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Ham and Swiss Grilled Cheese with Zesty Mayo Recipe

Ham and Swiss Grilled Cheese with Zesty Mayo Recipe turns a classic sandwich into grilled cheese magic! OMG. Swiss grilled cheese sandwiches are my favorite. Today’s Ham and Swiss sandwich is made with sourdough bread, two varieties of cheese, and organic sliced ham. We take it up a notch by zesting our grilled cheese with mayo.  

Ham and Swiss Grilled Cheese with Zesty Mayo Recipe turns a classic into grilled cheese magic! by cookingwithruthie.com

Why we love Ham and Swiss Grilled Cheese with Zesty Mayo Recipe

I like to make grilled cheese sandwiches using a high quality fat, like organic butter or olive oil, and a quick pan fry over high heat. I think if they’re made right, with a small amount of good quality fat and nutritious ingredients, and without adding a huge calorie punch during the grilling. I consider it “healthier”!

Ham and Swiss Grilled Cheese with Zesty Mayo Recipe turns a classic into grilled cheese magic! by cookingwithruthie.com

How to make Ham and Swiss Grilled Cheese with Zesty Mayo Recipe

  • Preheat large skillet coated with cooking spray over medium heat.
  • Spread 1/4 of butter on two sides of bread, place butter side down on skillet.
  • In small mixing bowl combine mayonnaise, horseradish, and sea salt; stir to combine.
  • Layer provolone and swiss cheese, half of the zesty mayonnaise, half of sliced ham on each slice of bread on skillet.
  • Spread remaining butter on remaining pieces of bread, place butter side up on sandwiches.
  • Cook approximately 2-3 minutes until crispy and browned, carefully turn sandwiches over, repeat.
  • If cheese has not completely melted, cover with lid, reduce heat to low and cook 2 minutes or until cheese melts and sandwich is warmed through.
  • Slice in half and serve.
  • Enjoy your Ham and Swiss Grilled Cheese with Zesty Mayo Recipe!

Ham and Swiss Grilled Cheese with Zesty Mayo Recipe turns a classic into grilled cheese magic! by cookingwithruthie.com

History of the Grilled Ham and Cheese Sandwich

  • Sandwiches have been around for hundreds of years with the Ham and Swiss seeming to originate from in a café on the Boulevard de Capucines in Paris in 1910.
  • The Croque-Monsieur is essentially a grilled ham and cheese sandwich. Since it’s a French grilled sandwich, its made with lean ham, Gruyere or Emmental cheese, and then it’s pan fried like grilled cheese and covered in a warm béchamel sauce. Delicieux!
  • French for Crusty or Crispy Mister, depending on whom you ask, it’s a sandwich famous for its variants, as well as its originality. With added tomato, it is the Croque-Provencal, and with mustard and topped with a fried egg, it is a Croque-Madame.
  • Other versions substitute ingredients with delightful results, including the Croque Auvergnat, which replaces the mild cheese with a Bleu, and the Croque Norvegien, which uses salmon in place of the ham.

Ham and Swiss Grilled Cheese with Zesty Mayo Recipe turns a classic into grilled cheese magic! by cookingwithruthie.com

The History of the Sandwich; John Montagu, the Earl of Sandwich  

  • The bread-enclosed convenience food known as the “sandwich” is attributed to John Montagu, fourth Earl of Sandwich (1718-1792), a British statesman and notorious profligate and gambler, who is said to be the inventor of this type of food so that he would not have to leave his gaming table to take supper.
  • In fact, Montague was not the inventor of the sandwich; rather, during his excursions in the Eastern Mediterranean, he saw grilled pita breads and small canapes and sandwiches served by the Greeks and Turks during their mezes, and copied the concept for its obvious convenience.
  • There is no doubt, however, that the Earl of Sandwich made this type of light repast popular among England’s gentry, and in this way, his title has been associated with the sandwich ever since.

Ham and Swiss Grilled Cheese with Zesty Mayo Recipe turns a classic into grilled cheese magic! by cookingwithruthie.com

The Blossoming of the Sandwich!

  • Thus the sandwich became a fixture of intimate evening suppers, teas, and picnics, and popular fare for taverns and inns. This latter genre of sandwich has given rise to multitudes of working class creations.
  • During the early years of the railroad, sandwiches proved an ideal form of fast food, especially since they could be sold at train stations when everyone got off to buy snacks.
  • During the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries the sandwich came into its own, especially as a response to the Temperance Movement. Taverns and saloons offered free sandwiches with drinks in order to attract customers.”
  • READ MOREEncyclopedia of Food and Culture, Solomon H. Katz, editor, William Woys Weaver, associate editor [Charles Scribner’s Sons:New York] 2003, Volume 3 (p. 235-6)Originating in a café on the Boulevard de Capucines in Paris in 1910 
Yield: 2

Ham and Swiss Grilled Cheese with Zesty Mayo Recipe

Ham and Swiss Grilled Cheese with Zesty Mayo Recipe turns a classic into grilled cheese magic! by cookingwithruthie.com

Ham and Swiss Grilled Cheese with Zesty Mayo Recipe turns a classic sandwich into grilled cheese magic!

Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes

Ingredients

  • 4 pieces sourdough bread
  • 8 slices organic ham sandwich meat
  • 4 slices light swiss cheese
  • 2 slices provolone cheese
  • 1/8 cup olive oil mayonnaise
  • 1/2 teaspoon horseradish
  • 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
  • 1-2 tablespoons butter

Instructions

  1. Preheat large skillet coated with cooking spray over medium heat.
  1. Spread 1/4 of butter on two sides of bread, place butter side down on skillet.
  2. In small mixing bowl combine mayonnaise, horseradish, and sea salt; stir to combine.
  3. Layer provolone and swiss cheese, half of the zesty mayonnaise, half of sliced ham on each slice of bread on skillet.
  4. Spread remaining butter on remaining pieces of bread, place butter side up on sandwiches.
  5. Cook approximately 2-3 minutes until crispy and browned, carefully turn sandwiches over, repeat.
  6. If cheese has not completely melted, cover with lid, reduce heat to low and cook 2 minutes or until cheese melts and sandwich is warmed through.
  7. Slice in half and serve.
  8. Enjoy your Ham and Swiss Grilled Cheese with Zesty Mayo Recipe!

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

2

Serving Size:

1

Amount Per Serving: Calories: 675Total Fat: 26gSaturated Fat: 11gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 11gCholesterol: 85mgSodium: 2301mgCarbohydrates: 69gFiber: 3gSugar: 7gProtein: 42g

More Grilled Cheese Recipes

Be sure to put our Ham and Swiss Grilled Cheese with Zesty Mayo Recipe on your menu! 

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