Discover the ultimate comfort food for crisp autumn days: Open-Faced Hot Ham and Cheese Sandwiches featuring the rich flavor of Boar’s Head SmokeMaster™ Black Forest Ham. These smoky, melty, and irresistibly cheesy sandwiches are your go-to solution for a quick yet satisfying dinner, the star of any tailgate party, or a heartwarming meal to share with loved ones around the table this fall.
Embracing the Cozy Charms of Autumn
As the crispness of fall air settles in, I find myself fully embracing the seasonal shift. Summer, my dear friend, has officially bid us farewell until next year, and my mind is now filled with dreams of all things cozy. This means indulging in warm pumpkin spice lattes, embarking on delightful apple-picking adventures, marveling at the vibrant transformation of leaves, simmering hearty soups, and, of course, savoring these divine hot ham and cheese sandwiches.
While there’s undeniable magic in summer’s abundant harvest, autumn brings its own incredible bounty. From the earthy sweetness of squash to the crisp juiciness of apples, the jewel-toned allure of pomegranates, and the festive charm of pumpkins, this season offers an array of culinary delights. I’m particularly thrilled about my upcoming apple-picking excursion with the kids, a cherished tradition, and the annual quest to find the perfect pumpkins for Halloween celebrations.
Last year marked my very first experience with apple picking, and I absolutely adored every moment of it. The joy extended far beyond the orchard itself, as I spent countless hours baking comforting warm apple pies (always served with a scoop of ice cream – that’s a year-round rule in our house, sorry, hubs!), crafting homemade applesauce, and offering my children apple slices until they practically begged for a different snack. These memories underscore the deep connection between fall activities and the creation of heartwarming meals.
The Scent of Smoke: A Culinary Fascination
As the produce transitions and the vibrant colors of autumn unfold, so too does the weather. Here, the temperatures have begun their gentle descent, signaling the perfect time to start preparing nourishing soups, robust chilis, and comforting casseroles. I’ve already treated myself to my first pumpkin spice latte of the season and even invested in a new pair of boots, signaling my full embrace of fall. My “what to make this month” culinary calendar is roughly sketched out, and I can assure you, get ready for an array of deliciously soul-warming foods.
Foods that warm the soul hold a special place in my heart, and anything with a hint of smoke truly resonates with me. I have a profound appreciation for smoked dishes, and I’ve been contemplating investing in my own smoker sometime in the near future. Until that day arrives, I’ll happily continue to seek out and purchase exceptional smoked meats and dishes from local restaurants and grocery stores, savoring every savory bite.
It was during one of these culinary quests that I recently discovered Boar’s Head SmokeMaster™ Beechwood Smoked Black Forest Ham deli meat. This particular ham immediately caught my attention, promising a depth of flavor that only authentic smoking can provide. It’s naturally smoked with imported German beechwood, a testament to Boar’s Head’s commitment to quality and tradition. The meticulous care taken in the smoking process imparts a rich, smooth, and uniquely delicious taste to the ham, making it an ideal choice for elevating everyday meals into something extraordinary.
I had been harboring a persistent craving for a hot ham and cheese sandwich, and this premium ham seemed like the perfect foundation to satisfy it. I purchased a pound, determined to curb my craving and embark on a new flavor adventure, knowing my love for smoky notes would be well-rewarded.
Selecting the Perfect Cheeses: A Melty Harmony
While the deli counter attendant expertly sliced the Boar’s Head SmokeMaster Black Forest Ham, my gaze drifted to the refrigerated display case below, where the beautiful Butterkase cheese was patiently waiting. I had first encountered this delightful cheese a few months prior during a tasting event and instantly fell in love with its incredible creaminess and mild, buttery flavor. I knew, without a doubt, that it would be the perfect companion to the smoky ham, creating a harmonious balance of flavors and textures. I genuinely believe that smoky food and cheese are a match made in culinary heaven, and I never pass up an opportunity to pair them, or indeed, any food with a complementary cheese.
The inspiration for this specific open-faced creation struck a few weeks earlier when I attended a cooking demonstration. One of the highlights was a hot ham and cheese sandwich that left an unforgettable impression. I had been dreaming of recreating it ever since, and with the discovery of Boar’s Head’s exquisite smoked ham and the perfect Butterkase cheese, the time had finally arrived for me to craft my own version.
Building the Foundation: The Focaccia Bread
In that inspiring cooking class, the sandwich was served on focaccia bread, a detail that immediately resonated with me and became the starting point for my own recipe. The airy, olive-oil infused texture of focaccia provides a wonderful base, offering just enough substance without overwhelming the delicate flavors of the ham and cheese.
