Creamy goat cheese, spicy jam, salty ham, and peppery arugula are combined in the best ham sandwich you’ll ever eat.
Packed with delicious fillings, this is not your ordinary ham sandwich recipe. I typically pile the fillings on a long French baguette and then slice it into small finger sandwiches. However you make this, it won’t last long.
I serve this ham sandwich for holiday get-togethers, family movie nights, easy lunches, and snacks throughout the year.
We’ve made this amazing sandwich so many times over the past couple of years, I wanted to share it again, to make sure you’ll have the recipe fresh in your memory and at your fingertips when you have leftover ham in the house after Thanksgiving and Christmas this year.
Best Ham Sandwich
While visiting Sioux Falls with The National Pork Board a few years ago, Chef Neel built a similar sandwich and he called it the “best ever ham sandwich.”
This post was originally sponsored by The National Pork Board and this ham sandwich recipe was inspired by that trip to Sioux Falls, South Dakota a few years ago.
While I expected the sandwich to be tasty, I’m reluctant to ever label anything the “best” of its kind. I took one bite and was sold. This was, indeed, the cream of the crop of deli ham sandwiches.
The creamy goat cheese and savory ham are a perfect combination. A spoonful of spicy pepper jam took the whole thing to sigh-worthy heights.
Ham Sandwich Recipe
I knew right away I’d be making my own version of that sandwich after I returned home again. The recipe I’m sharing with you today is one you’re going to want to make over and over again.
To make this ham sandwich, I followed Chef Neel’s lead and started with a fresh French baguette. I picked mine up from the bakery section at my local grocery store, but I’m sure a homemade baguette would taste fabulous as well.
After slicing the loaf in half lengthways, I spread each side with a thick layer of whipped goat cheese. Arugula and thin slices of deli ham are piled on next.
The sandwich is made complete with a dollop of hot pepper jelly spooned on top.
One baguette’s worth of sandwich can be sliced into sections to feed four people for a lunch. This is also the perfect party sandwich. Slice it into eight sections to serve as an appetizer.
Amazing Ham Sandwich
My family can never get enough party foods and snack ideas, so this sandwich is perfect for us. I’ve made it many times now and my kids still keep asking for “the fancy ham sandwich.”
You can make this on classic French bread, on a baguette, on hoagie rolls, on toast, or on whole-grain wheat bread, the possibilities are endless here.
Make the sandwich as hearty or as light as you like simply by adjusting the amounts of each ingredient. When I’m making these sandwiches for a quick dinner, I pile them high with plenty of ham slices.
As an appetizer or party snack, I’ll be a little lighter on the meat. I love how adaptable this recipe is for any occasion.
Be warned that you just might sigh when you bite into this sweet and savory sandwich. If you’re a ham lover (or even if you’re not!) this sandwich truly deserves the name “The Best Ham Sandwich You’ll Ever Eat!”
Creamy goat cheese and spicy pepper jam add up to make this the ultimate ham sandwich recipe. As a party food or an easy lunch or dinner, this sandwich is always a hit.
I almost can’t believe I’m this excited about a ham sandwich–but I promise you it’s worth the hype. Right now, I admit I’m pretty sold on making these sandwiches just about as often as I can.
For more amazing recipes for party sandwiches, I highly recommend both these Chicken Cordon Bleu Sliders and these Dill Pickle Chicken Salad Croissant Sandwiches. I also have this Cajun Cheesecake Sandwich recipe on my list of party sandwiches to make next.
I have a well-known love for ham and you can see that evidenced all over this website. Check out all of these ham-filled recipes! Better Than Take-Out Ham Fried Rice is a kid-friendly favorite that’s easier and faster than take out.
There’s nothing else like Ham Balls served on their own or in a Sweet and Sour Ham Ball Stir Fry. (Skeptical? I promise that once you try the ham ball stir-fry, you’ll be a fan too!)
Ham and Cheese Waffles (grab and go or drizzle with syrup at the table) and Ham and Vegetable Pasta Skillet are frequently requested by my kids.
Ham and Cheese Biscuits and Slow Cooker Potato Ham Chowder never disappoint. Serve the biscuits with the chowder for a real treat!
