Grilled Cheese Or Ham & Cheese Recipe

Prepare bread

Spread softened butter evenly on one side of each bread slice. Alternatively, spread mayonnaise on the inside of the bread if you prefer a tangier crust.

Assemble

Place one bread slice buttered-side down on a cutting board or plate. Layer the cheese slices evenly on the bread. For the Ham & Cheese option, add the ham slices on top of the cheese, then add the second slice of cheese if you want extra cheesiness. Top with the second bread slice, buttered-side up.

Season

Lightly season the exposed cheese/ham layer with a pinch of salt and a pinch of black pepper if desired (avoid oversalting when using ham).

Cook

Heat a nonstick or cast-iron skillet over medium-low to medium heat. Place the assembled sandwich in the skillet. Cook 3–4 minutes on the first side, pressing gently with a spatula or a heavy pan to ensure even contact. When the bottom is golden brown, carefully flip the sandwich and cook another 2–3 minutes until the second side is golden and the cheese is melted. If cheese is not fully melted, lower heat to low, cover the skillet for 1–2 minutes to trap heat and finish melting.

Finish & Rest

Remove sandwich from skillet and let rest 1 minute. Cut diagonally if serving to a child; this makes it easier to eat.

Prep potatoes

Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Wash and dry the potato. Cut into matchstick fries about 1/4–1/2 inch thick. Place cut fries in a bowl of cold water and soak 10 minutes to remove excess starch, then drain and pat very dry with a clean towel.

Season & Oil

Toss dried fries with 1–2 tablespoons olive oil and a pinch of salt until evenly coated.

Bake

Arrange fries in a single layer on a parchment-lined or lightly oiled baking sheet. Bake for 20–25 minutes, flipping once halfway through, until edges are golden and crisp. Remove from oven and season with additional salt to taste.

Heat oil

In a medium skillet, pour 1/4 inch vegetable oil and heat over medium-high until shimmering but not smoking (about 350°F/175°C if using a thermometer).

Fry potatoes

Add a single layer of dried potato sticks and cook 3–5 minutes tossing occasionally until golden and crisp. Work in batches to avoid overcrowding. Transfer cooked fries to a paper-towel-lined plate and season with salt immediately.

Wash and prepare an assortment of child-friendly fresh fruit: halve grapes, core and thinly slice an apple (toss with a little lemon juice if not serving immediately to prevent browning), and rinse berries. Arrange on a small plate to serve alongside the sandwich.

Plate the grilled cheese or ham & cheese sandwich with a side of frites or the fresh fruit cup. Add a small ramekin of ketchup for fries and a pickle spear if desired. Serve warm.