Full Recipe – Easy Grilled Ham and Cheese Sandwich
The Ultimate Grilled Ham and Cheese
There’s nothing quite like biting into a warm grilled ham and cheese sandwich. The golden, buttery bread with gooey melted cheese and savory ham makes a lunch that’s simple but full of flavor.
This recipe shows you how to make it perfectly – soft, cheesy, and crisp on the outside.
Ingredients
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2 slices thick-cut artisan bread
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85g shaved Black Forest deli ham
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8 slices sharp cheddar cheese (brick-style, broken into smaller pieces)
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1 tbsp butter, divided
Instructions
Prep:
Take the cheese out of the fridge 10 minutes before you start, so it melts better. Heat your frying pan over medium-low heat.
Step 1:
Butter one side of one slice of bread using ½ tbsp of butter. This side will go face-down in the pan.
Step 2:
Put the buttered bread in the pan. Add half the cheese on top of the bread, spreading it out evenly.
Step 3:
Fold and layer the ham slices over the cheese.
Step 4:
Add the rest of the cheese on top of the ham.
Step 5:
Butter one side of the second slice of bread with the remaining ½ tbsp of butter. Place it butter-side up on top of the sandwich.
Step 6:
Cook the sandwich slowly on medium-low heat. Let the bottom get golden and crispy before flipping. This helps the cheese melt fully.
Step 7:
After flipping, cover the pan with a lid for about 1 minute to trap heat and help the cheese melt faster.
Step 8:
Once both sides are golden brown and the cheese is melted, take the sandwich out of the pan.
Step 9:
Let the sandwich rest for a minute, then slice and serve right away.
Ham Choices You Can Use
Use your favorite ham, or try one of these:
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Honey Ham – Sweet and tasty
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Smoked Virginia Ham – Smoky and full of flavor
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Peppered Ham – A bit spicy with a bold taste
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Spiral Ham – Perfect for using leftovers
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Black Forest Ham – Shaved thin for easy bites
Great Side Dishes
Want a full meal? Pair your sandwich with:
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Potato chips
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French fries (any style)
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Pasta salad
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A warm bowl of soup
Extra Topping Ideas
Want to switch it up? Add some of these to your sandwich:
Fresh Veggies:
Tomatoes, green peppers, avocado
Condiments:
Spicy mustard, mayonnaise, honey mustard, horseradish
Other Add-ons:
Pickles, olives, banana peppers
Is This a Cheese Toastie?
Yes! A grilled ham and cheese is also called a ham and cheese toastie, especially in some countries. It’s the same tasty idea – grilled bread with melty cheese, with ham added.
Tips & Tricks
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Bring cheese to room temperature for better melting.
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If using leftover ham, slice it thin for better texture.
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Add a pinch of salt after grilling if your ham isn’t salty.
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You can prep the sandwich ahead. Wrap and refrigerate it for up to 1 day before cooking.
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Try spreading mayo instead of butter for a crispier crust.
Short & Simple Version
Grilled Ham & Cheese Sandwich
A simple and delicious grilled sandwich with gooey cheddar cheese, buttery toasted bread, and flavorful ham. Perfect for a cozy, quick lunch.
Duration:
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Prep Time: 5 mins
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Cook Time: 10 mins
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Total Time: 15 mins
Ingredients:
-
2 slices thick-cut bread
-
85g shaved Black Forest ham
-
8 slices sharp cheddar cheese
-
1 tbsp butter (½ tbsp per slice of bread)
Instructions:
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Let cheese sit at room temp for 10 mins.
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Heat a frying pan on medium-low.
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Butter one slice of bread on one side. Place butter-side down in the pan.
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Add half the cheese, then the ham, then the rest of the cheese.
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Butter one side of the second bread slice and place it butter-side up on top.
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Cook slowly until the bottom is golden. Flip and cook the other side.
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Cover the pan for 1 minute to help melt the cheese.
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Once golden and melted, remove, rest for a minute, then slice and serve.
Tips & Tricks:
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Let cheese warm up before cooking so it melts evenly.
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Use any type of ham you like — shaved is best.
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Sprinkle salt on top after cooking if needed.
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Store ungrilled sandwich in the fridge for up to 1 day.
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Mayo instead of butter gives a crispier crust.
