Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Ultimate Grilled Ham and Cheddar Delight?
It is an elevated grilled cheese sandwich featuring layers of savory smoked ham, sharp white cheddar cheese, and a unique zesty sauce blend on sourdough bread.
What type of bread is best for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 8 large thick slices of sourdough bread, specifically cut diagonally at about 1/2-inch thickness.
Which cheese is used in this sandwich?
Sharp white cheddar cheese is used for its bold flavor and excellent melting properties.
What kind of ham should I purchase?
You should use 4 slices of smoked ham, halved and cut to approximately 1/4-inch thickness.
How do I make the special zesty sauce?
Combine mayonnaise, steak sauce, Worcestershire sauce, dry mustard, and a pinch of cayenne pepper in a small bowl.
What are the ingredients in the mayonnaise mixture?
The mixture consists of 1/2 cup mayonnaise, 2 teaspoons steak sauce, 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce, 1/2 teaspoon dry mustard, and a pinch of cayenne.
How should the red onion be prepared?
The red onion should be sliced paper thin to ensure it softens slightly and integrates well with the other layers.
Do I need to melt the butter?
Yes, the recipe specifies using 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter that has been melted for brushing onto the bread.
Is grainy mustard used in this recipe?
Yes, 1/4 cup of grainy mustard is spread directly onto one side of the sourdough slices.
What is the first step of the instructions?
The first step is to mix the mayonnaise, steak sauce, Worcestershire sauce, dry mustard, and cayenne pepper in a small bowl.
How do I assemble the bottom half of the sandwich?
Spread grainy mustard on a bread slice, then layer the red onion, halved smoked ham, and thin slices of sharp white cheddar.
Where does the mayonnaise mixture go?
The mayonnaise mixture is spread over the remaining 4 slices of bread, which are then placed mayonnaise side down on the sandwiches.
How do I apply the butter?
Generously brush both the top and bottom exterior sides of each assembled sandwich with the melted unsalted butter.
What type of skillet should I use?
A large skillet heated over medium heat is recommended to accommodate the sandwiches.
How long does it take to cook the sandwiches?
Fry the sandwiches for approximately 3 minutes on each side.
How many times should I flip the sandwich?
The instructions recommend turning the sandwich once during the cooking process.
How do I know when the sandwich is ready?
The sandwich is done when the bread is golden brown on both sides and the cheese has completely melted.
Should I slice the sandwich before serving?
Yes, you can slice the sandwiches in half if desired and serve them while they are still hot.
What are some recommended side dishes?
This sandwich pairs perfectly with pickles or your favorite bowl of soup.
Is this recipe suitable for lunch?
Yes, it is described as a perfect and satisfying lunch choice for both kids and adults.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are a total of 11 ingredients used to create this sandwich.
Can I use salted butter instead?
While the recipe calls for unsalted butter, you could use salted, though it may alter the overall sodium balance of the savory ham and cheese.
Is the sandwich spicy?
It has a slight zesty kick from the pinch of cayenne pepper and the dry mustard, but it is generally considered a comfort food.
What makes the exterior of the bread crispy?
Brushing the bread with melted butter and frying it over medium heat creates the signature crispy, golden-brown crust.
Can I make this sandwich in advance?
It is best served hot and fresh from the skillet to maintain the meltiness of the cheese and the crispiness of the bread.
How many sandwiches does this recipe yield?
Using 8 slices of sourdough bread, this recipe makes 4 full sandwiches.
What role does the Worcestershire sauce play?
It adds a savory, umami depth to the mayonnaise-based sauce blend.
Can I swap the white cheddar for another cheese?
While sharp white cheddar is recommended for its specific flavor, other good melting cheeses like Swiss or Provolone could be used as substitutes.
What is the texture of the finished sandwich?
The sandwich is buttery and crispy on the outside while being melty and savory on the inside.
Are there any specific tags for this recipe?
Tags include sandwich, lunch, grilled cheese, ham and cheese, sourdough, comfort food, and easy recipe.