Honey Ham & Cheese Recipe

Make honey spread

In a small bowl, combine honey, Dijon mustard and mayonnaise. Stir until smooth and slightly runny. This will act as the sweet-savory spread for the sandwich.

If butter is cold, soften it slightly so it’s spreadable. Season softened butter with black pepper and mix briefly.

If using tomato, slice thinly. Rinse and pat dry lettuce or arugula leaves.

Lay out 4 slices of bread on a clean surface for the bottoms. Spread a thin layer (about 1/2 tsp) of the peppered butter evenly over each of the 4 top bread slices (these will be the outside of the grilled sandwich).

On each bottom slice, spread about 1/2 teaspoon of the honey-mustard-mayo mixture, spreading almost to the edges.

Top each bottom slice with 2 oz (approximately 2 slices) of honey ham, arranging to cover the bread evenly.

Place one slice of cheddar cheese over the ham on each sandwich. If you like it extra cheesy, add an additional half-slice.

If using, add 2 pickle slices, 1 tomato slice, and 1 leaf of lettuce or arugula on top of the cheese.

Place the top bread slice (butter side up) onto each sandwich to close.

Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat until hot (about 2–3 minutes).

Place sandwiches butter-side down on the skillet. Press gently with a spatula or a heavy spatula to compact the sandwich slightly and help the cheese melt evenly.

Cook for 3–4 minutes on the first side, until golden brown. Meanwhile, after about 2 minutes, brush a thin layer of butter on the exposed top slice if it needs additional browning.

Carefully flip the sandwiches and cook another 2–3 minutes until the second side is golden brown and the cheese is fully melted. If the exterior browns too quickly before the cheese melts, lower heat to medium-low and cover the pan for 1–2 minutes to trap heat.

Remove sandwiches from skillet and let rest for 1 minute to set.

Slice each sandwich diagonally in half if desired. Serve immediately while hot with extra pickles or chips on the side.

Optional: drizzle a little extra honey over the cut sandwich for a brighter honey note, or serve extra honey-mustard spread for dipping.