Crispy Ham, Cheddar, Apple & Caramelized Onion Panini Recipe

Have I shared my sandwich theory with you before?

I must have by now.

Here’s my simple belief: when made well, a sandwich is a small masterpiece. It succeeds by balancing textures, colors, flavors, and sometimes temperatures. A mediocre sandwich is fine, but a truly great one—well, that’s a little piece of heaven.

The sandwich in this post is, to my mind, one of those great sandwiches. It makes me happy. First off: ham. Ham is one of my comfort foods—salty and slightly sweet, a perfect savory package. You can dress ham with many condiments, but to me mustard is essential. The bright acidity and tang of mustard cut through the richness of ham and bring everything into harmony.

There’s one more sandwich etiquette note I insist on before the recipe: don’t drop deli meat on the bread like it’s a stack of paperwork. When I worked in a deli I wanted to gently correct people who did that. Take a moment. Lay the slices one at a time, held by one end and lowered so they fall into soft folds. You can twist them slightly to create little pleats. Those gaps between the meat add loft and a lighter texture that makes the sandwich easier and more enjoyable to eat.

If you don’t believe me, try making the same sandwich two ways and compare. Now, on to the recipe—this panini combines savory ham, sharp cheddar, caramelized apple and onion, and a hit of mustard for contrast. It’s simple, satisfying, and easy to pull together with ingredients you likely have on hand.

Ham, Cheddar, Apple, and Onion Panini

Rebecca Lindamood

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Don’t settle for a boring sandwich—make this panini for lunch. It’s quick, flavorful, and uses common ingredients you probably already have.

Ingredients

• Ingredients Per Sandwich:
• 1 teaspoon plus 1 tablespoon butter divided
• 1 apple cored and thinly sliced into half moons
• ½ of an onion peeled and thinly sliced into half moons
• Pinch of salt
• ¼ teaspoon coarsely ground black pepper
• 4-6 slices of deli ham can substitute turkey, if desired
• 1/3 cup shredded extra sharp Cheddar cheese
• 1 tablespoon Dijon or spicy brown mustard

Instructions

• Melt 1 teaspoon of butter in a heavy-bottomed frying pan over medium heat. Add the sliced apples and onions, season with a pinch of salt and the black pepper, and sauté, stirring frequently, until the apples are tender and the onions are softened, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
• Heat a panini press, waffle iron, or a heavy frying pan or griddle over medium-high. Spread the remaining butter over one side of both bread slices. Place one slice, butter side down, on the hot surface and quickly assemble the sandwich: spread half the mustard on the bread on the heat, arrange the ham in gentle folds, spoon the cooked apples and onions over the ham, sprinkle the shredded Cheddar, and spread the remaining mustard on the unbuttered side of the top slice. Cap the sandwich with the top slice, mustard side down. If using a press or waffle iron, close it and cook until golden and crisp. If using a frying pan or griddle, cook until the first side is deep golden, then flip and cook until both sides are crisp and the cheese is melted. Slice in half and serve hot.

Nutritional information is an estimate and provided as a courtesy. Calculate nutrition using the exact ingredients you use if needed.

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