Ham and Cheese Sandwiches [The Deli Drop Remix]

Classic deli sandwich with premium quality ingredients that delivers authentic old-school flavor in every bite. This is lunch perfection that satisfies completely without any artificial preservatives, featuring layers of savory ham, melted cheese, and fresh vegetables on artisan bread.

Makes

Serves 4

Total Time

15 min (12 min prep)

Ingredients

For Deli Sandwiches:
8 slices thick-cut sourdough or artisan bread (320g)
1/2 lb (225g) nitrate-free ham, sliced thick
8 slices (240g) aged Swiss or sharp cheddar cheese
4 tbsp (60ml) whole grain Dijon mustard
4 tbsp (60ml) avocado oil mayonnaise
8 large butter lettuce leaves, washed and dried
2 large ripe tomatoes, sliced 1/4-inch thick (400g)
1 small red onion, thinly sliced (100g)
2 tbsp (30g) grass-fed butter (for grilled version)
4 dill pickle spears for serving

Make it Good For The Gut (Optional)

Use aged cheeses for natural probiotics that develop during the aging process and provide enhanced digestibility. Include lacto-fermented pickles for beneficial bacteria and digestive enzymes that help process rich deli meats. Choose sourdough bread made with wild yeast starter for prebiotic benefits and improved mineral absorption. Add thin layer of fermented mustard or cultured mayonnaise for additional gut-supporting microorganisms. Consider adding fermented vegetables like sauerkraut or kimchi for extra probiotics and digestive support.

Remix Options

Protein Alternatives: Substitute turkey, roast beef, pastrami, or plant-based deli slices for different flavors and dietary preferences. Cheese Variations: Try aged cheddar, gruyere, provolone, or goat cheese for different melting properties and flavor profiles. Bread Options: Use rye, pumpernickel, whole grain, or gluten-free bread for texture variety and nutritional benefits. Veggie Additions: Layer in cucumber slices, sprouts, avocado, roasted peppers, or fresh herbs for extra nutrition and crunch. Spread Variations: Try pesto, hummus, cream cheese, or herb butter instead of mustard and mayo for unique flavor combinations. Hot Sandwich Methods: Panini press, oven-baked, or air fryer versions for different textures and serving styles. Gourmet Upgrades: Add caramelized onions, sun-dried tomatoes, or arugula for restaurant-quality flavor enhancement.

Good To Know

Ham Quality: Choose nitrate-free, uncured ham to avoid harmful preservatives and additives while maintaining authentic deli flavor and texture. Cheese Selection: Aged varieties provide complex flavors, better nutrition, and superior melting qualities compared to processed cheese alternatives. Bread Thickness: Thick-cut slices (3/4-inch) provide proper structure to hold generous fillings without becoming soggy or falling apart. Tomato Technique: Salt tomato slices and let drain on paper towels for 10 minutes to remove excess moisture and prevent soggy sandwiches. Assembly Order: Layer wet ingredients (tomatoes) between dry elements (lettuce, cheese) to create moisture barriers and maintain texture integrity. Temperature Balance: Bring cold ingredients to room temperature 15 minutes before assembly for optimal flavor integration and comfortable eating. Storage Guidelines: Best assembled and eaten immediately, but components can be prepped 2 hours ahead and stored separately until serving. Grilling Tips: For hot version, butter exterior and cook on medium heat to ensure cheese melts completely before bread burns. Serving Suggestions: Pair with crispy chips, coleslaw, or fresh fruit for complete meal balance and satisfying lunch experience.

steps

Toast:

Lightly toast bread slices until golden brown and crispy on outside but still soft inside to provide structure without overpowering the sandwich fillings.

Spread:

Apply generous layer of Dijon mustard on 4 slices and avocado mayonnaise on remaining 4 slices, spreading completely to edges for flavor in every bite.

Layer:

On mustard-spread slices, layer ham slices generously, followed by cheese, crisp lettuce leaves, seasoned tomato slices, and thin red onion for optimal flavor balance.

Close:

Top each sandwich with remaining bread slices, mayonnaise-side down, pressing gently to help ingredients adhere while maintaining sandwich height and structure.

Slice:

For cold sandwich service: cut diagonally with sharp knife in single motion to maintain clean edges, then serve immediately with pickles and desired sides.

Optional:

For grilled version: butter outside surfaces of assembled sandwiches and cook in preheated skillet over medium heat for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown.

Finish:

Continue grilling until exterior is crispy and golden, cheese is completely melted, and internal temperature is warmed through for optimal taste and texture.

Serve:

Present immediately with crispy dill pickles, kettle chips, and fresh fruit for complete deli-style lunch experience that satisfies all flavor and texture preferences.