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:
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
