Hot Ham and Cheese Panini
A Hot Ham and Cheese Panini is a classic grilled sandwich made with sliced ham and melted cheese, typically on ciabatta, sourdough, or focaccia bread, pressed until golden and crispy. It originates from Italian-American cuisine, evolving from the traditional Italian 'panino' (a pressed sandwich) into a popular café and diner staple across the United States.
🍽️ Nutrition at a glance
This dish is high in protein and fat, with a moderate amount of carbs from the bread. It provides a good source of calcium, phosphorus, and B vitamins, and a typical serving contains roughly 500-700 calories.
Nutrition breakdown
| Calories | 620 kcal |
| Protein | 35 g |
| Carbs | 40 g |
| Fat | 36 g |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Sugar | 5 g |
| Sodium | 1850 mg |
| Calcium | 450 mg |
| Phosphorus | 400 mg |
| Vitamin B12 | 1.8 mcg |
| Selenium | 45 mcg |
| Zinc | 4.5 mg |
| Niacin (B3) | 8 mg |
| Potassium | 350 mg |
| Iron | 3.5 mg |
Per 1 sandwich (approx. 250 g) · estimated, varies by recipe
💡 What's interesting
The panini's popularity surged in the U.S. during the 1990s, becoming a symbol of casual gourmet dining. Nutritionally, the combination of protein from ham and calcium from cheese makes it a surprisingly dense source of bone-supporting nutrients in a comfort food format.
