If you’re craving something delicious, this Sourdough Smoked Gouda Grilled Cheese Panini Sandwich is just what you need.
This sandwich packs a flavorful punch with crispy sourdough bread, melted smoked Gouda cheese, and savory deli ham.

Whether you’re making it for lunch or dinner, this grilled cheese sandwich is a quick and easy recipe that doesn’t take a lot of time.
The combination of melty cheese, honeycrisp apples, and caramelized onions creates a taste that will have you coming back for more. Let’s dive in and learn how to make this fantastic panini sandwich.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
Flavor Explosion: The combination of smoked gouda cheese, salty ham, and sweet apples creates a flavor that is both rich and satisfying.
Crispy and Golden: The sourdough bread becomes golden brown and crispy, giving the sandwich a delightful crunch with every bite.
Cheesy Perfection: The medium heat ensures that the Gouda cheese melts perfectly, creating a gooey, delicious filling.
Simple Ingredients: You don’t need anything fancy for this sandwich—just some sourdough bread, slices of gouda cheese, deli ham, and a few other simple ingredients.

Tips On How To Make
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh sourdough bread, smoked Gouda, and deli ham make all the difference in flavor.
- Preheat Your Panini Press: Properly heat your panini press or skillet before adding the sandwich.
- Butter Both Sides of the Bread: This will help achieve a golden brown crust on both sides.
- Cook on Medium Heat: Medium heat allows the cheese to melt without burning the bread.
- Press the Sandwich: Gently press the sandwich while it cooks to help the cheese melt evenly.
- Experiment with Add-ins: Try adding caramelized onions or honeycrisp apples for an extra touch of sweetness.
FAQ
What type of bread is best for a panini?
Sourdough bread is ideal for paninis because it has a hearty texture that holds up well during grilling. You can also use your favorite bread if you prefer.
Can I make this sandwich without a panini press?
Yes! You can use a large nonstick skillet and a spatula to press the sandwich as it cooks. Just flip it halfway through to get both sides golden brown.
What is the best cheese to use for this sandwich?
Smoked Gouda is the star of the show, but you can also use Swiss cheese, pepper jack, or even a mix of your favorite cheeses.
Can I add meat to this sandwich?
Absolutely! Deli ham, like Hillshire Farm or Frick’s Meat, adds a savory, salty flavor that pairs perfectly with the melted cheese.
How do I make my panini crispy and golden brown?
To make your panini crispy and golden brown, use a panini press, panini grill, or large nonstick skillet to apply even heat and pressure to the sandwich. Cook the sandwich on medium to low heat for a few minutes, then flip it over and cook it on the other side.
Can I make sourdough sandwich rolls for my panini?
Yes, you can indeed use a sourdough starter to make sourdough sandwich rolls for your panini. First, mix equal parts flour and water with your sourdough starter. Next, transfer the dough to a large bowl and cover it with a cloth bowl cover. After allowing the dough to rise for several hours at room temperature, shape it into rolls. Then, let the rolls rise again. Finally, bake the rolls in a 350ºF oven on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or aluminum foil until they turn golden brown.
What are some good side dishes to serve with a panini?
Some good side dishes to serve with a panini include tomato soup, a salad, julienne homemade french fries, or a side of bell peppers or Calabrian chili peppers.

Tools you may need
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Ingredients you will need
Sourdough Bread: In this recipe, the base for sandwiches is sourdough bread, which has a tangy flavor and a chewy texture, made with a sourdough starter.
Gouda Cheese: Gouda cheese, a Dutch cheese made from cow’s milk, brings a nutty and buttery flavor with its semi-hard texture to the sandwich.
Granny Smith Apple: Thin slices of Granny Smith apple add a tart flavor and firm texture as a topping, balancing the sandwich’s richness.
Deli Ham: Thinly sliced deli ham, with its salty flavor, provides a savory filling that complements the other ingredients.
Tomatoes: Sliced thinly, these red, juicy, and slightly sweet tomatoes add a fresh topping to the sandwich.
Mayonnaise: This creamy condiment, made from egg yolks, oil, and vinegar or lemon juice, adds a tangy spread that enhances the sandwich’s flavor.
Mustard: Made from ground mustard seeds, vinegar, and spices, mustard adds a pungent kick as a spread on the sandwich.
How To Make Sourdough Panini Grilled Cheese Sandwich Recipe

