French Sandwich

Picture a warm, golden-brown French sandwich, its aroma filling your kitchen with the comforting scent of melted cheese and savory ham.

This easy-to-make delight brings a sense of cozy indulgence, perfect for a quick lunch or a delightful snack.

As the buttered bread crisps in the skillet, the cheese gently melts, fusing with the mustard’s tang and the ham’s savory notes.

Let’s bring this delicious creation to life!

Kitchen Tools Required

• 1 skillet or frying pan
• 1 spatula
• 1 butter knife
• 1 cutting board
• 1 bread knife

Ingredients

• 4 slices of bread
• 2 tablespoons of butter, softened
• 4 slices of ham
• 4 slices of cheese
• 2 teaspoons of Dijon mustard
• 2 teaspoons of mayonnaise
• 1 pinch of salt
• 1 pinch of black pepper

Cook & Prep Time

To manage your time efficiently while preparing and cooking the French Sandwich, follow this timeline:

1. Reading and Preparation (5 minutes)
   • Read through the entire recipe to familiarize yourself with the steps and gather all the necessary ingredients and equipment.
2. Prep Work (5 minutes)
   • Preheat the skillet over medium heat.
   • Spread butter on one side of each bread slice.
   • Prepare the cutting board by placing two slices of bread, buttered side down.
   • Spread Dijon mustard on the unbuttered side of the bread.
   • Layer the ham and cheese on each slice of bread.
   • Complete the sandwich assembly by topping with the remaining bread slices, buttered side up.
3. Cooking (5 minutes)
   • Carefully transfer the sandwiches to the preheated skillet.
   • Cook the sandwiches for 2-3 minutes on one side until golden brown.
   • Flip the sandwiches with a spatula and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes on the other side.
4. Final Touches (5 minutes)
   • Remove the sandwiches from the skillet and let them cool slightly on the cutting board.
   • Slice each sandwich in half with a bread knife.
   • Sprinkle with salt and black pepper before serving.

Adjust the timing as needed based on your pace and any additional garnishes you might want to add.

Recipe Instructions

Preheat the skillet over medium heat.

Spread butter on one side of each bread slice.

Place two slices of bread, buttered side down, on the cutting board.

Spread Dijon mustard evenly on the unbuttered side of the bread.

Layer 2 slices of ham and 2 slices of cheese on each piece of bread.

Top with the remaining bread slices, buttered side up.

Carefully transfer the sandwiches to the preheated skillet.

Cook for 2-3 minutes on one side or until golden brown.

Flip the sandwiches with a spatula and cook for another 2-3 minutes.

Remove from skillet and let cool slightly on the cutting board.

Slice each sandwich in half with a bread knife.

Serve immediately with a sprinkle of salt and black pepper.

Serving Tips

• Side Salad: A fresh green salad with vinaigrette pairs well with the sandwich, adding a light and invigorating contrast.
• French Fries: Classic and crispy, they complement the French sandwich perfectly, offering a satisfying crunch.
• Soup: A warm bowl of tomato or vegetable soup can make the meal more comforting and hearty.
• Pickles: Serve with a side of pickles for an extra tangy kick that enhances the flavors of the sandwich.
• Fruit Bowl: A mix of seasonal fruits provides a sweet and revitalizing finish to the meal.

Storage

To store French sandwiches, wrap them tightly in aluminum foil or plastic wrap.

Refrigerate for up to 2 days.

Reheat in a skillet for a crisp texture before serving.

Freezing

To freeze French sandwiches, individually wrap each in plastic wrap.

Then wrap them in aluminum foil.

Store the wrapped sandwiches in a freezer-safe bag.

When ready to eat, thaw the sandwiches in the refrigerator.

Reheat before serving.

Reheating

To reheat a French Sandwich, preheat a skillet over medium heat.

Cook each side for 2-3 minutes until warm.

Avoid microwaving to maintain crispiness.

