Grilled Ham & Cheese Recipe
Make Grilled Ham & Cheese Recipe in just 20m. Get the full recipe with step-by-step instructions at pekinthechef.com.
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Ingredients
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Sandwich
Optional Add-ins & Garnish
Method
Assembly
Prepare bread and butter
Spread about 1/2 tablespoon of softened butter evenly on one side of each of the 4 bread slices. The buttered sides will be the exterior that contacts the pan for browning.
Spread mustard
Flip the bread so the unbuttered sides face up. Evenly spread 1/2 tablespoon of Dijon mustard on each of two slices (these will be the sandwich interiors). If using minced shallot or onion, mix it into the mustard before spreading.
Layer ham and cheese
On the two mustard-coated slices, layer 4 slices of ham on each. Top the ham on each sandwich with 2 slices of sharp cheddar and 2 slices of Swiss (arrange so cheese overlaps and covers the bread). If using pickles or extra pepper, add them atop the cheese now.
Close sandwiches
Place the two remaining bread slices on top of the cheese, buttered side facing outward to form two closed sandwiches.
Cooking
Grill sandwiches
Place one or two sandwiches in the skillet, buttered sides down. Press gently with a spatula or a clean heavy pan (or sandwich press) to ensure even contact. Cook 3–5 minutes on the first side, checking after 3 minutes: the bread should be golden-brown and the cheese beginning to melt. If browning too quickly before cheese melts, reduce heat slightly and cover the pan for part of the cooking time to trap heat.
Flip and finish
Carefully flip each sandwich and cook the second side 2–4 minutes until golden-brown and cheese is fully melted. If needed, cover for 1–2 minutes to help cheese melt through without burning the bread. Total cook time per sandwich should be about 6–8 minutes depending on heat and pan.
Rest and slice
Transfer sandwiches to a cutting board and let rest 1 minute (this prevents cheese from running out immediately). Using a sharp knife, cut each sandwich diagonally or down the middle. Garnish with chopped parsley and a grind of black pepper if desired.
Serving
Serve each grilled ham & cheese hot with optional sides like tomato soup, potato chips, or a simple green salad. Enjoy immediately.