Grilled Ham & Cheese Fries & Drink Recipe

Cook fries

Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C) if baking, or preheat air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Spread frozen fries on a baking sheet in a single layer (or place in air fryer basket). Drizzle with 2 tbs vegetable oil and toss to coat evenly. Season with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Bake 18–25 minutes, turning once halfway, until golden and crisp; or air-fry 12–16 minutes, shaking basket occasionally, until crispy. Remove fries and keep warm on a serving plate.

Prepare sandwiches

While fries cook, spread softened butter evenly on one side of each of the 4 bread slices (butter side will be the exterior for grilling). On the unbuttered side of two slices, spread 1/2 tsp Dijon mustard and 1/2 tsp mayonnaise on each. Layer 4 slices of ham evenly over those two slices. Top the ham with 2 slices cheddar and 1 slice Swiss/Gruyère per sandwich for extra melt and flavor. Close each sandwich with the remaining bread slices, buttered side out.

Grill sandwiches

Heat a large nonstick skillet or griddle over medium heat for 2–3 minutes. Place sandwiches in the pan and grill 3–4 minutes per side, pressing gently with a spatula, until bread is golden brown and cheese is melted. If the bread is browning before the cheese melts, reduce heat to medium-low and cover pan with a lid for 1–2 minutes to trap heat and help cheese melt. Remove sandwiches and let rest 1 minute.

Cut and finish

Using a sharp knife, slice each sandwich diagonally into two triangles (you’ll have 4 halves per sandwich). Stack or layer the grilled ham & cheese pieces over the hot fries so the melted cheese drapes down over the fries. Sprinkle the sliced green onions over the top.

Whisk together 1/4 cup sour cream, 1 tsp prepared horseradish (or hot sauce), 1/2 tsp lemon juice and 1/8 tsp salt in a small bowl. Taste and adjust seasoning. Serve on the side for dipping fries or drizzling lightly over the finished dish.

Brew tea

Place 2 black tea bags in a heatproof cup or small pitcher. Pour 12 oz boiling water over the tea and steep 3–5 minutes depending on desired strength. Remove tea bags, pressing gently to extract flavor.

Sweeten and chill

Stir 1 tbs honey into the hot tea until dissolved. Add 1 tbs fresh lemon juice. Let the sweetened tea cool to room temperature (about 10–15 minutes) or place in the refrigerator for 10 minutes to speed cooling.

Assemble drink

Fill a tall glass with 1 cup ice. Pour cooled tea over the ice until glass is about three-quarters full. Top with 6 oz sparkling water and gently stir once to combine. Garnish with a lemon wheel and serve alongside the fries and grilled ham & cheese.