This Grilled Ham and Cheese Sandwich takes a classic comfort food favorite and makes it even better with layers of savory deli ham, melty Swiss and cheddar cheese, and perfectly golden buttery bread. Crispy on the outside and gooey on the inside, it's an easy meal that comes together in minutes. Whether you're making lunch, a quick dinner, or a cozy weekend meal, this sandwich is guaranteed to satisfy.
Grilled Ham and Cheese Sandwich Recipe Essentials
- 🍽️ Course: Lunch, Dinner, Sandwich
- ⏱️ Cooking Time: 5 Minutes Prep + 5 Minutes Cook Time
- 🍴 Servings: 1 Sandwich
- 🧄 Flavor Profile: Buttery, cheesy, savory, and comforting
- 🍚 Best Served With: Soup, salad, chips, pickles, or fresh fruit
- 🧊 Make Ahead?: Best served fresh, but can be assembled ahead and cooked later
Summarize and Save This Content On
There are few comfort foods more satisfying than a perfectly golden grilled cheese sandwich. Adding layers of savory ham and two kinds of melty cheese turns a childhood favorite into a hearty meal that's simple enough for busy weekdays and delicious enough to crave again and again.
My grandma always believed that the simplest recipes were often the best. A hot sandwich, a bowl of soup, and good company around the kitchen table were all she needed to make an ordinary day feel special.
This recipe was inspired by our brie grilled cheese sandwich and pairs perfectly with slow cooked tomato soup, broccoli cheese soup, or a simple garden salad.
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Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Quick, easy, and satisfying: Made with just a handful of simple ingredients and ready in minutes, this grilled cheese is perfect for busy lunches, quick dinners, and comfort food cravings.
- Loaded with flavor: Thick-cut bread, savory ham, melty Swiss and cheddar cheese, and buttery toasted bread create the perfect balance of crispy, cheesy, and savory in every bite.
- Easy to customize: Switch up the bread, cheese, or meat, add extra toppings, and enjoy a restaurant-quality sandwich made right at home.
Ingredients
You only need a few simple ingredients and a skillet to make this classic comfort food favorite. A quick trip to the deli counter is all it takes to create a hot, cheesy sandwich that's perfect any time of day.
- Bread and Butter: Thick-cut white bread and butter create the crispy, golden exterior that makes grilled cheese irresistible.
- Cheese: Cheddar and Swiss cheese combine for the perfect balance of sharp flavor and creamy meltiness.
- Ham: Deli ham adds savory flavor and transforms a classic grilled cheese into a hearty meal.
See the recipe card below for exact ingredient amounts, nutritional information, and detailed instructions.
Variations
- Change the bread or cheese: Try thick-cut sourdough, Texas toast, rye, provolone, whole wheat bread, mozzarella, pepper jack, colby jack, Havarti, or Gruyère for different flavors and textures.
- Add extra flavor: Include sliced tomatoes, onions, caramelized onions, sautéed mushrooms, dill pickles, spinach, roasted peppers, or a thin layer of Dijon mustard.
- Make it spicy or smoky: Add jalapeños, hot honey, pepper jack cheese, bacon, or smoked ham.
- Create a specialty sandwich: Use turkey instead of ham, make it a breakfast sandwich with eggs and bacon, or turn it into a Monte Cristo-inspired sandwich with a little raspberry jam.
- Lighten it up: Use whole wheat bread, reduced-fat cheese, or extra vegetables for a lighter version.
How to Make Grilled Ham and Cheese Sandwich
This grilled ham and cheese sandwich comes together in just 4 simple steps like our provolone grilled cheese. Don't let the melty layers fool you-this sandwich is easy enough for beginners and delivers diner-quality results every time.
Step 1: Prepare bread and start to layer. Place the bread slices on a cutting board and spread one side of each slice evenly with butter.
Heat a nonstick skillet over medium heat. Place one slice of bread butter-side down in the skillet and layer with cheddar cheese.
Step 2: Finish sandwich. Add folded ham slices, and Swiss cheese.
Step 3: Top and grill. Place the second slice of bread on top with the buttered side facing up. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes until the bottom is golden brown.
Step 4: Flip and finish. Carefully flip the sandwich, gently pressing with a spatula. Cook for another 2 to 3 minutes until the second side is golden brown and the cheese is fully melted. Slice and serve immediately.
