Deluxe Sandwich (pork Chop & Ham) Recipe

Prepare and pound pork chop

If the pork chop is thick, place it between two pieces of plastic wrap and gently pound with a meat mallet or rolling pin to about 1/3–1/2 inch thickness. This helps it cook quickly and match the ham thickness for the sandwich.

Season pork chop

Rub the pork chop on both sides with olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, kosher salt, and black pepper. Let sit at room temperature for 10 minutes while you prepare other components.

Pan-sear pork chop

Heat a heavy skillet (cast iron preferred) over medium-high heat until hot. Add a teaspoon of oil if needed. Sear the pork chop 2–3 minutes per side until golden-brown and an instant-read thermometer reads 145°F (63°C) at the thickest part. If the chop is thicker than 1/2 inch, reduce heat to medium and cook another 1–2 minutes per side as needed. Remove from pan and let rest 5 minutes, then slice thinly to fit the sandwich.

Warm ham and melt cheese

Wipe the skillet, return to medium heat, and lay the ham slices in the pan just long enough to warm (30–45 seconds per side). Stack the warmed ham on top of the sliced pork chop pieces in the pan, top with Swiss (and cheddar if using), cover the pan with a lid for 30–60 seconds to melt the cheese slightly. Remove from heat.

Split the sandwich roll or ciabatta horizontally. Lightly butter the cut faces and toast them in a skillet or under a broiler until golden, about 1–2 minutes per side. Watch carefully to avoid burning.

Mix the mayonnaise and Dijon mustard together in a small bowl. Spread evenly on both cut faces of the toasted roll.

On the bottom half of the prepared roll, layer the lettuce or arugula first (this creates a moisture barrier), then place the sliced, rested pork chop pieces, followed by warmed ham and melted cheese from the skillet.

Top the meat and cheese with tomato slices, red onion, and pickles if using. Close the sandwich with the top roll. Press gently and, if desired, return to the pan for 30 seconds per side to warm the sandwich through and compact filling.

Slice the sandwich in half and serve immediately.