The Best Ham Sandwich You’ll Ever Eat
Ingredients
- 1 French baguette about 30-36 inches
- 6 ounces whipped or extra creamy goat cheese
- 4-6 tablespoons spicy pepper jam
- 2 ounces arugula
- 1 pound deli ham sliced very thin
Instructions
- Slice the bread in half lengthwise, forming two flat halves. Spread the goat cheese on each section of bread.
- Layer arugula on the bottom half and then ham over the greens. Fold and crumple the ham as you layer it on the bread. Form piles of ham across the bread to create the best texture.
- Spoon the jam over the goat cheese on the top half of the bread. Close the sandwich and slice into smaller sections. Serve immediately.
Notes
Nutrition
{originally published 10/24/17 – recipe notes and photos updated 12/23/22}
Debbie says
Do you have a recipe for the pepper jam? Would love to make it!
Mary says
It will be on the blog next week and I’ll add the link here!
SHARON says
I missed the recipe for the spicy pepper jelly. could I please get it. THANKS
Mary says
You haven’t missed it. It will be on the blog later this week!
Wanda says
Thanks for sharing about the book you read the Real Jesus. I am reading & loving it.
You’re right you laugh & cry. If the world would now Jesus more.
Mausie says
I have no idea what to do with the ham that I bought for Thanksgiving, don’t want to eat just plain,so I ‘ll buy the goat chees and voila, the best, I ‘ll have, thank you kindly,…😘😘😘🇺🇸🇵🇭
Kylie McNamara says
I m in Melbourne, Australia and stumbled across this fantastic recipe and it was a winner! I didn’t have the spicy cranberry so substituted with a spicy fruit chutney. The boyfriend thought it was a deli purchased sandwich, he stated as it was the best he has had in a long time since returning from the USA.
Thank you for sharing!
Mary Younkin says
I’m so glad you enjoyed the sandwich, Kylie!
R. says
Anxiety provoking…two hours scrolling for the actual recipe.
Mary Younkin says
Oh my goodness, thanks for the laugh. Two hours? You must have the slowest internet connection in the history of the internet. I’m so sorry! That must be terribly frustrating! I just checked and I had to scroll three whole times to get to the recipe. In addition to that, there is a nifty Jump To Recipe link at the top of the page, so feel free to utilize that next time you’re on a free recipe site.
skylar says
I love this thank you so much it is so hard to find something my family will like❤❤ and stay safe😷😷
Mary Younkin says
I’m so glad that you love the sandwich, Skylar.
Jennifer H says
Oh my goodness! I made this recipe tonight exactly as written (except for the arugula because I couldnt find any). And it is TO DIE FOR. My husband said its a keeper. My 6 year old daughter asked for seconds! I could only find a block of goat cheese so I melted it in the microwave to be able to spread it on the french bread. Thank you for this yummy recipe.
Mary Younkin says
YAY! I’m so glad that you enjoyed it that much, Jennifer.
Bethanne says
How would Hawaiian rolls do with this. I want to make them for a crowd. Has anyone tried it?
Mary Younkin says
That sounds good to me, Bethanne. The sandwiches will be sweeter and softer, but I think it will work.
Alma Cundiff says
Made the Taco meat yesterday for two friends and myself. None left. IT WAS DELICIOUS. Also used the homemade taco seasoning.
Mary Younkin says
That’s awesome! I’m so glad you enjoyed it.
Anna Crossley says
Can you recommend a subsititute for the pepper jelly for people that can’t handle even pepper?
Mary Younkin says
Any jam or jelly that you enjoy will work nicely here, Anna. We love the pepper jelly, but the real hit here is the sweet jam with the savory ham. It will still be great without the spicy portion. If you can find a cranberry, peach, or apricot jam, those would be my first choices.
Marina says
I’ve already made this sandwich and it’s absolutely YUM!
Just one question. Your pics look like there was a ham and turkey or chicken but you don’t mention it. Am I seeing things? Thanks for the yummy combo
Mary Younkin says
Hi, Marina. It’s just deli ham in this recipe. No other meat was used. I’m glad you’re loving the sandwich!