Toasty Ham and Gruyere Open-Faced Sandwiches

Elevate your ham and cheese sandwich game with this toasty, melty, and ultra-flavorful recipe! Soft brioche buns are topped with rich Gruyere, thinly shaved ham, and fresh Roma tomatoes for a quick, warm, and satisfying meal. Perfect for lunch or a cozy dinner, these open-faced sandwiches will become a new favorite.

I’ve always loved a good ham and cheese, but once I discovered the magic of Gruyere with a toasted bun, there was no going back! This recipe takes an everyday sandwich to the next level, adding fresh tomatoes and a savory spread for an unforgettable bite.

Why You’ll Love These Toasty Ham and Gruyere Sandwiches

• Quick and Easy: Ready in minutes with either an air fryer or oven.
• Melty, Toasty Goodness: Perfectly toasted brioche, melted Gruyere, and warmed ham create a satisfying bite.
• Versatile Toppings: Customize with your favorite spread, onions, or even a bit of spicy hoagie relish for extra flavor.

Ingredients:

• Sandwich Base:
  • 4 soft, buttery buns (such as brioche with sesame seeds)
  • 450g (1 lb) shaved ham (e.g., Krakus Polish Ham)
  • 225g (½ lb) Gruyere cheese slices (or any soft white cheese)
  • 2–3 tbsp sandwich spread of your choice (mayonnaise, miracle whip, or sub sauce)
  • 2 Roma tomatoes, thinly sliced
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • Olive oil or Beano’s Sub Sauce for drizzling
• Optional Toppings:
  • Finely minced red onion
  • Hoagie spread or giardiniera for extra zing

Directions:

1. Preheat and Toast the Buns:
   • Split each bun and spread with your choice of sandwich spread.
   • Place in an air fryer preheated to 370°F (190°C) and toast for 2–3 minutes, or in an oven preheated to 375°F (190°C) until golden but not overly crisp.
2. Add Cheese and Melt:
   • Once toasted, top each bun with a slice of Gruyere cheese.
   • Return to the air fryer or oven and heat until the cheese has melted, about 2–3 minutes. Remove from heat when the cheese is bubbly.
3. Layer with Ham, Cheese, and Tomatoes:
   • Carefully add a layer of shaved ham to each bun and place a half slice of cheese on top.
   • Layer 2–3 thin tomato slices on top of each sandwich. Drizzle with olive oil or sub sauce, and season lightly with salt and black pepper.
4. Final Toast:
   • Place the sandwiches back in the air fryer at 390°F (200°C) and toast for 4–5 minutes, until everything is hot and the tomatoes have softened slightly.
   • For oven broiling, use the broil setting and watch closely until the tops are bubbly and golden.
5. Serve with Toppings:
   • Garnish with finely minced red onion and a scoop of hoagie spread or giardiniera if desired.

Notes:

• Air Fryer and Oven Tips: Cooking times vary, so check the sandwiches frequently to avoid over-toasting.
• Customizations: Try adding other toppings like pickled peppers or a slice of avocado for a unique twist.