Step 1: Preheat your panini press or large nonstick skillet over medium heat.
Step 2: Spread a thin layer of olive oil or butter on both sides of the sourdough bread slices.
Step 3: Layer slices of gouda cheese, deli ham, honeycrisp apples, and caramelized onions between two slices of bread.
Step 4: Place the sandwich in the panini press or skillet, pressing gently.
Step 5: Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side or until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted.
Step 6: Remove from heat, slice the sandwich halves, and serve immediately.

Storage Ideas
- Refrigerate Leftovers: Store any leftover sandwiches in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2-3 days.
- Freeze for Later: Wrap the sandwich in foil and freeze for up to 1 month. Reheat in the oven for best results.
- Store Bread Separately: Keep extra slices of bread in a plastic bag at room temperature for up to 3-4 days.
- Keep Cheese Fresh: Store Gouda cheese in the refrigerator, wrapped in wax paper, inside an airtight container.
Discover more of our mouthwatering recipes; check out our:
- Easy Homemade Mayonnaise (how to make step-by-step)
- Easy Whole Wheat Sourdough Sandwich Bread Recipe
Hey there! If you decide to whip up this delicious Grilled Panini Sandwich, don’t forget to tag us @themoderndaycottage on Instagram and leave a comment below. Also, be sure to pin this recipe to your board for future baking adventures. Happy baking!

Sourdough Panini Grilled Cheese Sandwich Recipe
This easy-to-follow recipe for Sourdough Panini Grilled Cheese Sandwich is the perfect combination of tangy sourdough bread, gooey Gouda cheese, and fresh ingredients like deli ham, sliced apples, and vine-picked tomatoes.
Ingredients
- - 4 slices of sourdough bread
- - 4 slices of Gouda cheese
- - 4 slices of deli ham
- - 1 Granny Smith apple, sliced
- - 1-2 vine-picked tomatoes, sliced
- - Mayonnaise and mustard
- - Cracked peppercorn and course salt to taste
- - Butter
Instructions
1. Preheat your panini press or a skillet on medium heat.
2. Spread mayonnaise and mustard on each slice of bread.
3. Place a slice of Gouda cheese on two slices of bread.
4. Top each slice with two slices of deli ham, a few slices of Granny Smith apple, and some sliced vine-picked tomatoes.
5. Sprinkle some cracked peppercorn and course salt to taste.
6. Add another slice of Gouda cheese on top.
7. Place the remaining slices of bread on top to make two sandwiches.
8. Spread butter on the top and bottom of each sandwich.
9. Place the sandwiches in the panini press or skillet.
10. Cook for 3-5 minutes or until the cheese is melted and the bread is golden brown.
11. Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
- Use fresh and high-quality ingredients for the best taste. Good quality bread, cheese, ham, apples, and tomatoes will make all the difference.
- Make sure you slice the apples and tomatoes thinly so that they cook evenly and don't make the sandwich too thick.
- Use a non-stick skillet to avoid sticking and make sure to preheat it properly before cooking.
- Be careful not to burn the bread while cooking. Keep the heat on low and cook the sandwich slowly on both sides.
- Use a spatula or a sandwich press to gently press the sandwich while cooking. This will help the cheese to melt evenly and the sandwich to cook more quickly.
- Experiment with different types of cheese and bread to find your favorite combination.
- Serve the sandwich hot, straight out of the skillet, for the best taste and texture.
- Follow these tips and you'll have a delicious Sourdough Panini Grilled Cheese Sandwich in no time!
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 2 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 743Total Fat: 31gSaturated Fat: 15gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 13gCholesterol: 98mgSodium: 2123mgCarbohydrates: 81gFiber: 6gSugar: 16gProtein: 36g
“The Modern Day Cottage” are not dietitians or nutritionists, and any nutritional information shared is an estimate. If calorie count and other nutritional values are important to you, we recommend running the ingredients through whichever online nutritional calculator you prefer. Calories can vary quite a bit depending on which brands were used.
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