Final Thoughts

The French Sandwich is a simple yet delicious option for lunch. With its quick preparation and cooking time, it makes for a convenient meal.

The combination of ham, cheese, Dijon mustard, and mayonnaise adds a rich and tangy flavor profile. Using a hearty bread enhances both the texture and taste.

For those who enjoy a little extra crunch, pressing the sandwich with a spatula while cooking is recommended. Adding pickles can introduce an additional tangy element.

This sandwich is best served immediately after cooking for peak taste and texture. Enjoy this classic French treat whenever you’re in need of a satisfying and quick meal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Substitute Other Types of Cheese for This Sandwich?

You can definitely substitute other cheeses. Consider using Gruyère for a nutty flavor or Brie for creaminess. Each cheese brings a unique taste and texture, so choose according to your preference to enhance the sandwich’s overall profile.

What Is the Best Type of Bread for a French Sandwich?

You should choose a bread that withstands the fillings, like sourdough or whole grain. These options offer a sturdy structure and rich flavor, ensuring your sandwich holds together while providing a satisfying, crunchy texture when grilled.

How Can I Make the Sandwich Gluten-Free?

To make the sandwich gluten-free, substitute regular bread with gluten-free bread. Verify all other ingredients, especially the mustard and mayonnaise, are labeled gluten-free. This modification retains flavor while catering to dietary needs effectively.

Are There Any Vegetarian Alternatives to Ham for This Recipe?

You can easily substitute ham with grilled vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini, or opt for plant-based deli slices. Use a flavorful cheese and add a dash of herbs for a satisfying, vegetarian-friendly alternative.

What Are Some Side Dishes That Pair Well With a French Sandwich?

You might consider pairing your sandwich with a fresh green salad, a bowl of French onion soup, or crispy sweet potato fries. These sides balance flavor and texture, complementing the richness of the sandwich perfectly.

French Sandwich

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 5 minutes mins

Total Time 15 minutes mins

Course Lunch

Cuisine French

Servings 2 servings

Equipment

• 1 Skillet or frying pan
• 1 Spatula
• 1 Butter knife
• 1 Cutting board
• 1 Bread Knife

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x

• 4 slice bread
• 2 tablespoon butter softened
• 4 slice ham
• 4 slice cheese
• 2 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 2 teaspoon mayonnaise
• 1 pinch salt
• 1 pinch black pepper

Instructions

 

• Preheat the skillet over medium heat.
• Spread butter on one side of each bread slice.
• Place two slices of bread, buttered side down, on the cutting board.
• Spread Dijon mustard evenly on the unbuttered side of the bread.
• Layer 2 slices of ham and 2 slices of cheese on each piece of bread.
• Top with the remaining bread slices, buttered side up.
• Carefully transfer the sandwiches to the preheated skillet.
• Cook for 2-3 minutes on one side or until golden brown.
• Flip the sandwiches with a spatula and cook for another 2-3 minutes.
• Remove from skillet and let cool slightly on the cutting board.
• Slice each sandwich in half with a bread knife.
• Serve immediately with a sprinkle of salt and black pepper.

Notes

For an extra crispy sandwich, press down with the spatula while grilling to ensure even contact with the pan. Choose a hearty bread that can hold up to the fillings, like sourdough or whole grain, for added texture and flavor. If you enjoy a bit of tang, add a few slices of pickles inside the sandwich before grilling.

Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

Cynthia Weatherford

Cynthia Weatherford is a seasoned chef and culinary enthusiast who serves as the Recipe creator of Somonday. With decades of experience in the kitchen and a passion for exploring diverse cuisines, Cynthia brings a blend of creativity and technique to every dish. Known for transforming simple ingredients into show-stopping meals, Cynthia believes that cooking is an art form anyone can master. Dedicated to inspiring home cooks, Cynthia shares approachable recipes, pro tips, and culinary wisdom to make every meal memorable.