Get ready to transform your ordinary sandwich routine into a gourmet lunch adventure! This Havarti and Roast Beef Panini isn't just a meal; it's a crispy, melty masterpiece that combines the rich, tender roast beef with creamy Havarti cheese, all nestled between perfectly grilled sourdough bread. Whether you're looking to impress your lunch guests or treat yourself to a restaurant-quality sandwich at home, this recipe promises to elevate your culinary game with minimal effort and maximum flavor.
Prep Time: 5 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 15 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 2 servings
Ingredients
- 4 slices sourdough bread
- 4 oz roast beef
- 4 slices Havarti cheese
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- Butter for grilling
Instructions
- Remove the roast beef and Havarti cheese from the refrigerator and let them sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes to ensure even melting and better flavor distribution.
- Lay out the sourdough bread slices on a clean cutting board. Spread a thin, even layer of Dijon mustard on the interior side of each bread slice, ensuring complete coverage.
- Place two slices of Havarti cheese on each bottom bread slice, creating a generous cheese base for the sandwich.
- Layer the roast beef evenly over the cheese, making sure to distribute the meat uniformly across the bread surface.
- Close the sandwiches by placing the top bread slices, mustard-side down, pressing gently to compact the ingredients.
- Lightly butter the exterior sides of each sandwich, ensuring complete and even coverage to promote golden, crispy grilling.
- Preheat a panini press or heavy skillet over medium heat. If using a skillet, have a heavy pan ready to press the sandwiches.
- Place the sandwiches in the panini press or skillet, cooking for 4-5 minutes on each side until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is fully melted.
- Remove the panini from heat, let rest for 1-2 minutes, then slice diagonally and serve immediately while warm and crispy.
Tips
- Room Temperature Magic: Always let your cheese and meat sit out for 10-15 minutes before assembling. This ensures more even melting and better flavor distribution.
- Butter Technique: Use softened butter and spread it evenly on the exterior bread surfaces. This guarantees a golden, crispy exterior that's both crunchy and deliciously rich.
- Pressing Perfection: If you don't have a panini press, use a heavy skillet or cast-iron pan to press down on the sandwich, creating that signature crisp and compact texture.
- Cheese Melting Hack: For extra melty cheese, cover the panini with a lid while grilling to trap heat and help the cheese melt more thoroughly.
- Serving Tip: Let the panini rest for 1-2 minutes after cooking to allow the cheese to set slightly and prevent burning your mouth. Slice diagonally for that classic deli-style presentation.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 515kcal
Carbohydrates: 33g
Protein: 38g
Fat: 27g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 105mg
