Go Back
–+ servings
Close-up of a perfectly grilled ham and cheese sandwich, cut in half, with gooey melted cheese oozing out. Great sandwich ideas recipe.

Ham and Cheese Sandwich

This recipe shows you how to make a classic grilled ham and cheese sandwich using a skillet and weight for even cooking.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Resting Time 5 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 2 sandwiches
Course: Lunch
Cuisine: American
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Sandwich Components
  • 4 slices Crusty bread or hearty sandwich bread (1/2-inch-thick) See notes for variations
  • 2 tablespoons Mayonnaise or softened unsalted butter Divided
  • 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard Divided (10 g)
  • 8 slices Swiss, Gruyère, or cheddar cheese Thin slices (about 4 ounces; 115 g), divided
  • 6 ounces Thinly sliced ham About 12 slices, divided
  • 8 to 12 Pickle chips Optional

Equipment

  • 12-inch nonstick skillet
  • Large Dutch oven or other heavy skillet or cooking weight

Method
 

  1. Place bread slices on a clean work surface. Spread 1 teaspoon mayonnaise or butter evenly over 1 side of each slice using a butter knife.
  2. Place 2 slices of bread (mayonnaise side down) into a 12-inch nonstick skillet. Spread the top (dry side) of these 2 bread slices in the skillet with the remaining mayonnaise or butter.
  3. Place 2 slices of cheese (about 1 ounce) in an even layer on each bread slice in the skillet. Top with the ham and pickle chips (if using), divided evenly between the 2 slices. Top with the remaining 2 slices of cheese per sandwich.
  4. Spread 1 teaspoon mayonnaise evenly over the dry side of the remaining 2 bread slices, then spread with mustard.
  5. Close each sandwich with the remaining bread slices, mustard side down. Use a spatula to press firmly to adhere the layers.
  6. Heat the skillet over medium heat and cook until the bottom of the bread is golden brown, 4 to 6 minutes.
  7. Use 2 spatulas to flip the sandwiches. Set an empty large Dutch oven or other heavy skillet or cooking weight directly on top of the sandwiches. Reduce the heat to medium-low and cook until the second side is golden brown and the cheese is melted, 2 to 4 minutes.
  8. Use a spatula to transfer the sandwiches to a wire rack and let them rest for 5 minutes. Transfer the sandwiches to a cutting board, cut them in half, and serve warm.

Notes

This recipe makes 2 sandwiches. You can use crusty bread or any hearty sandwich bread you prefer.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!