Crispy Hot Ham and Melted Cheese Sandwich Recipe

Elevate a simple hot ham and cheese sandwich with this easy, flavorful recipe. Slightly sweet, mildly savory, and perfect for using leftover ham.

This sandwich ranks among my top favorites for using leftover ham. You really can’t go wrong with a grilled cheese-style sandwich, and the combination of ham, creamy cheese, and a touch of fruit spread delivers pure comfort. Best of all, most of the ingredients are pantry staples, and simple swaps work well if you’re missing something. Quick, flexible, and delicious—what’s not to love?

A while back I made a batch of low-sugar apple butter and ended up with more than I needed. While apple-butter cinnamon rolls are delightful, my family wanted variety. A friend suggested pairing apple butter with ham and brie in a hot sandwich, and the idea stuck. With leftover spiral ham on hand, I tried it—and it was a perfect, serendipitous match.

Making a gourmet hot ham and cheese sandwich is simple: assemble thoughtfully and heat until the cheese is melty. Start with good bread—multigrain or sourdough are excellent choices. Spread a thin layer of apple butter on each slice. If you don’t have apple butter, use a jam or preserve such as apricot, raspberry, guava, or blackberry. If the jam is very sweet, apply it sparingly so the sandwich stays balanced.

Layer on 2–3 slices of ham—leftover holiday ham works great, but deli-sliced ham is fine too. Top with sliced brie; if you can, slice a wheel into thin slivers for easy melting. Leftover cheese from a holiday board is ideal here. If brie isn’t your preference or isn’t available, sharp cheddar is an excellent substitute. Any cheese that pairs well with the fruit spread will work, but I recommend trying the brie version at least once for its creamy contrast to the apple butter.

To heat, use a sandwich press, a skillet, or the oven. Lightly butter the outside of the bread or spray the cooking surface with nonstick spray. Toast until the bread is golden and the cheese has melted—about 3–5 minutes in a press, a few minutes longer in a skillet (press gently with a spatula), or baked in the oven for larger batches. Slice and serve warm for the best flavor and texture.

Hot Ham and Cheese Sandwich

Yield:
1 sandwich

Prep Time:
5 minutes

Cook Time:
5 minutes

Total Time:
10 minutes

Transform leftover ham into a quick, satisfying sandwich with apple butter and creamy cheese. Sweet and savory in perfect balance.

Ingredients

• 2 slices bread of your choice
• 1 tablespoon apple butter (or jam)
• 2–3 slices cooked ham
• 1–2 slices brie cheese (or substitute cheddar)
• nonstick spray or butter for grill or skillet

Instructions

1. Preheat a sandwich press or a skillet over medium heat. Lightly butter the bread or spray the cooking surface with nonstick spray.
2. Spread a thin layer of apple butter (or your chosen jam) on both slices of bread.
3. Layer ham and brie on one slice, close the sandwich, and place it in the press for 3–5 minutes until the cheese melts. In a skillet, cook a few minutes per side, pressing gently with a spatula.
4. Slice and serve warm.

Notes

• If your leftover ham is very cold, warm it briefly before assembling so the sandwich heats evenly.
• To make many sandwiches at once, line a baking sheet with foil, place the assembled sandwiches on it, cover with another sheet of foil, set a second heavy baking sheet on top, and bake at 350°F for 5–8 minutes until cheese is melted. This is an easy method for serving a crowd.

Recommended Products

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• Cuisinart 5-in-1 Griddler, GR-4N, Silver

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