Hot Ham N' Cheese Recipe

Prepare bread and spread

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) if finishing in the oven, or heat a large skillet/griddle over medium heat for stovetop. Lay out 8 slices of bread on a work surface. In a small bowl, combine softened butter, garlic powder, onion powder and paprika. Spread about 1/2 tablespoon of the seasoned butter on the outside face of each slice of bread (the side that will contact the pan or oven).

Make mustard-mayo spread

In another small bowl mix Dijon mustard, mayonnaise and whole grain mustard (if using) with a pinch of black pepper. Spread about 1 tablespoon of this mixture on the inside face of 4 bread slices (these will be the top halves).

Assemble sandwiches

On the remaining 4 slices (the bottoms), layer 1 slice of Swiss cheese, then divide the 12 oz of ham evenly (about 3 oz per sandwich), arranging it to cover the bread, then sprinkle about 2 tablespoons of shredded cheddar over the ham. Optional: place 2 pickle slices on each sandwich. Top each with the mustard-mayo–coated slice of bread, buttered side facing out.

Cook — oven method (melty, evenly heated)

Place assembled sandwiches on a baking sheet. Bake in the preheated 375°F (190°C) oven for 10–12 minutes, then switch oven to broil for 1–2 minutes to brown the tops, watching closely to avoid burning. Remove when cheese is fully melted and tops are golden.

Cook — stovetop/griddle method

If using stovetop, place sandwiches buttered-side down on the heated skillet over medium heat. Cook 3–4 minutes per side, pressing gently with a spatula, until each side is golden brown and the cheese is melted (cover pan with a lid for 1–2 minutes to help melt cheese if needed).

Finish and serve

Transfer sandwiches to a cutting board and let rest 1 minute. Slice each sandwich in half on the diagonal. Sprinkle a little extra black pepper or paprika over the cut faces if desired. Serve hot with potato chips, a simple salad or a dill pickle on the side.