These Fancy Grilled Cheese Sandwiches are grilled open face to toast the bread and melt the cheese but making it possible to top with lettuce at the end for texture.
Grilled Cheese Sandwiches are the coziest of comfort foods that evokes nostalgic early childhood memories from the smell of the bread browning in the butter to the taste of the strings of melted cheesy goodness.
I decided to share our favorite Loaded Sharp Cheddar and Black Forest Ham Grilled Cheese Sandwich.
We just happened to take a really good thing and give it one heck of an upgrade. It takes the iconic American Grilled Cheese Sandwich to a whole new level and just happens to be the most requested sandwich in our house.
Colt's been making this sandwich for the last few years as a lunch, quick weeknight staple or late night snack. It's filling enough alone, served with Homemade JoJo's or perfect with a bowl Tomato Soup.
You just can't go wrong however you serve it.
Bacon has become a newer addition to our sandwich because everything's better with bacon and is totally optional but it does add an incredible smokiness that can't be beat. We also started using a little mashed avocado instead of mayo for health reasons and we prefer the flavor. If onions or pepperoncini aren't your thing just leave them out.
The great thing about this sandwich is it can be customized however you like. You can never go wrong with a Loaded Grilled Cheese Sandwich.
To make the sandwiches you'll need:
- Butter
- Sliced Sourdough Bread or your favorite Bread
- Sliced Sharp Cheddar Cheese or your favorite Cheese
- Black Forest Ham or Leftover Ham
- Cooked Bacon
- Dijon Mustard
- Mashed Avocado
- Sliced Tomatoes
- Thinly Sliced Onion
- Sliced Pepperoncinis
- a hearty Lettuce like Romaine
On this occasion Colt had found a White Sharp Cheddar with Habanero we added for a little kick. We also will sometimes use pickled jalapeños instead of the pepperoncinis or in addition to.
I really find Sourdough Bread is one of the best breads for making Grilled Cheese Sandwiches but any thicker bread will do. We've also made these using Keto Bread for a low carb version that are also fantastic.
Other cheeses that go well with Grilled Cheese and Ham Sandwiches are Pepper Jack, Gruyere, and Fontina.
To make the Loaded Grilled Cheese Sandwich with Black Forest Ham smear one side of the bread with Mashed Avocado or Mayonnaise and the other half with Dijon Mustard.
On both sides of the bread add Sliced Cheddar to cover bread completely.
Then on one side of the bread top with Tomatoes and Bacon.
On the other side top with Black Forest Ham, Sliced Onion and Pepperoncinis.
To make these I like using my electric grill but a heavy duty pan works well.
If using an electric grill heat to 375 degrees for stovetop use medium heat, you might have to adjust the heat to be hot enough to crisp the bread but not burn it and melt the cheese.
Melt butter over hot grill or skillet.
Place each half on hot grill and cook until cheese is melted and bread is golden brown. Adjust temperature as needed to prevent burning.
Add lettuce to one side of bread and flip other half of sandwich carefully on top.
Remove from griddle and slice in half if desired.
In my opinion these make the best Grilled Cheese Sandwiches. The ham and toppings take these over the top.
Things to serve with Grilled Ham and Cheese:
Yield:
1
Grilled Cheese and Black Forest Ham Sandwich
The iconic Grilled Cheese Sandwich taken to a whole new level with this Loaded Sharp Cheddar and Black Forest Ham Grilled Cheese Sandwich.
Prep time: 8 MinCook time: 10 MinTotal time: 18 Min
Ingredients
- 2 Slices Sourdough Bread or Your Favorite Bread
- Dijon Mustard
- 1/2 whole Avocado, Mashed
- 4 Slices Sharp Cheddar Cheese or Cheese of Choosing
- 2 Slices Black Forest Ham
- 2 Slices Crisp Cooked Bacon
- 2 slices Tomato
- 1-2 slices Red Onion, Thinly Sliced (Optional)
- Pepperoncinis (Optional)
- Pickled Jalapeños if you like more heat (Optional)
- 2 tablespoons Butter For Greasing Griddle
- 1 leaf Romaine Lettuce
Instructions
- On one slice of bread spread dijon mustard and on the other side spread Mashed Avocado.
- On one side of bread layer cheese until covered, Tomato Slices and Bacon. On the other side of bread layer cheese until bread is covered, black forest ham, red onion, Pepperoncinis, and Pickled Jalapeños if using.
- Heat electric griddle to around 375 degrees or a heavy duty pan over medium heat until hot. Grease hot griddle or pan well with butter until melted.
- Place each slice of bread plain side down into butter and cook until cheese is melted and bread is golden brown. Adjust temperature as needed to prevent burning.
- Once bread is brown and cheese is melted add lettuce to one side of sandwich. Flip other side of sandwich on top.
- Remove from grill and slice in half if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Calories
1335.24Fat
85.8 gSat. Fat
40.69 gCarbs
86.81 gFiber
12.35 gNet carbs
74.48 gSugar
12.24 gProtein
59.32 gSodium
2620.2 mgCholesterol
218.28 mgCalories are estimated.
© 2015 Serena Bakes Simply From Scratch
15 comments
"Loaded" is an understatment. Wow. This grilled cheese is outrageous.
I want this sandwich now. Right now.
What a magnificent grilled cheese! So packed full of flavor and deliciousness!!!
What a combo!
I want to make this sandwich! I love the peppercinis on it! I love the whole thing!
This is definitely loaded!! Loaded with so many of my favorite ingredients too! yummm
You are not kidding when you say loaded. YUM>
WOW does that sandwich look good!! I need to go shopping!
Looks amazing!!!
Love the addition of the veggies to add a crisp, fresh contrast to the rich, gooey sammie!
This looks absolutely wonderful! Love the veggies and sharp cheddar!
Love this sandwich and love your photos!
This looks the perfect delicious sandwich. Loved it.
What a great looking sandwich. I love everything about it!
omgosh!! seriously....my stomach just growled!
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