I selected a generous 12-inch long piece of focaccia bread. To ensure the perfect bread-to-filling ratio – I didn’t want the bread to be excessively thick, detracting from the deliciousness of the other ingredients – I carefully cut off the bottom third of the loaf, saving it for another culinary endeavor. Next, I sliced the remaining focaccia into three equal parts, and then each of those parts in half, resulting in six perfectly sized pieces, ready to be transformed into our open-faced masterpieces. Here’s a visual representation of the focaccia preparation:
Crafting the Signature Dijonnaise Spread
With my focaccia bread perfectly prepped, the next step was to create a flavorful dijon mustard and mayonnaise spread – our homemade dijonnaise. In a small bowl, I combined robust stone-ground dijon mustard with a touch of creamy mayonnaise, then added a hint of garlic powder and onion powder. This simple yet effective blend creates a tangy, savory, and aromatic layer that complements the smoky ham and rich cheeses beautifully, adding a depth of flavor that truly elevates the sandwich.
Before assembly, I preheated my oven to a steady 350 degrees Fahrenheit and lined a baking sheet with parchment paper, ensuring easy cleanup and preventing sticking. I then carefully flipped each piece of focaccia bread over, exposing the plain, unseasoned side. On this surface, I generously slathered our delicious mustard-mayo combination. Following this, I layered a slice of mild Swiss cheese onto each piece of bread, then carefully arranged three slices of the exquisite Boar’s Head SmokeMaster Black Forest Ham (which the deli attendant had thoughtfully cut into perfect sandwich slices). Finally, I topped the ham with a generous slice of the creamy Butterkase cheese, preparing them for their hot oven bath.
The Moment of Transformation: Baking to Perfection
Once assembled, the entire tray of open-faced sandwiches was carefully placed into the preheated oven. Just eight minutes later, my kitchen was enveloped in the most heavenly, smoky aromas, a true testament to the quality of the Boar’s Head ham and the bubbling cheeses. The anticipation was almost unbearable; I found myself practically salivating, eagerly awaiting the moment these golden, melty creations would emerge from the oven.
The moment they came out, perfectly golden and bubbling, it was clear these sandwiches were a triumph. The herbaceous notes of the focaccia bread and the vibrant, flavorful dijon spread created a symphony of tastes with the exquisite Boar’s Head SmokeMaster™ Beechwood Black Forest Ham. Each bite offered a delightful combination of smoky richness and ooey, gooey, perfectly melty cheeses. This was, without a doubt, the perfect sandwich. I can already envision serving these alongside a steaming bowl of soup on a chilly evening, wrapping them up to take to fall football games, or proudly featuring them on my tailgate party spread. Their versatility and irresistible flavor make them a staple for the autumn season.
An Easy, Satisfying, and Kid-Approved Meal
These open-faced hot ham and cheese sandwiches were not just delicious; they were cheesy, smoky, incredibly filling, and deeply satisfying. Beyond their fantastic flavor, their simplicity and quick preparation are significant advantages. With very minimal ingredients and a short cooking time, they are truly perfect for a speedy weeknight dinner, especially when time is of the essence. And for any parent, perhaps the biggest win of all: both of my children absolutely adored them! A meal that pleases everyone in the family is always a cause for celebration in my kitchen.
As the weather continues to turn chilly, what comforting dishes do you find yourself serving up? There’s a certain joy in creating and sharing meals that bring warmth and happiness during the cooler months, and these sandwiches definitely fit the bill.
Open Faced Hot Ham and Cheese Sandwiches
Prep Time: 5 mins
Cook Time: 8 mins
Total Time: 13 mins
Author: Strawberry Blondie Kitchen
Description: Smoky, melty and cheesy are what these Open Faced Hot Ham and Cheese Sandwiches are made of. They’re perfect for dinner, a tailgate or cozy fall meal to gather round the table with family.
Ingredients
- 1- 12 inch focaccia bread
- 1 pound Boar’s Head SmokeMaster™ Beechwood Black Forest Ham
- 6 slices Swiss cheese
- 8 ounces Boar’s Head Butterkase Cheese, cut into 6 slices. (I cut mine into 8 and saved the other 2 slices for snacking)
- For the Stone Ground Dijonnaise
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 4 tablespoons stone ground dijon mustard
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
- Cut 1/3 of the bottom of the focaccia bread off and save for another use.
- Cut bread into 3 equal parts and then cut each part into halves so you have 6 equal pieces.
- Spread 1 tablespoon of dijonnaise on each slice of bread (recipe follows).
- Top each piece of bread with 1 slice of Swiss cheese, 3 slices of ham and 1 piece of ButterKase Cheese.
- Place on parchment lined baking sheet and bake for 8 minutes.
- Serve with chips, soup or cut each piece into quarters for an appetizer.
- For the Stone Ground Dijonnaise
- Mix all ingredients thoroughly in a small bowl.
Courses: Sandwich
Cuisine: Dinner
Look at all of those incredible flavors, harmoniously combined in one big, satisfying bite. This sandwich is truly so good and perfectly suited for the crisp, chilly weather that fall brings. It’s a culinary hug, a burst of comfort that brightens even the greyest autumn day.
What are some of your most cherished smoked recipes? Do you find yourself consistently pairing cheese with smoky foods or even classic BBQ sauce? I’d love to hear your thoughts! Sound off in the comments below and share your own “smokehouse rules.” Tell me what delightful recipe you’d be eager to try with this exceptional Boar’s Head SmokeMaster™ Beechwood Black Forest Ham. Let’s exchange ideas and celebrate the joys of cooking with smoky flavors!