Expert Tips
- Start with quality ingredients: Use thick-cut bread, good deli ham, and freshly sliced cheese for the best flavor and texture.
- Build for success: Layer the cheese on both sides of the ham to help hold the sandwich together and create an even melt.
- Cook low and slow: Medium heat allows the bread to become golden and crispy while giving the cheese time to melt completely.
- Customize your sandwich: Add vegetables, different cheeses, bacon, or sauces to create your favorite version.
- Serve immediately: Grilled cheese is always best hot from the skillet when the cheese is perfectly melted and gooey.
If you love recipes like this, you may also enjoy grilled cheese and egg sandwich.
Storage Directions
Refrigerator: Store leftover sandwiches in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
Freezer: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheat: Warm in a skillet, toaster oven, or air fryer until heated through and crispy again.
Make Ahead: Assemble the sandwich up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate. Grill just before serving for the best results.
Serving Suggestions
- For lunch: Serve with potato chips, pickle spears, black bean and corn salad, fresh vegetables, boat dip, or fruit.
- For comfort food meals: Pair with tomato soup, old fashioned cream of broccoli soup, crockpot chicken parmesan soup, best cream of potato and leek soup, or vegetable soup.
- For a complete dinner: Add a green salad, coleslaw, roasted vegetables, or pasta salad.
- For extra flavor: Serve with mustard, honey hot sauce, creamy poblano sauce, dipping sauces, or pickles on the side.
- For family meals: Pair with fresh fruit, cowboy baked beans, macaroni salad, or your favorite side dishes.
Grilled Ham and Cheese Sandwich Recipe FAQs
The heat may be too high. Lower the heat slightly and cook a little longer.
Yes. Air fry at 370°F for about 6 to 8 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Cook over medium or medium-low heat and monitor closely.
More Grilled Cheese Recipes
Do you love grilled cheese sandwiches? Here are some delicious grilled cheese recipes you may also enjoy trying.
If you try this recipe and love it please leave a star rating in the recipe card below or even better, drop a review in the comment section. I always appreciate your feedback. Be sure to follow along with me on Facebook, Pinterest, and YouTube for more easy recipes!
Grilled Ham and Cheese Sandwich
Ingredients
- 2 slices thick-cut white bread
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 slices deli cheddar cheese
- 2 sliced deli Swiss cheese
- 4-5 slices deli ham
Instructions
- Place the 2 slices of bread on a cutting board; spread 1 side of each slice with a tablespoon of butter.
- Heat a dry small nonstick skillet over medium heat.
- Place 1 slice of bread, butter side down, in the pan and top with cheddar cheese, deli ham (fold and layer each piece), and then the Swiss cheese.
- Arrange the second slice of bread, butter side up, on top.
- Cook the sandwich until golden brown underneath, about 2 minutes. Carefully flip the sandwich using a flat spatula. Gently press down on the sandwich with that spatula to encourage even browning and help the cheese melt.
- Cook until the second side is golden brown and the cheese is melted, about 2 minutes.
- Once golden brown on both sides and the cheese has melted, remove from the heat and serve.
Notes
- Start with quality ingredients: Use thick-cut bread, good deli ham, and freshly sliced cheese for the best flavor and texture.
- Build for success: Layer the cheese on both sides of the ham to help hold the sandwich together and create an even melt.
- Cook low and slow: Medium heat allows the bread to become golden and crispy while giving the cheese time to melt completely.
- Customize your sandwich: Add vegetables, different cheeses, bacon, or sauces to create your favorite version.
- Serve immediately: Grilled cheese is always best hot from the skillet when the cheese is perfectly melted and gooey.
What will I need to complete this recipe?
You will need the following ingredients:
thick-cut white bread- you can use sourdough bread in place of white bread. Butter- you can use margarine in place of butter if you prefer. cheddar cheese- Colby Jack cheese is a tasty alternative. Swiss cheese- optional, but Swiss pairs really well with ham. Ham- I like black forest ham; you can use any of your favorite ham varieties. You will need the following supplies:
Small skillet Flat spatula knife Storage Instructions:
You can store this grilled cheese in an airtight container for up to 5 days in your refrigerator. You can freeze it for up to 3 months after cooling completely and placing it in a freezer-safe container. Keep in mind it may lose some of its crispy outer layer once thawed, so I recommend eating it fresh!
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