Name: Blue Plate Kitchens The Classic Recipe
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 2 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 each brioche buns; 2 each American cheese slices; 3 oz thin-sliced deli ham; 3 slices thick-cut bacon; 2 each breakfast sausage patties (optional alternative to bacon/ham); 2 tbs unsalted butter; 2 tsp mayonnaise (optional); 1 tsp yellow mustard (optional); 0.25 tsp kosher salt; 0.125 tsp freshly ground black pepper

Method

Sandwich

Prepare proteins

If using bacon: place bacon slices in a cold skillet in a single layer. Turn heat to medium and cook 7–10 minutes, flipping occasionally, until crisped to your liking. Transfer to a paper-towel lined plate. If using sausage patties: cook in a skillet over medium heat 3–4 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C). If using ham: warm 1–2 minutes per side in the skillet just to heat through and develop a little color. Keep cooked proteins warm on a plate covered with foil.

Toast buns

Butter the cut sides of the brioche buns with about 1 tablespoon of the softened butter (reserve remaining butter). Heat a clean skillet over medium heat. Place bun cut-sides down in the skillet and toast 1–2 minutes until golden and slightly crisp. Remove and set aside.

Assemble and melt cheese

Return skillet to medium-low heat. Spread the mayo and mustard on the inside of the bottom bun halves if using. Layer warm ham (or sausage patties or bacon) on the bottom bun, then top each with one slice of American cheese. Cover the skillet with a lid or a large metal bowl and place the open-faced assembled bottom buns in the skillet for 1–2 minutes until the cheese melts. Alternatively, you can tent foil over the skillet or use a microwave (10–15 seconds) to melt cheese.

Finish sandwich

Spread remaining butter (about 1 tbs) on the outside cut side of the top buns. Place tops onto the melted cheese, press gently, and transfer sandwiches back to the skillet for 30–60 seconds to warm the top bun and marry flavors (optional). Remove sandwiches, season with a light pinch of salt and pepper to taste, slice in half if desired, and serve immediately.