Ham Jam and Cheese Sandwich

Hello and welcome to Djalali Cooks! Continuing this week with another easy summer sandwich recipe, we have Ham Jam and Cheese sandwich. This sandwich is based on the Parisian sandwich, jambon-beurre. The jambon-beurre is a very simple sandwich with salted butter and unsmoked ham on a baguette. Today’s version includes a sweet component, so the flavors are more similar to a Monte Cristo. We have cherry preserves, and I have gone one further and added some thinly sliced Gruyère cheese. Let’s get to it!

The Bread

For the bread we have a long, thin baguette, about 24-inches long. This one is fresh baked with a slightly crusty exterior. Slice the baguette in half crosswise; then slice each half in half again crosswise, to make 4 smaller sandwiches. If you want to make 2 sandwiches, like I did, just save that other baguette half for something else. Then slice the pieces for the sandwiches in half horizontally.

The Butter

The salted butter here is optional, since we are adding cheese. But the butter works as a nice barrier to keep the bread from getting soggy – this is especially good if you’re making these ahead of time. Smooth the salted butter over both sides of each sandwich.

Pro Tip

When you want thin, spreadable slices of cold butter, use a cheese plane to create nice, even, thin strips of butter that are easy to spread. Simply drag the cheese plane blade along the flat top of a stick of firm, cold butter.

Cheese Planes

Condiments

Once the butter is smoothed on, spread dijon mustard on one side of each sandwich, on top of the butter. Then spread the cherry preserves on the other sandwich half.

Ham and Cheese

Use the same cheese plane to slice several slices of Gruyère cheese. Place a few of the slices on the cherry preserves side of the sandwich.

Thinly sliced deli ham works best for this so that we can create little folded bundles of ham. Use 3 to 4 slices of ham for each sandwich. Just fold or crumple the ham slices and place them evenly on top of the cheese slices.

Top the ham with the Dijon side of the sandwich.

And that’s it! If you want to make these ahead, simply wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate until ready to eat.

This Ham Jam and Cheese Sandwich is so simple, and so satisfying. The salty ham and creamy Gruyère are perfect with cherry preserves and then you have the bite of the Dijon mustard; the soft, yet crusty baguette holds it altogether beautifully, it’s just a great sandwich with wonderful flavors.

Thank you so much for stopping by today! If you’re looking for another great French-inspired sandwich, try the Pan Bagnat (Niçoise Sandwich). Have a wonderful day, take care and be well. xo Kelly

Print Recipe

Ham Jam and Cheese Sandwich

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Dinner, Main Course, Lunch, Brunch – French/American

By Adapted from Ali Slagle, via NYT Cooking – Serves: Makes 2-4 Sandwiches

Prep Time: 10 Minutes – Cooking Time: NA – Total Time: ~10 Minutes

Based on the Parisian jambon-beurre, this Ham Jam and Cheese sandwich is salty, sweet and rich. Simple flavors come together and sing.

Ingredients

• 1 Baguette (about 20 to 24 inches long)
• Salted Butter (at room temp, or sliced thinly with a cheese plane)
• Dijon Mustard
• Fruit Preserves: Cherry, Peach or Orange
• Gruyère Cheese, sliced thinly with a cheese plane
• Deli Sliced Ham, preferably smoked or Black Forest

Instructions

1

Slice the baguette in half crosswise; then slice each half in half again crosswise, to make 4 smaller sandwiches.

2

If you want to make 2 sandwiches, like I did, just save that other baguette half for something else. Then slice the pieces for the sandwiches in half horizontally.

3

Smooth the salted butter over both sides of each cut side of the sandwiches.

4

Spread dijon mustard on one side of each sandwich, on top of the butter.

5

Then spread the fruit preserves on the other sandwich half, on top of the butter.

6

Place a few of the Gruyère slices on the cherry preserves side of the sandwich.

7

Use 3 to 4 slices of ham for each sandwich. Just fold or crumple the ham slices and place them evenly on top of the cheese slices.

8

Top the ham with the Dijon side of the sandwich.