Ham & Cheese Recipe

Prepare bread

Spread butter evenly on the outside face of both bread slices. On the inside face of one slice, spread the Dijon mustard and mayonnaise and season lightly with black pepper.

Assemble

Place one slice of bread, buttered side down, on a plate or cutting board. Layer the sliced cheese directly on the bread, followed by the sliced ham. If using pickles or any optional add-ins (caramelized onions, tomato, greens), add them on top of the ham. Finish with the second slice of bread, buttered side up.

Cook (stovetop)

Heat a nonstick or cast-iron skillet over medium-low to medium heat. Place the assembled sandwich in the skillet and press gently with a spatula. Cook 3–4 minutes until the bottom is golden brown and the cheese begins to melt. Flip the sandwich carefully and cook another 2–4 minutes, pressing occasionally, until the second side is golden and the cheese is fully melted. If the bread is browning before the cheese melts, lower the heat and cover the pan for 1–2 minutes to trap heat and help the cheese melt.

Rest and serve

Transfer the sandwich to a cutting board and let rest 1 minute. Slice in half on the diagonal or down the middle, serve immediately.

To use a sandwich press or panini maker, assemble the sandwich as above and cook according to the manufacturer's instructions until bread is golden and cheese melted (about 3–5 minutes). To broil, place the assembled sandwich on a baking sheet, brush outsides with melted butter, broil 1–3 minutes per side watching carefully to avoid burning.