This Ham and Swiss Sandwich is a classic and simple recipe, which is made with French ham and Swiss cheese. It’s a straightforward recipe, ready in about 5 minutes.
Ham and Swiss Sandwich Recipe Ingredients
- 4 ounces (8 tablespoons) salted butter, softened
- 1 baguette, halved horizontally and quartered crosswise
- 4 ounces thinly sliced French ham
- 2 ounces thinly sliced Swiss cheese
- Dijon mustard, for serving
- Cornichons, for serving
How To Make a Ham and Swiss Sandwich
- Butter the Baguette: Spread 1 tablespoon of the softened butter generously on the cut side of each piece of baguette.
- Layer the Fillings: Divide the thinly sliced ham and Swiss cheese evenly among the bottom halves of the bread.
- Assemble and Serve: Place the top halves of the baguette on the sandwiches. Serve immediately with a side of Dijon mustard and cornichons for the classic experience.
Recipe Tips
- What’s the best bread to use? The key to this simple sandwich is a high-quality, fresh baguette with a crisp crust and a soft, airy interior.
- What kind of ham is “French ham”? Traditionally, this sandwich uses jambon de Paris, a simple, unsmoked cooked ham. A good quality, thinly sliced deli ham is a perfect substitute.
- Why use so much butter? This is a classic French “jambon-beurre” style sandwich where the butter isn’t just a barrier—it’s a main ingredient. Using a good quality, softened, salted butter adds a rich flavor and creamy texture that is essential to the sandwich.
- Can I toast this sandwich? Absolutely. For a warm version, you can assemble the sandwich and press it in a panini press or grill it in a hot skillet with a little butter on the outside until the cheese is melted and the bread is golden.
What To Serve With a Ham and Swiss Sandwich
This simple sandwich is a perfect light lunch. It is traditionally served with just a side of sharp Dijon mustard for spreading and tart cornichons (small pickles) to cut the richness. It also pairs well with:
- Kettle-cooked potato chips
- A simple green salad with a vinaigrette
- A cup of French onion or tomato soup
How To Store a Ham and Swiss Sandwich
- Best Eaten Fresh: This sandwich is at its absolute best when it is made fresh.
- Refrigerate: If you must store it, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. It will keep for a day, but be aware that the bread will soften considerably as it sits in the refrigerator. It’s much better to store the ingredients separately and assemble the sandwich just before eating.
Ham and Swiss Sandwich Nutrition Facts
- Serving: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 480 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Protein: 22g
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 16g
- Sodium: 1100mg
Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and cooking methods used.
FAQs
Yes! This is a version of the jambon-beurre, one of the most popular and classic sandwiches in France. The traditional version often only has ham and butter, with cheese (fromage) being a common and delicious addition.
While Swiss (like Emmental or Jarlsberg) is classic, this sandwich is also fantastic with a nutty Gruyère or a simple, high-quality provolone.
Salted butter is recommended as it seasons the sandwich perfectly. If you only have unsalted butter, you can use it and then add a very light sprinkle of sea salt over the buttered bread before adding the fillings.
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Ham and Swiss Sandwich Recipe
Description
A classic French-style sandwich with just three perfect ingredients: a crusty baguette, good quality ham, and Swiss cheese, all brought together with rich, salted butter.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Slice the baguette in half horizontally, then into four equal sandwich lengths.
- Spread each cut side generously with the softened butter.
- Layer the ham and Swiss cheese on the bottom halves of the baguette.
- Place the top halves on the sandwiches and serve immediately with Dijon and cornichons.
Notes
- The most important tip for this simple sandwich is to use the best quality ingredients you can find: a fresh, crusty baguette, good ham, and a flavorful European-style salted butter.
- Don’t be shy with the butter! It’s a key flavor component in a traditional jambon-beurre style sandwich.
- For the best experience, let the butter, ham, and cheese sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes before assembling.
- While delicious as is, this sandwich is also fantastic when grilled in a pan with a little butter on the outside until the cheese is melted.