Spanish Gourmet Panini
Enjoy a taste of Spain with these luxurious grilled cheese sandwiches. Featuring the rich flavors of Manchego cheese, authentic jamón serrano, and the natural sweetness of Medjool dates, this recipe combines to create an irresistible blend of savory and sweet in each bite. Perfect for an elegant lunch or a delightful snack.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
5
Ingredients
Ingredients
butter
3 (tablespoons, room temperature)
bread
4 (slices)
manchego cheese
6 (ounces, thinly sliced)
jamón serrano
4 (ounces (or prosciutto))
medjool dates
4 (pitted and chopped)
Instructions
1
Line a baking sheet with wax paper for easy cleanup.
2
Spread butter evenly on all slices of bread.
3
Place two slices of bread on the prepared baking sheet with the buttered side down; this will prevent sticking.
4
Layer half of the sliced Manchego cheese evenly on each slice.
5
Add the jamón serrano, distributing it evenly across the slices.
6
Sprinkle the chopped Medjool dates over the ham for a hint of sweetness in every bite.
7
Top with the remaining Manchego cheese slices.
8
Cover with the other bread slices, buttered side up.
9
Refrigerate the sandwiches for at least 30 minutes, or up to 8 hours if preparing in advance. Cover with plastic wrap for longer refrigeration and remove it before cooking.
10
If using a panini press, preheat according to the manufacturer's directions and grill the sandwiches until the cheese melts and the bread is golden brown.
11
Alternatively, heat a heavy skillet over medium-high heat. When hot, reduce the heat to medium-low and place the sandwiches in the skillet. Cover with another skillet and add a weight onto it to press down, ensuring even grilling.
12
Cook each side for 3-5 minutes, or until the bread is golden and crisp and the cheese has melted thoroughly.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Spanish Gourmet Panini?
It is a luxurious grilled cheese sandwich featuring authentic Spanish ingredients like Manchego cheese, jamón serrano, and Medjool dates for a sweet and savory flavor profile.
What type of cheese is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 6 ounces of thinly sliced Manchego cheese, a traditional Spanish sheep's milk cheese.
Can I substitute the jamón serrano?
Yes, if you cannot find jamón serrano, prosciutto is an excellent alternative that provides a similar salty and savory taste.
How many Medjool dates do I need?
You will need 4 Medjool dates, which should be pitted and chopped before being added to the sandwich.
What is the best way to prep the bread?
Spread 3 tablespoons of room temperature butter evenly across all four slices of bread to ensure a golden, crisp finish.
How do I prevent the sandwiches from sticking while prepping?
Line a baking sheet with wax paper and place the bread slices with the buttered side down on the paper.
Is refrigeration necessary before cooking?
While optional for immediate cooking, refrigerating for at least 30 minutes helps the flavors meld and the sandwich hold its shape; you can refrigerate them for up to 8 hours.
How do I cook the panini in a skillet?
Heat a heavy skillet over medium-high heat, then reduce to medium-low. Place the sandwiches in the skillet and press down with another heavy skillet or weight.
How long does it take to grill the sandwich?
In a skillet, cook each side for 3-5 minutes or until the bread is golden and the cheese has melted.
Can I use a panini press?
Yes, preheat your panini press according to the manufacturer's directions and grill until the bread is golden brown and cheese is melted.
How many servings does this recipe make?
The recipe uses 4 slices of bread and 4 ounces of ham, making approximately 2 full gourmet sandwiches.
What temperature should the butter be?
The butter should be at room temperature so it spreads easily and evenly across the bread slices.
What is the flavor profile of this sandwich?
It is a blend of rich, nutty Manchego cheese, salty jamón serrano, and the natural honey-like sweetness of Medjool dates.
Should the dates be chopped?
Yes, the dates should be pitted and chopped to distribute the sweetness evenly in every bite.
How should I layer the ingredients?
Start with bread, then cheese, then ham and dates, then another layer of cheese before topping with the second slice of bread.
Why use a weight when cooking in a skillet?
Using a weight or another skillet ensures even contact with the heat for a consistent golden crust and better cheese melting.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble them up to 8 hours in advance and keep them in the refrigerator covered with plastic wrap.
Do I need to grease the skillet?
No, because the outside of the bread is already buttered, you do not need additional oil or butter in the pan.
What type of bread works best for a Spanish panini?
While any bread works, a sturdy white bread, sourdough, or ciabatta is ideal for holding the heavy gourmet fillings.
Is this recipe suitable for lunch?
Absolutely, it is described as a perfect option for an elegant lunch or a delightful snack.
How thin should the Manchego cheese be?
It should be thinly sliced so it melts quickly and evenly during the 3-5 minute cooking window.
What should I do if I'm refrigerating them for several hours?
Cover the sandwiches with plastic wrap to prevent the bread from drying out, but remember to remove the wrap before cooking.
Is this a traditional Spanish recipe?
It uses classic Spanish ingredients like Manchego and Jamón Serrano to create a gourmet twist on a grilled cheese sandwich.
What provides the sweetness in the recipe?
The sweetness comes from the chopped Medjool dates.
Can I skip the wax paper?
The wax paper is mainly for easy cleanup and to prevent the buttered bread from sticking to the tray during prep.
How much jamón serrano is used per sandwich?
The recipe calls for 4 ounces total for the batch, which is about 2 ounces per sandwich.
What heat setting is best for a golden crust?
Medium-low is best after the initial heat-up to ensure the cheese melts before the bread burns.
How do I know when the cheese is melted?
You will see the cheese beginning to ooze from the sides and the sandwich will feel 'fused' together when flipped.
Can I add other toppings?
While this recipe focuses on the three main ingredients, some people enjoy adding a drizzle of honey or a bit of arugula.
What is the texture of the finished panini?
The bread should be crisp and buttery on the outside, with a soft, melty, and slightly chewy interior from the cheese and dates.