A Cuban-style panini is an easy way to change up that typical ham and cheese sandwich you’ve been eating since third grade. By adding a couple ingredients that are probably already in your fridge, you can make a jealousy-inducing packed lunch that looks more like restaurant take out.
Prep Time: 3 minutes
Cook Time: 4 minutes
Total Time: About 7 minutes
Servings: 1
Ingredients:
2 slices French or Italian bread
4 oz. deli ham, turkey or a combination of both
1-2 slices Swiss cheese
½ tablespoon Dijon mustard
Pickles, to taste (tip: I like to use bread and butter pickles, but dill works just as well, or even pickle relish!)
Photo by Bernard Wen
Directions:
1. Heat panini press to 375˚F. If you don’t have a panini press, you can make this sandwich grilled-cheese-style in a pan.
2. Spread mustard on one slice of bread.
3. Layer deli meat, pickles and cheese on top of the mustard and finish with the second piece of bread. (Avoid putting the pickles directly next to the bread — it will make the bread soggy)
Photo by Bernard Wen
Photo by Bernard Wen
4. Press sandwich using the panini press until cheese is melted and bread is toasted, about 4 minutes.
Photo by Bernard Wen