Toasted Ham and Cheese Ciabatta

When it comes to satisfying brunch, lunch or even a snack, few things beat the irresistible combination of ham and cheese nestled between two slices of toasted ciabatta bread. This simple yet delicious sandwich is a favourite among many for its comforting flavours and versatility. This simple recipe is all about creatin your own mouth-watering toasted ham and cheese ciabatta, along with ideas to customize it to your liking.

First, let’s gather our ingredients:

Ingredients:

• Ciabatta bread (sliced)

• Sliced ham (choose your favourite variety)

• Cheese slices (cheddar, Swiss, or provolone work well)

• Dijon mustard (optional)

• Mayonnaise (optional)

• Butter or olive oil for toasting

Additional Ingredients for Variation:

• Greens: Add a layer of fresh arugula, spinach, or crisp lettuce for added texture and freshness.

• Pickles: Thinly sliced dill pickles or pickled onions can provide a tangy contrast to the richness of the ham and cheese.

• Tomatoes: Sliced ripe tomatoes can add juiciness and a burst of flavour to your sandwich.

• Avocado: Creamy avocado slices can elevate the sandwich with their buttery texture and subtle flavour.

• Red onions: Thinly sliced red onions can provide a sharp, savoury kick to balance the richness of the ham and cheese.

• Herbs: Sprinkle fresh herbs like basil or thyme for an aromatic boost.

Equipment:

Frying pan or grill pan

Spatula

Sandwich press or panini press (optional)

Now, let’s assemble our sandwich:

• If using, spread Dijon mustard or mayonnaise on one or both slices of ciabatta bread for added flavour.

• Layer slices of ham and cheese on one slice of ciabatta.

• Add any additional ingredients such as greens, pickles, tomatoes, avocado, or red onions according to your preference.

• Top with the remaining slice of ciabatta.

• Heat a frying pan or grill pan over medium heat and add a small amount of butter or olive oil.

• Place the assembled sandwich in the pan and cook until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted, about 2-3 minutes per side.

• If using a sandwich press or panini press, preheat according to the manufacturer’s instructions and cook the sandwich until toasted and heated through.

Once your ham and cheese toasted ciabatta is ready, serve it hot and enjoy the melty goodness of the cheese, the savoury ham, and the crusty ciabatta bread. Experiment with different variations and ingredients to create your own signature sandwich masterpiece. Whether enjoyed as a quick lunch or a satisfying dinner, this classic combination is sure to please your taste buds every time.

Toasted Ham and Cheese Ciabatta

Enjoy your delicious homemade ham and cheese toasted ciabatta with your favourite sides or as a standalone meal. Experiment with different variations and ingredients to customize it to your taste preferences. I’ve listed a few of my own but recommend the avocado.

4.81 from 52 votes

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Course: Brunch, Main Dish, Snacks

Cuisine: Italian

Keyword: Cheddar, Ciabata, Ham, Toasted Ham and Cheese Ciabata, Vegetables

Prep Time: 10 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 5 minutes minutes

Total Time: 15 minutes minutes

Servings: 2 People

Calories: 1018kcal

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Ingredients

 

• 1 large ciabatta loaf sliced horizontally
• 8 slices ham
• 4 slices cheddar cheese Swiss or provolone)
• Dijon mustard optional
• mayonnaise optional
• olive oil for toasting
• greens arugula, spinach, or lettuce
• pickles dill pickles or pickled onions
• tomatoes sliced
• 1/2 medium avocado sliced
• 1/2 medium red onion thinly sliced
• Fresh herbs basil, thyme

Instructions

• If using, spread Dijon mustard or mayonnaise on one or both slices of ciabatta bread.
  Dijon mustard, mayonnaise
• Layer slices of ham and cheese on one slice of ciabatta.
  1 large ciabatta loaf, 8 slices ham, 4 slices cheddar cheese
• Add any additional ingredients such as greens, pickles, tomatoes, avocado, red onions or herbs according to preference.
  greens, pickles, tomatoes, 1/2 medium avocado, 1/2 medium red onion, Fresh herbs
• Top with the remaining slice of ciabatta to form a sandwich.
• Heat a frying pan or grill pan over medium heat and add a small amount of butter or olive oil.
  olive oil
• Place the assembled sandwich in the pan and cook until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted, about 2-3 minutes per side.
• If using a sandwich press or panini press, preheat according to the manufacturer’s instructions and cook the sandwich until toasted and heated through.
• Once cooked, remove the sandwich from the pan or press and let it cool slightly before serving.
• Slice the sandwich in half if desired and serve hot.

Nutrition

Calories: 1018kcal | Carbohydrates: 113g | Protein: 53g | Fat: 39g | Saturated Fat: 15g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 16g | Cholesterol: 103mg | Sodium: 2659mg | Potassium: 630mg | Fiber: 6g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 415IU | Vitamin C: 7mg | Calcium: 261mg | Iron: 1mg