Grilled Cheese Sandwich with Black Forest Ham and Caramelized Onions
Crank up the flavor a notch with this scrumptious twist on a classic deli sandwich! Bringing together Cambozola, Black Forest ham, caramelized onions, and grilled rye bread, we've got a delectable update on the good ol' ham and cheese.
What'cha gonna need: This German blue cheese delight called Cambozola blends the smooth cremineness of Camembert with the robust earthiness of Gorgonzola. Swing by your upscale supermarket or artisan cheese shop to snag some. No Cambozola in sight? Fret not! Gorgonzola dolce makes an excellent swap.
Tempted for more grilled cheese concoctions?
Yield: 1 out-of-this-world sandwichDifficulty: A piece of cake!Total: 10 rapid-fire minutesActive: 10 thrilling minutes
Gather your ingredients (5-step shopping list):
- 1 tablespoon of softened unsalted butter
- 2 (0.5-inch thick, 7.5-inch long) slices of light rye bread
- 2 ounces of thinly sliced Cambozola (or Gorgonzola dolce if Cambozola is MIA)
- 2 tablespoons of our beloved Basic Caramelized Onions
- 2 ounces of thinly sliced Black Forest ham
Follow your nose to Sandwichville:
- Preheat a large skillet over medium-low heat. Before moving on, butter one side of each slice of bread.
- Drop the buttered slice into the skillet, buttered side down, and arrange the cheese, onions, and ham on top. Lay the second slice of bread on top, making sure the buttered side faces upward.
- Cook until the bread is crispy and the cheese has melted, approximately 4 to 5 minutes on each side.
Pairing suggestions: Don't forget a cocktail! Hartley & Gibson's Amontillado from Spain does wonders with this tapa. Its nutty notes match the cheese and cheese's acidity cuts through the ham's fat. This amontillado is a touch sweet, and the caramelized onions on the sandwich add a nice touch of sweetness to the combo.[1][2]
- To bring an extra element of sweetness to your sandwich, consider adding slices of Cambozola or its substitute, Gorgonzola dolce, to the recipe.
- For those seeking a more nuanced cheese pairing, a nutty amontillado like Hartley & Gibson's from Spain would complement the earthy flavor of the cheese and balance the saltiness of the Black Forest ham.
- If you're in the mood for more inventive grilled cheese creations, experimenting with a variety of nutritious ingredients, such as Cambozola, caramelized onions, and high-quality ham, can lead to unexpected yet delicious recipe discoveries that incorporate both sweet and earthy flavors.
