This open-faced ham and cheese sandwich recipe is perfect for any meal of the day. Ready in under 10 minutes, this sandwich is made with toasted bread, your favorite deli meat, and gooey and golden melted cheese. This quick and easy toasted ham and cheese sandwich is the perfect hearty sandwich when you are craving comfort food.
This sandwich recipe is my absolute go-to recipe, and we have these sandwiches at least once a week. My kids ask for these sandwiches so often and they are so easy to make, that they now make them themselves. You can have them for any meal, they are perfect for breakfast, lunch, and even dinner.
I love making these ham and cheese open-face sandwiches on a busy weeknight. Either as the main meal served with a side of salad or as a side to another one of my quick weeknight dinner recipes. They are also perfect for a busy weekend when we are busy doing housework or running around with the family. These toasted ham and cheese melts are great to make ahead and bring with you to any outdoor activity or picnic.
I grew up with these sandwiches. Every family in Bulgaria makes them. I have such fond memories of my mom making them for us for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Served with a bowl of soup, salad, or just some sliced fresh cucumber or tomatoes, I could easily have them every single day.
Why you will love making these toasted ham and cheese sandwiches
Quick and easy recipe – this recipe can’t be any easier. It takes less than 10 minutes to make the sandwiches. They are also great for the nights when you have not planned dinner and you do not have time to make a meal. These sandwiches are satisfying, delicious, and wholesome.
Versatile – the best part of these sandwiches, other than the amazing taste, is how versatile they are. You can use any bread, deli meat, or cheese you like and they will turn out cheesy and delicious every time.
Ingredients and Substitutions
- Bread – you can use any bread you like or have on hand. I have made these sandwiches with any bread you can think of: brioche buns, baguettes, Italian sliced bread, multigrain bread, sourdough bread, etc.
- Deli meat – I use cooked ham or smoked ham, black forest ham, or salami, really any sliced deli meat you like will work for these sandwiches.
- Cheese – same as the deli meat, any sliced cheese will work. I suggest using provolone, or Swiss, or Munster, or Mozarella. I find that they melt best.
- Spices – you can use paprika or Italian seasoning. We always use Bulgarian savory spice. It can be purchased in most international food stores as well as online here.
How to make these quick and easy ham and cheese sandwiches
Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil or parchment paper. Arrange the bread slices (as many as you can fit on the baking sheet). Add a piece of ham (or any deli meat you like) to each bread slice. Then add a piece of cheese of your choice.
I only had American cheese the day I made this recipe, so I used that but also topped it with shredded mozzarella cheese. Make sure the slice is well covered with cheese. Season each slice with the Bulgarian savory spice. You can bake these on the middle rack of the oven or broil them, which is the top element of the oven only. I prefer to broil them on my low broil setting. Keep a very close eye on them as they can burn fast on broil.
Serving suggestions
Enjoy these sandwiches with a bowl of hot or cold soup. You can also serve them with a side of leafy green salad, a Greek salad, or even pasta salad. Give my pasta salad a try. You will love it! If you are in a time crunch, just slice some fresh cucumber and tomato seasoned with salt, and pepper and drizzle them with olive oil.
Other recipes I think you will love!
Meat and Cheese Sandwiches- Bulgarian traditional sandwich
Hash Brown Egg Casserole with Kielbasa
Quick and Easy Naan Bread (Flatbread) Pizza
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Open-Faced Toasted Ham and Cheese Sandwich Melts
Ingredients
- 6 slices Italian white bread
- 6-12 slices of your favorite deli meat
- 6-12 slices of your favorite cheese
- Bulgarian savory seasoning optional
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400 degrees or your broiler.
- Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil or parchment paper.
- Arrange the bread slices (as many as you can fit on the baking sheet). Add a piece of ham (or any deli meat you like) to each bread slice. Then add a piece of cheese of your choice.
- If using American sliced cheese, I suggest also adding some shredded cheese on top. Make sure the slice is well covered with cheese.
- Season each slice with the Bulgarian savory spice (get yours here).
- You can bake these on the middle rack of the oven or broil them, which is the top element of the oven only. I prefer to broil them on my low broil setting. Keep a very close eye on them as they can burn fast on broil.
- Once the cheese is melted and the top is golden brown, remove from the oven and enjoy!
