This Spanish Bikini Sandwich, also known as a Bikini Panini, is a grilled ham and cheese sandwich filled with grated Manchego cheese, Spanish Iberico ham (Jamon) and truffle oil.
This classic Iberian-style grilled ham and cheese is often served as tapas (small plates). Made with Jamon Iberica ham, the dish is said to have originated in Barcelona in 1953, at a nightclub called La Sala Bikini.
The nightclub’s owner, a Belgian named Jean Paul Heinz, was inspired by the croque-monsieur, a French grilled ham and cheese sandwich. He decided to create a similar sandwich for his customers with a Catalan name.
The bikini sandwich is still a popular snack or lunch option throughout Spain. However, there are many variations of the sandwich. Some people add other ingredients such as tomatoes, lettuce and mayonnaise. It’s a great way to use up leftover ham and cheese!
When sliced into bite-sized triangles, the sandwich resembles the bottom of a bikini swimsuit!
My bikini sandwich recipe is elevated with Manchego Spanish Cheese, truffle aioli and black truffle oil. Then, as a finishing touch, we add a nice shake of truffle powder over the sandwich and plate.
Bikini Sandwich Facts
Here are some additional facts about the bikini sandwich:
- The bikini sandwich is also known as the “bocadillo bikini” in Catalan.
- The bikini sandwich is typically served hot, but it can also be eaten cold.
- The bikini sandwich is a popular snack or lunch option, but it can also be served as a light dinner.
- The bikini sandwich is not to be confused with the bikini burger, which is a burger topped with ham, cheese and bacon.
Bikini Sandwich Ingredients
To make this classic Spanish sandwich, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- White bread
- Jamon Iberica ham
- Manchego Cheese
- Truffle oil or Truffle Aioli
- Truffle Powder
- Kerrygold butter
Making the Truffle Bikini Panini
First, spread both pieces of your white bread with softened Kerrygold butter.
Next, spread the other sides with truffle aioli. This step is optional, but it’s really tasty. We use the Trader Joe’s brand of truffle aioli, but any brand will do.
To continue the assembly, layer a hearty portion of the Spanish Iberico ham on one slice of the bread (butter side facing out).
Layer the top of the ham with a generous portion of grated Manchego cheese.
Place the other slice of bread on top (butter sides facing out). Now, in a frying pan or outdoor griddle, over medium heat, fry on both sides until golden brown and the cheese is gooey and melted. You can use a melting dome or cover with a bit of foil to speed up the process.
Remove your Bikini Sandwich from the heat and place on a cutting board. You can cut off the crusts, or leave them intact. Cut the sandwich into triangles and place on a serving dish.
Brush the sandwich with black truffle oil. Dust the sandwich with a generous amount of truffle powder, if desired.
Serve and enjoy!
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Bikini Sandwich
Recipe by Jason Hill – CookingSessions.comIngredients
- 4 slices white sliced bread
- 3 tablespoons Kerrygold butter softened
- 2 tablespoons truffle aioli
- 1/2 cup Manchego cheese grated
- 6 slices Jamón Spanish ham
- 2 tablespoons black truffle oil or to your taste
- 1 tablespoon black truffle powder or to your taste
Instructions
- Spread the slices of bread with softened butter. Cut off the crusts if desired.
- Spread truffle aioli on the insides of each piece of bread (optional but delicious).
- Cover one side of buttered bread with sliced Jamon ham and thinly sliced Manchego cheese. Top with other piece of bread.
- Grill on both slices until crisp.
- Brush each side of toasted bread with truffle oil.
- Cut into four triangles.
- Dust with truffle powder and serve.
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