Ham and cheese sandwich

5 mins cooking time
There is a reason the ham and cheese sandwich has never gone out of style. Simple, satisfying, and endlessly customisable, it is a classic that delivers every time. But greatness comes with the right ingredients. Wholemeal bread, savoury ham, nutty Gouda, tangy gherkins, and a generous spread of butter take this humble sandwich to the next level. Because when flavour matters, good food deserves Lurpak®.
Ham and cheese sandwich Ham and cheese sandwich

Ham and cheese sandwich

  • 5 mins cooking time
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There is a reason the ham and cheese sandwich has never gone out of style. Simple, satisfying, and endlessly customisable, it is a classic that delivers every time. But greatness comes with the right ingredients. Wholemeal bread, savoury ham, nutty Gouda, tangy gherkins, and a generous spread of butter take this humble sandwich to the next level. Because when flavour matters, good food deserves Lurpak®.
There is a reason the ham and cheese sandwich has never gone out of style. Simple, satisfying, and endlessly customisable, it is a classic that delivers every time. But greatness comes with the right ingredients. Wholemeal bread, savoury ham, nutty Gouda, tangy gherkins, and a generous spread of butter take this humble sandwich to the next level. Because when flavour matters, good food deserves Lurpak®.

Method

1
Spread butter on one side of each slice of bread.
2
Add a bed of gem lettuce.
3
Add slices of cheese and a slice of ham.
4
Top with cornichons.
TIP
Make ham and cheese toasties by spreading butter on the outside of one or both bread slices and frying the sandwich in a hot pan on both sides. The butter will create a golden, crisp crust while melting the cheese inside.
5
Close the sandwich butter side down, keeping the gherkins in place.

Questions about ham and cheese sandwich

Making a great sandwich should not be complicated. Find answers to some of the most common questions about making the best ham and cheese sandwich below.

  • To prevent your ham and cheese sandwich from getting soggy, start by spreading butter on both slices of wholemeal bread. The butter creates a barrier that keeps moisture out. Make sure to dry any vegetables, like baby romaine lettuce and sliced gherkins, with paper towels to remove extra moisture. You can also toast one side of the bread for added protection, and let it cool before buttering.

  • Wholemeal bread works great for a ham and cheese sandwich with Gouda, cooked ham, lettuce, and gherkins. Its hearty texture and nutty flavour enhance the savoury ham and creamy cheese, giving you a satisfying bite. The strong structure of wholemeal bread also keeps all the ingredients in place, even when the lettuce and gherkins add moisture. You can also try rustic, artisanal bread or seeded wholemeal varieties for a little variety.

  • Yes, you can make the ham and cheese sandwich ahead of time, but with a couple of smart tweaks. If you are preparing it a few hours in advance, like for a packed lunch or picnic, assemble it as normal, but avoid adding the lettuce and gherkins right away. These can make the bread soggy. Instead, keep them separate and add them right before eating. Wrap the sandwich tightly in parchment paper or foil, and store it in the fridge until you are ready to eat.

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Cooks, find greatness in your fridge, grab your tools and your ingredients, and serve up a little good for the world.

Get cooking

Make a delicious ham and cheese sandwich

The ham and cheese sandwich is a classic favourite that has graced lunchboxes, and picnic baskets for generations. Chances are, you already have some cheese and ham tucked away in your fridge, ready for your next easy food break. Simple, yes. Ordinary? Never.

This ham and cheese sandwich recipe takes everything you love and makes it better with a few extra additions. Adding crunchy romaine lettuce and zesty gherkins gives the sandwich a satisfying bite and a burst of brightness.

And with a little Lurpak®, you can turn simple into glorious. Straight from the fridge, it spreads effortlessly across the soft bread and delivers a creamy, subtly salty richness that goes hand in hand with the filling. It is also incredibly quick to make, requiring only five minutes of your time.

Perfect for a quick lunch or outdoor picnic

Some foods are made for the moment. Ham and cheese sandwiches are one of them. Whether you are grabbing a quick bite between meetings or planning an outdoor picnic, this sandwich fits the bill perfectly.

Wholemeal bread holds its shape, while butter, ham, cheese, lettuce, and gherkins layer up into something filling yet fresh. No mess, no fuss, just a sandwich that works hard and tastes even better. It is portable perfection and a reminder that sometimes, the simplest food is the best food.

If you are craving more delicious inspiration, explore the best sandwich ideas for every occasion. Try the creamy and crunchy chicken coleslaw sandwich, savour the fresh bite of an open smoked salmon sandwich, or go bold with a hearty roast beef sandwich. Looking for a classic? The Club sandwich never disappoints. Or keep it simple with a vegetarian smashed avocado on toast.

Put your own mark on it

You can easily create your own version of the ham and cheese sandwich. While Gouda is great for its mild, slightly sweet taste, there are plenty of alternatives. Try Swiss or Gruyere for a nutty flavour, cheddar for a sharper taste, or Havarti for creaminess. If you like a bit of heat, go for Pepper Jack. For milder flavours that highlight the ham and gherkins, opt for mozzarella or American cheese.

Elevate your ham and cheese sandwich with mustard or mayonnaise. Mustard brings a tangy, spicy kick that complements the ham and cheese, while mayonnaise adds a creamy richness that balances the saltiness of the ham and keeps the sandwich moist. Spread a thin layer of mayonnaise or mustard on the inside of both slices of bread after applying butter on one side. For a richer taste, consider mixing mayonnaise with Dijon or whole-grain mustard.

Where to buy

Lurpak® Spreadable Slightly Salted

Spreadable Slightly Salted

Toast, baguette, sourdough, crackers - get ready! Lurpak® Spreadable Slightly Salted is always on hand to turn your simple sandwiches into something glorious. Spread your passion for Good Food with our Lurpak® Spreadable Slightly Salted that spreads straight from the fridge. The distinctive, creamy, delicate, and fresh taste of Lurpak®, but spreadable!

Where to buy