Savory Sweet Grilled Ham, Cheese, and Pear Delight
Elevate your lunch experience with this delightful savory-sweet grilled ham and cheese sandwich featuring juicy fresh pears! This unexpected combination of flavors brings together the richness of baby Swiss cheese, the salty essence of thinly shaved ham, and the natural sweetness of ripe pears. Topped off with a hint of brown sugar, honey, and warm spices, it's a scrumptious twist that you won't believe until you try it. Perfect for brunch, lunch, or a cozy snack, this sandwich promises to tickle your taste buds and leave you craving more.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
whole grain mustard
1 (tablespoon)
mayonnaise
1/2 (teaspoon)
brown sugar
1 (teaspoon)
honey
1/2 (teaspoon)
cinnamon
1 (pinch)
nutmeg
1 (pinch)
fresh pear
1 (cored, skinned, and thinly sliced)
thinly shaved ham
4 (ounces)
baby Swiss cheese
4 (slices)
rye bread or whole grain wheat bread
4 (pieces)
soft butter
1 (tablespoon)
Instructions
1
In a small bowl, whisk together the whole grain mustard, mayonnaise, brown sugar, honey, cinnamon, and nutmeg until well combined.
2
Spread the mustard-mayo mixture evenly on one side of each slice of rye or whole grain wheat bread.
3
Assemble the sandwiches by placing two slices of bread, mustard-mayo side up, on a clean surface.
4
Layer each sandwich with the following ingredients in order: a slice of baby Swiss cheese, a generous layer of shaved ham, a layer of thinly sliced fresh pear, and then another slice of baby Swiss cheese.
5
Top off each sandwich with the remaining slices of bread, mustard-mayo side down.
6
Carefully spread soft butter on the outside of each sandwich.
7
Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium heat and place the sandwiches in the pan.
8
Grill each side for 2-3 minutes or until golden brown and the cheese is melted.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes the Savory Sweet Grilled Ham, Cheese, and Pear Delight unique?
This sandwich is unique because it combines salty shaved ham and baby Swiss cheese with fresh sliced pears and a special sweet-savory spread made with mustard, honey, and warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg.
What kind of bread is best for this grilled sandwich?
The recipe recommends using rye bread or whole grain wheat bread to provide a sturdy base and a hearty flavor that complements the sweet pear and savory ham.
Which type of cheese is used in this recipe?
The recipe specifically calls for baby Swiss cheese, which is known for its mild, buttery flavor and excellent melting properties.
How do I prepare the pears for the sandwich?
The fresh pears should be cored, skinned, and then thinly sliced to ensure they fit well within the layers of the sandwich.
What is in the special sauce spread?
The spread is a mixture of whole grain mustard, mayonnaise, brown sugar, honey, a pinch of cinnamon, and a pinch of nutmeg.
Can I use a different type of mustard?
While whole grain mustard is recommended for its texture and depth, you can substitute it with Dijon mustard for a smoother, sharper taste.
How long does it take to cook the sandwich?
Each side of the sandwich should be grilled for approximately 2 to 3 minutes over medium heat, or until the bread is golden brown and the cheese has melted.
Do I need to butter the bread?
Yes, you should spread soft butter on the outside of each sandwich before grilling to achieve a crispy, golden-brown crust.
What order should I layer the ingredients?
The suggested order is: a slice of baby Swiss, a layer of shaved ham, sliced pears, and then another slice of baby Swiss.
Is this sandwich suitable for brunch?
Absolutely! Its combination of sweet fruit, warm spices, and savory meat makes it a perfect choice for brunch, lunch, or a cozy snack.
Can I use turkey instead of ham?
Yes, thinly shaved turkey would be a great alternative if you prefer it over ham, as it also pairs well with pear and Swiss cheese.
What kind of pear should I buy?
Any ripe but firm pear like Bosc, Anjou, or Bartlett will work well for this recipe.
Why are cinnamon and nutmeg included?
The cinnamon and nutmeg provide a hint of warmth that enhances the natural sweetness of the pear, giving the sandwich its signature 'delight' flavor.
Can I use a panini press?
Yes, a panini press can be used instead of a skillet. It will provide even heating and those classic grill marks.
Is the pear supposed to be cooked before putting it in the sandwich?
No, the pear is sliced fresh and placed directly in the sandwich; it softens slightly during the grilling process.
Can I make this sandwich vegetarian?
Yes, simply omit the ham. The combination of pear, cheese, and the spiced mustard spread is delicious on its own.
How many sandwiches does this recipe make?
Based on the 4 slices of bread and 4 ounces of ham, this recipe makes 2 full sandwiches.
Can I use maple syrup instead of honey?
Yes, maple syrup is a suitable substitute for honey in the sauce and will add a slightly different but delicious sweet note.
What should I serve with this sandwich?
It pairs wonderfully with a light side salad, a cup of tomato soup, or even some simple potato chips.
Should I use salted or unsalted butter?
Either will work, but salted butter can add an extra savory touch to the golden crust.
How do I prevent the bread from burning?
Keep the heat at medium or medium-low. This allows the cheese to melt fully without the bread getting too dark too quickly.
Can I leave the skin on the pears?
The recipe suggests skinning them for a softer texture, but you can leave the skin on if you prefer a bit more fiber and rusticity.
Is this a good recipe for kids?
Yes, children often enjoy the sweet and salty combination, though you may want to adjust the amount of mustard based on their preference.
Can I prepare the mustard-mayo mixture in advance?
Yes, you can whisk the sauce ingredients together and store them in the refrigerator for a day or two before making the sandwiches.
What if I don't have baby Swiss cheese?
Regular Swiss, Gruyère, or even a mild Provolone make excellent substitutes.
Is the brown sugar necessary?
The brown sugar helps caramelize the flavors and balances the acidity of the mustard, but you can reduce the amount if you prefer a less sweet sandwich.
Can I use apples instead of pears?
Yes, thinly sliced apples (like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith) would provide a similar sweet and crunchy contrast to the ham and cheese.
How do I store leftovers?
Grilled sandwiches are best eaten fresh, but you can store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and reheat them in a toaster oven to maintain crispness.
Does the honey make the sandwich sticky?
No, because the honey is mixed into the mustard and mayo spread on the inside of the bread, it stays contained within the sandwich.
Is this recipe considered a comfort food?
Yes, the combination of warm melted cheese, toasted bread, and savory ham makes it a classic comfort food with a sophisticated twist.