Ultimate Crispy Ham & Cheese Grilled Sandwich
🕒 Time
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Prep: 10 minutes
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Cook: 10–12 minutes
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Makes: 2 stacked sandwiches (or 1 very hungry person)
🧾 Ingredients
Sandwich
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4 slices thick white bread or sourdough
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4–6 slices ham (smoked or honey ham works best)
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4–6 slices cheese
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Best options: Swiss, Gruyère, mozzarella, or a mix
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2–3 tbsp butter, softened
Optional Flavor Boost (highly recommended)
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1 tsp Dijon mustard
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Pinch of black pepper
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Pinch of dried herbs (oregano or thyme)
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Tiny pinch of garlic powder
🔥 Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Bread
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Lay out all bread slices.
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Butter one side of each slice evenly, right to the edges (this gives that deep golden crust).
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Flip two slices over and lightly spread Dijon mustard on the unbuttered side (optional).
2. Build the Sandwich
On the unbuttered side of the bread, layer in this order:
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Cheese (1–2 slices) – helps glue everything together
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Ham (fold slices slightly, don’t lay flat)
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Another layer of cheese
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Sprinkle a pinch of pepper and herbs
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Top with the second slice of bread, butter side facing out
3. Grill Low & Slow (This Is the Secret)
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Heat a skillet or pan over medium-low heat.
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Place sandwich in the pan.
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Cook 4–5 minutes per side, pressing gently with a spatula.
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Flip carefully once the bottom is deeply golden.
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Lower heat if needed—cheese should fully melt before bread burns.
💡 Pro tip: Cover the pan loosely with a lid for 1–2 minutes to help the cheese melt evenly.
4. Rest & Stack
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Remove from pan and let rest 1 minute (prevents cheese slide-out).
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Slice in half and stack like in the photo.
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Finish with a light sprinkle of black pepper on top.
✨ How to Get It EXTRA Gooey
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Use shredded cheese mixed with slices
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Add ½ tbsp mayo inside the sandwich (trust me)
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Use Gruyère + mozzarella combo
🔥 Variations
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French-style: Add béchamel → instant croque monsieur
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Spicy: Add jalapeños or chili flakes
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Breakfast version: Add a fried egg inside
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Garlic crust: Mix garlic powder into the butter
