Elevate your classic comfort food with this incredible grilled ham and cheese sandwich featuring the delightful addition of sweet fig jam and savory grilled onions. This recipe combines salty ham, nutty Swiss cheese, and the unique sweetness of fig jam for an unforgettable flavor experience. Easy to prepare by first caramelizing onions and then carefully grilling the assembled sandwich, this dish promises a gourmet twist that will quickly become one of your go-to favorites.
The ingredients for the grilled ham and cheese
I used a ham off the bone lunchmeat by Kretchmar and shredded Swiss cheese for this recipe. I buy the Swiss cheese and shred it by hand. This is because bags of cheese already shredded have a coating put on the cheese to keep it from clumping. The fig jam was purchased at Whole Foods. Whole Foods has a variety of fig jams. I just purchased the cheapest jam they had and it was wonderful. The bread is up to you. I suggest a hearty bread that will stand up to the grilling. I have tried a few different types such as wheat, a thick white bread, Italian, and a nice seeded bread. The one that I liked the best was a flavorful rye. I just added a special something to the sandwich. I used a white bread for the picture.
Grilling the onions
Add 2 tablespoons of butter and the sliced onion to a skillet. Cook on medium heat until golden brown. Stir occasionally. This should only take about 20 minutes.
Making the ham and cheese
Melt the other 2 tablespoons of butter and brush on one side of 4 pieces of bread. Set aside. This will be the top piece of bread. This is a good time to also warm up the ham. Warming up the ham ahead of time helps the cooking process. If the ham needs to be heated from the skillet, then the bread may get too brown or the cheese may not melt.
Next, place two tablespoons of butter in a skillet over medium to medium-high heat. Make sure the butter melts and spreads over the bottom of the whole skillet. Spread 2-3 tablespoons of fig jam over one side of the beard that does not have the butter on it. Add as much grilled onion as you would like next. Place the piece of bread jam side up in the skillet. Then layer three slices of warm ham on the fig jam, (see picture above) add the cheese, and add the bread that has butter spread on it. Butter side up.
Check the bottom piece to see if it is golden brown. Carefully, turn the sandwich over to brown the other side. If the other side gets brown before the cheese melts, place the sandwich in your oven to finish the melting. Around 350 degrees F for 3-4 minutes should do it. Make sure to keep an eye on it while it is in the oven though.
Try my apple Swiss salad with cashews to go with the grilled ham and cheese! You can also add my Quick Pickled Red Onions to your sandwich!
Also, please visit my sides and salads page for more ideas!
FAQ’s
Absolutely! While Swiss and fig jam are highly recommended for their perfect combination, the recipe encourages customization. You can easily substitute with cheddar and apricot jam, or try brie with a berry jam for different flavor profiles.
Warming the ham slightly before assembling the sandwich is highly recommended. It helps ensure the ham is heated through more evenly during the grilling process, preventing the bread from over-browning while waiting for the ham to warm up.
A hearty bread that can stand up to grilling is ideal. While various types like wheat, thick white, Italian, or seeded bread can work, a flavorful rye is noted as the favorite for adding a special touch to the sandwich.
If your bread browns before the cheese fully melts, don’t worry! Carefully transfer the sandwich to an oven preheated to about 350°F for 3-4 minutes. Keep a close eye on it to finish melting the cheese without burning the bread.
While the grilled onions add a crucial layer of savory sweetness and are highly recommended for the full “elevated” experience, you could technically omit them if time is short or if you prefer a simpler sandwich. However, they significantly enhance the flavor combination.
Grilled Ham and Cheese with Fig Jam
Ingredients
- 6 tablespoons of room temperature butter divided
- 1 medium onion sliced
- 1 pound of warm sliced ham about 12 slices
- ½ pound of swiss cheese sliced or shredded
- ¾ cup of fig jam
- 8 slices of a bread of your choice
Instructions
- Place 2 tablespoons of butter and the sliced onions is a skillet over medium heat. Cook until golden brown. About 20 minutes
- Place 2 tablespoons of butter in a skillet over medium to medium-high heat. Make sure the butter melts over the bottom of the whole skillet.
- Melt the other 2 tablespoons of butter and brush on one side of 4 pieces of bread. Set aside. This will be the top piece of bread.
- Spread 2-3 tablespoons of fig jam over one side of the beard that does not have the butter on it. Add as much grilled onion as you would like next. Place the piece of bread jam side up in the skillet with melted butter.
- Layer three slices of warm ham on the fig jam. Then add the cheese. Then add the bread that has butter spread on it. Butter side up.
- Check the bottom piece to see if it is golden brown. Turn the sandwich over to brown the other side.
- If the other side gets brown before the cheese melts, place the sandwich in your oven to finish the melting.
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