Description
A golden, crispy gourmet ham and cheese toastie loaded with smoky deli ham, sharp Cheddar, Gruyère, and perfectly melted layers of cheese between artisan bread.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 thick slices artisanal sourdough or sturdy white sandwich bread
- 3 slices premium smoky deli ham
- ½ cup freshly grated sharp Cheddar cheese
- ½ cup freshly grated Gruyère or Swiss cheese
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard or whole-grain mustard (optional)
- 1 tbsp full-fat mayonnaise or softened unsalted butter
Instructions
- Lay both slices of bread on a cutting board.
- Spread mayonnaise or softened butter evenly on one side of each slice.
- Flip the bread slices so the coated sides are facing down.
- Spread Dijon mustard on one slice if using.
- Mix the Cheddar and Gruyère cheeses together.
- Sprinkle half of the cheese mixture over one bread slice.
- Fold the ham slices loosely and arrange them over the cheese.
- Top with the remaining cheese mixture.
- Place the second slice of bread on top with the coated side facing up.
- Heat a heavy skillet or cast-iron pan over medium-low heat.
- Place the sandwich in the dry skillet.
- Set a heavy lid or smaller skillet on top to gently compress the sandwich.
- Cook for 3 to 4 minutes until the bottom is deep golden brown.
- Carefully flip the sandwich and replace the weight.
- Cook for another 3 minutes until the bread is crisp and the cheese is fully melted.
- Transfer to a plate and rest for 1 minute.
- Slice diagonally and serve hot.
Notes
Mayonnaise creates an extra-crispy crust, while Gruyère adds a rich nutty flavor. Cook over medium-low heat to ensure the cheese melts completely before the bread over-browns.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Category: Lunch
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 720
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 1280mg
- Fat: 42g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 40g
- Cholesterol: 105mg