Yesterday I made what was quite possibly the best sandwich I’ve ever had. EVER.
Was it because it was a grilled cheese? Was it because I just worked out and was starving? Was it because I sat down and ate in the only 20 minutes of silence I had all day? Was it because I used leftover Christmas ham, homemade peach preserves and rich brioche bread? I think it was a combination of all four but I’m pretty sure the majority of its success laid in the ingredient list.
Really and truly this sandwich was unbelievable. So good, in fact, I texted my brother about it after just a few bites and I quote, “I just made a grilled cheese with the leftover ham from yesterday with my homemade peach jam. It was so good I almost cried.” Take it for what it’s worth but this might be the best use of leftover ham ever. Period.
Ham is pretty traditional in my family for Christmas dinner. I hosted this year and baked the ham with a simple mixture of dried mustard powder, homemade peach preserves, and a little brown sugar. I just love how the sweetness plays off the saltiness of the ham. So when I went to make a sandwich for lunch today I decided to go with the same idea. I mixed a few tablespoons of peach jam with a tablespoon of dijon mustard- which in itself is a masterpiece.
But then I decided to use the last few pieces of brioche bread that we’ve been toasting all week for breakfast. Have you ever had brioche? It’s eggy, rich, slightly sweet and makes a killer grilled cheese. Who knew?
For the cheese, I went with grated Jarlsberg. The nutty swiss is always in our fridge. This mild cheese was the perfect compliment to the ham and dijon-peach spread.
I savored every last bite of this sandwich. In silence. After a great workout. It was without a doubt the best part of my day.
Please go make this sandwich and share it with someone you love. Grilled cheeses do make the world a better place. I’m sure of it.
Grilled Ham and Jarlsberg on Brioche
Ingredients
- 2 slices brioche bread, 1/2 inch thick
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 2 teaspoons dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon peach preserves, preferably homemade
- 1/4 cup grated jarlsberg cheese
- 2-3 slices leftover spiral cut ham
Directions:
Heat a medium size pan over medium heat. In a small bowl, combine dijon mustard and peach preserves. Stir well until completely combined; set aside. Divide butter evenly among the two slices of brioche, buttering just the bottom sides. Place the brioche butter side down on warm pan. Divide the honey-dijon mixture among the two slices of brioche and spread evenly. Top each slice of bread with half of the jarlsberg. Turn heat to low and cover until cheese melts and bottom of bread is nicely browned. Add ham slices to one slice of bread and top with other piece of brioche. Remove from heat, cut in half and enjoy. It will be the best sandwich you’ve ever eaten.
Welcome to my kitchen! I'm a personal chef, wife and mama of two young boys. I Love butter, snowboarding and laughing out loud.
We had ham for dinner too…and I made vegetable tortellini soup for the non-meat eaters:) We have leftovers and I am sure Josh would love this sammy!
Maria- you MUST make it for him. It was so good neither Pete or I can stop talking about it! I need to get you some of my peach jam!!
Was it because you are lucky enough to live in ski country & you can eat this stuff all the time?? I dunno, but it sounds AMAZING!
Ha! That might be part of it too. I AM lucky to live here and burn all the calories I do because I do LOVE to eat like this!
I don’t think I’ve ever seen brioche in the store. I’ll have to look harder. The sandwich looks amazing!
I found the brioche at Whole Foods in Park City. I hadn’t seen it before so I think it’s a seasonal thing. This would be good on just about anything. It’s ALL about the peach preserves.
omg sounds so amazing!!
I am certain this would become an instant flavor in my house. Melted, cheese with a little sweet and a little savory. Oh yeah, that sounds to-die-for.
Yum- yes please! And how cute is that petite brioche loaf??
I found the brioche at Whole Foods. It’s so rich, the petite loaf was the perfect size!
I don’t think that there is a better sandwich than this. Wow!
Jarlsberg is my all-time favorite cheese to grill!! (Plus it makes me think of The Devil Wears Prada!)
I don’t know the reference to Devil Wears Prada, do tell! It’s my favorite too!!
This might sound like a random part of the movie to remember, haha, but Andy´s chef boyfriend Nate makes her grilled cheese and she says she doesn´t have an appetite for it and he comes and grabs it and says there is (I forget how many dollars) worth of Jarlsberg in it!
Aha! I do remember. Such a cute film. Good ears girl!
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There’s nothing like a classic ham and cheese!!