Recipe Details
Ham and Jam Sandwich
By Ali Slagle | Updated May 31, 2022
Recipe Overview
Total Time: 10 minutes (Quick & Easy)
Difficulty: Beginner-Friendly
Rating: 4.0/5 (based on 770 reviews)
Community Engagement: 98 comments & counting
Introduction
The jambon-beurre, an iconic Parisian staple, remains unmatched for its simplicity—a salted European butter-drenched baguette layered with thin-sliced unsmoked ham. This recipe reimagines the classic with intentional pantry-inspired additions: a bright, fruit-forward jam (echoing the Monte Cristo’s flavor harmony), tangy Dijon mustard, and freshly ground black pepper, all paired with smoky or cured ham. The result is a symphony of savory, sweet, and zesty notes, elevating the humble sandwich into a satisfying, multi-dimensional meal—whether as a midday pick-me-up or an elegant appetizer.
Ingredients (Serves 1)
1 small baguette (12–14 inches/30–35 cm), sliced into 4 thick rounds (1–1.5 cm each)
2–3 tablespoons salted European-style butter, softened (room temperature for easy spreading)
50–60g thinly sliced smoked ham (e.g., country ham or prosciutto; non-smoked cured ham works too)
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (seedless for smoothness)
1–2 tablespoons seedless jam (recommended: raspberry, apricot, or strawberry for balance of sweet-tartness)
Freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
Preparation Steps
Prep the Baguette: Slice the baguette into thick, even rounds (1–1.5 cm). For optimal texture, use a day-old baguette (dried slightly) or lightly toast the slices for 30 seconds in a toaster before assembling to prevent sogginess.
Butter the Baguette: Spread softened European-style butter evenly over one side of each baguette slice. Aim for a generous layer (1–1.5 tsp per slice) to ensure richness without overwhelming the palate.
Layer the Ham: Place a thin, even layer of smoked ham over the buttered surface. Overlap slices slightly if needed to cover the bread entirely, ensuring uniform saltiness.
Add Mustard & Spice: Spread Dijon mustard lightly over the ham. This tangy base cuts through the sweetness of the jam and complements the saltiness of the ham. Lightly grind black pepper over the mustard for a subtle, aromatic heat.
Incorporate Jam: Spoon 1–2 tablespoons of jam onto the mustard layer. Choose a jam with bright acidity (e.g., raspberry) to balance the ham’s saltiness; avoid overly sweet preserves that may overpower the savory profile.
Assemble & Toast (Optional): Close the sandwich by placing a second buttered baguette slice on top of the jam. For extra crispness and melted butter richness, lightly toast the entire sandwich in a toaster for 1–2 minutes or pan-fry on low heat for 30 seconds per side until golden.
Serve: Cut diagonally into two halves and enjoy immediately. The crusty exterior gives way to a creamy, layered interior—ideal for a light meal, post-workout bite, or elegant appetizer.
Pro Tips
Ham Variations: Smoked ham adds depth; prosciutto or Serrano (unsmoked) offer delicate saltiness. For a vegan twist, substitute smoked tofu or marinated mushrooms for plant-based protein.
Baguette Hack: For a softer texture, brush the exterior with melted butter before toasting, creating a glossy, golden finish.
Jam Pairing: Fig jam introduces earthy sweetness, while peach jam lends a juicy, summery note. Seedless options ensure a smooth mouthfeel.
Timing: This recipe thrives on speed—10 minutes from start to finish, making it perfect for busy schedules or impromptu gatherings.
Final Note
While "jambon-beurre" remains timeless, this ham-jam-sam (as the adventurous might nickname it) is a love letter to balanced flavor. Its complexity lies in minimalism: butter’s creaminess, ham’s saltiness, jam’s sweetness, and mustard’s tang—all elevated by a sprinkle of pepper. Whether enjoyed solo or shared, it’s proof that culinary magic need not be complicated.
Bon appétit!