your kitchen. Even without a panini press, you can achieve that golden-crisp exterior and melty interior using a cast iron grill pan. Paired with a sweet and tangy dipping sauce made from apricot jam and Dijon mustard, every bite will tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving more. Perfect for casual lunches, picnics, or a quick bite any time of day.
N/A
Servings
315
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
country bread
4 slices (sliced)
thinly sliced ham
4 ounces (thinly sliced)
Manchego cheese
2 ounces (coarsely grated)
olive oil
4 teaspoons (for brushing and cooking)
apricot jam
3 tablespoons (for dipping sauce)
Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon (for dipping sauce)
Instructions
1
Begin by layering the thinly sliced ham and coarsely grated Manchego cheese evenly onto two slices of country bread. Top each with the remaining slices of bread to form two sandwiches.
2
In a small bowl, mix 2 teaspoons of olive oil with a dash of seasoning, then brush this mixture generously onto the tops of each sandwich.
3
Preheat a large nonstick skillet over medium-low heat. Add the remaining 2 teaspoons of olive oil and allow it to heat up.
4
Carefully place the sandwiches in the skillet, ensuring they are oiled-side up. Cover the skillet with a lid to help trap the heat and melt the cheese.
5
Cook for 5-8 minutes on one side, until the bread is golden brown and crispy. Carefully flip the sandwiches using a spatula, pressing down gently to ensure even cooking.
6
Cover again and cook for an additional 5-8 minutes on the other side, until the cheese is fully melted and both sides are perfectly toasted.
7
While the panini are cooking, prepare the dipping sauce by whisking together the apricot jam and Dijon mustard in a small bowl until well combined.
8
Once the panini are done, remove them from the skillet, slice in half, and serve warm with the apricot-Dijon dipping sauce alongside.
Nutrition Information
15g
Fat
31.5g
Carbs
13.5g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Savory Ham and Manchego Panini with Apricot-Dijon Dipping Sauce?
It is a pressed sandwich made with country bread, thinly sliced ham, and coarsely grated Manchego cheese, served with a sweet and tangy dipping sauce.
How many sandwiches does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes two complete panini sandwiches.
What are the primary ingredients for this panini?
The main ingredients are country bread, thinly sliced ham, Manchego cheese, olive oil, apricot jam, and Dijon mustard.
What kind of cheese is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 2 ounces of coarsely grated Manchego cheese, which provides a nutty richness.
How do I prepare the dipping sauce?
Whisk together 3 tablespoons of apricot jam and 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard in a small bowl until well combined.
Do I need a panini press to make this?
No, you can achieve a golden-crisp exterior and melty interior using a large nonstick skillet or a cast iron grill pan.
What is the recommended cooking temperature?
The panini should be cooked over medium-low heat to ensure the bread toasts without burning while the cheese melts.
How long does it take to cook each side of the panini?
Each side should be cooked for 5-8 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
Why should I cover the skillet with a lid?
Covering the skillet helps trap the heat, which ensures the Manchego cheese melts thoroughly.
How many calories are in this panini?
Each serving contains approximately 315 calories.
What is the fat content per serving?
There are 15 grams of fat per serving in this recipe.
How much protein is in the Savory Ham and Manchego Panini?
This recipe provides 13.5 grams of protein per serving.
How many grams of carbohydrates are in this dish?
There are 31.5 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
How should I prep the bread for cooking?
Brush the tops of the sandwiches with a mixture of olive oil and a dash of seasoning before placing them in the skillet.
What type of bread works best?
Country bread is recommended for its structure and ability to toast well in a skillet.
Can I use a different type of ham?
While thinly sliced ham is specified, you can use any variety of ham you prefer, such as Black Forest or honey-glazed.
Is this recipe suitable for lunch?
Yes, it is perfect for casual lunches, picnics, or a quick snack.
What gives the panini its crispy exterior?
Brushing the bread with olive oil and pressing down gently with a spatula while cooking creates the golden-crisp texture.
How many total ingredients are required?
There are 6 total ingredients required for the sandwich and the dipping sauce.
What is the flavor profile of the dipping sauce?
The sauce is a sweet and tangy blend of apricot and mustard that complements the salty ham and nutty cheese.
Should the Manchego cheese be sliced or grated?
The recipe recommends using coarsely grated Manchego cheese for even melting.
When should I slice the panini?
Once the panini are done and removed from the skillet, slice them in half and serve warm.
Can I use a different type of jam for the sauce?
While apricot jam is traditional for this flavor pairing, peach or fig jam could also work as a substitute.
How do I prevent the bread from burning?
Cook on medium-low heat and monitor the sandwiches, as they need 5-8 minutes per side to heat through properly.
Is this recipe easy for beginners?
Yes, the instructions are straightforward and require only basic pan-frying skills.
What tags are associated with this recipe?
Tags include panini, ham, manchego cheese, lunch, sandwich, dipping sauce, apricot jam, and dijon mustard.
How much olive oil is used in total?
A total of 4 teaspoons of olive oil is used: 2 for brushing the bread and 2 for the skillet.
Can I add seasoning to the olive oil?
Yes, the instructions suggest mixing the olive oil with a dash of seasoning before brushing it onto the bread.
How should the ham be prepared?
The ham should be thinly sliced so it can be layered evenly and heated quickly.
What is the origin of Manchego cheese?
Manchego is a Spanish cheese, which brings a taste of Spain to this panini recipe.