Ham and Cheese Sandwich by Leah Colins
For the perfect ham and cheese sandwich, layer ribbons of satiny ham with tangy Swiss cheese, mustard, and pickles, then cook it until the bread is golden and the melted cheese blankets the pork.
Ingredients
-
4 slices crusty bread, or hearty sandwich bread
-
2 tbsp mayonnaise, or softened unsalted butter
-
2 tsp Dijon mustard
-
8 slices Swiss, thin
-
6 oz thinly sliced ham, thinly sliced
-
8–12 pickles chips
Steps
-
1
Place bread slices on a clean work surface. Using a butter knife, spread 1 teaspoon mayonnaise or butter evenly over 1 side of each slice. Place 2 slices (mayonnaise side down) into a 12-inch nonstick skillet. Spread the top (dry side) of the 2 bread slices in skillet with the remaining mayonnaise or butter.
-
2
Place 2 slices (about 1 ounce) of the cheese in an even layer on each bread slice in skillet. (Cut and/or layer cheese if needed to avoid cheese draping off the sides of the bread.) Top with the ham and pickle chips (if using), divided evenly between the 2 slices. Top with the remaining cheese ( 2 slices per sandwich). Spread 1 teaspoon mayonnaise evenly over the dry side of the remaining 2 bread slices, then spread with mustard. Close each sandwich with the remaining bread slices, mustard side down. Using a spatula, press firmly to adhere.
-
3
Heat skillet over medium heat and cook until bread is golden brown on bottom, 4 to 6 minutes. Using 2 spatulas, flip sandwiches. Set an empty large Dutch oven or other heavy skillet or cooking weight directly on top of sandwiches, reduce heat to medium-low, and cook until second side is golden brown and cheese is melted, 2 to 4 minutes.
-
4
Using a spatula, transfer sandwiches to a wire rack and let sit for 5 minutes. Transfer sandwiches to a cutting board, cut in half and serve warm.