Grilled Ham & Cheese Recipe

Sandwiches

1. 1

   Assemble bread and spread

   Lay out 8 slices of bread on your work surface. In a small bowl combine the Dijon mustard and mayonnaise; mix until smooth. Spread about 1/2 teaspoon of the mustard-mayo mixture evenly on the interior side of each of 4 slices of bread (the sides that will be inside the sandwich).

2. 2

   Layer ham and cheese

   On each of the 4 prepared bread slices place 2 slices of ham, slightly overlapping to cover the bread. Top the ham with 2 slices of cheese, arranging so cheese covers the ham and reaches close to the edges for even melting. If using a sweet note, drizzle about 1/4 teaspoon honey or maple syrup over the ham before adding the cheese.

3. 3

   Top and butter

   Close each sandwich with the remaining 4 slices of bread, interior sides down. Soften the unsalted butter if needed and spread approximately 3/4 tablespoon (about 3/4 of a tbs) of butter on the outside of each slice of bread (both outer faces) so each sandwich has about 1.5 tablespoons total buttered on the outside.

4. 4

   Preheat pan or griddle

   Place a large nonstick skillet or griddle over medium-low to medium heat and let it come to temperature for about 2–3 minutes. The surface should be hot enough that butter sizzles gently but does not burn.

5. 5

   Grill the sandwiches

   Place 2 sandwiches in the skillet (do not overcrowd). Cook 3–4 minutes per side, pressing gently with a spatula or using a weighted press, until the underside is golden-brown and the cheese begins to melt. Flip carefully and cook another 3–4 minutes until the second side is golden and the cheese is fully melted. Adjust heat as needed to avoid over-browning before cheese melts.

6. 6

   Keep warm and serve

   Transfer finished sandwiches to a baking sheet and keep warm in a 200°F (95°C) oven while you cook remaining sandwiches. Let the cooked sandwiches rest 1 minute, then cut each on the diagonal or down the middle. Season with a light crack of black pepper to taste and serve immediately.

7. 7

   Tips for even melting

   If cheese is slow to melt, cover the skillet briefly with a lid for 30–60 seconds after flipping to trap heat. For crispier exterior, use clarified butter or a light spray of cooking oil instead of all butter.