Marry This Leftover Ham, Swiss, and Pear Panini is a cheesy and gooey recipe, which is made with leftover ham and fresh pear. It’s the perfect weeknight dinner, ready in about 20 minutes.
Jump to RecipeLeftover Ham, Swiss, and Pear Panini Ingredients
- 4 oz. cream cheese, room temperature
- 2 Tbsp. mayonnaise
- 2 Tbsp. chopped fresh parsley
- 2 Tbsp. finely chopped fresh chives
- 1/4 tsp. dried dill
- 1/2 tsp. kosher salt
- 8 thin slices Swiss cheese
- 12 oz. leftover ham, thinly sliced
- 1 ripe pear, thinly sliced
- 4 ciabatta rolls, split
- Cooking spray
How To Make Leftover Ham, Swiss, and Pear Panini
- Make the herb spread: In a small bowl, stir together the room-temperature cream cheese and mayonnaise until smooth. Add the parsley, chives, dill, and salt, and stir to combine.
- Assemble the panini: Divide the Swiss cheese, sliced ham, and pear slices among the bottom halves of the ciabatta rolls. Spread the herbed cream cheese mixture on the cut sides of the roll tops, then close the sandwiches.
- Grill until golden: Heat a grill pan or griddle over medium-high heat and coat with cooking spray. Working in batches if necessary, grill the paninis, pressing them down with a heavy pan or spatula, until the bread is golden and the cheese is melted, about 2 minutes per side.
Recipe Tips
- How to get a crispy panini without a press? Use a heavy skillet (like cast iron) and press the sandwich down with another heavy pot or a foil-wrapped brick on top. This pressure is what creates the signature crispy crust.
- What’s the best bread for a panini? Ciabatta rolls are perfect because their sturdy crust stands up to grilling, while the soft interior compresses nicely. A thick-sliced sourdough or focaccia would also be excellent choices.
- What kind of pear should I use? A ripe but firm pear is best, so it doesn’t get too mushy. Varieties like Bosc, Anjou, or Bartlett are all great options that provide a sweet contrast to the salty ham.
- Can I make the spread ahead of time? Yes, the herbed cream cheese spread is perfect for making ahead. You can mix it and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, which makes assembling the sandwiches even faster.
What To Serve With Ham and Pear Panini
This gourmet sandwich is a satisfying meal on its own, especially when served with the suggested side of potato chips. For a more complete meal, consider pairing it with:
- A cup of creamy tomato soup
- A simple arugula salad with a lemon vinaigrette
- A crisp dill pickle spear
How To Store a Ham and Pear Panini
- Best Eaten Fresh: A panini is at its best when it’s hot, crispy, and gooey, right off the grill.
- Refrigerate: If you have leftovers, they can be stored wrapped in foil in the refrigerator for up to 2 days, but the bread will soften.
- Reheat: To restore some crispiness, reheat the panini in a 375°F oven on a baking sheet for 5-10 minutes, or in an air fryer.
Ham and Pear Panini Nutrition Facts
- Serving: 1 panini
- Calories: 690 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Protein: 35g
- Fat: 38g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Sodium: 1600mg
Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and cooking methods used.
FAQs
Absolutely. While Swiss is classic, this panini would be delicious with provolone, white cheddar, or a nutty Gruyère cheese.
Yes, thin slices of a crisp apple (like a Honeycrisp or Granny Smith) would be a fantastic and classic substitute for the pear.
The cream cheese and mayonnaise base provides a wonderful creamy texture and a tangy flavor that cuts through the richness of the ham and Swiss, while the fresh herbs add a bright, fresh note to the sandwich.
Try More Recipes:
- Prickly Pear Margaritas Recipe
- Spiced Pear Upside Down Cake Recipe
- Pear Crisp With Vanilla Ice Cream Recipe
Leftover Ham, Swiss, and Pear Panini Recipe
Course: DinnerCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy4
servings10
minutes10
minutes690
kcalA perfect sweet and savory panini that transforms holiday leftovers into a gooey, gourmet sandwich with a creamy herb spread, Swiss cheese, and ripe pear.
Ingredients
4 oz. cream cheese, softened
2 Tbsp. mayonnaise
2 Tbsp. each fresh parsley & chives, chopped
1/4 tsp. dried dill & 1/2 tsp. kosher salt
8 slices Swiss cheese
12 oz. leftover ham, thinly sliced
1 ripe pear, thinly sliced
4 ciabatta rolls, split
Cooking spray
Directions
- In a small bowl, stir together the cream cheese, mayonnaise, parsley, chives, dill, and salt until smooth.
- Layer the Swiss cheese, ham, and pear slices on the bottom halves of the ciabatta rolls.
- Spread the cream cheese mixture on the cut sides of the roll tops and close the sandwiches.
- Heat a grill pan over medium-high heat.
- Grill the paninis, pressing down firmly, for about 2 minutes per side until golden brown and the cheese is fully melted.
Notes
- Using room temperature cream cheese is essential for a smooth, easy-to-mix herb spread.
- Don’t be afraid to press down firmly on the sandwich as it grills; this is what creates the classic, compact panini texture.
- This recipe is a fantastic way to use leftover ham from a holiday meal.
- For the best flavor contrast, use a ripe but firm pear that is sweet but will hold its shape.
