Monday, October 31, 2016

Ham, Cheese, Apple Butter and Dijon Sandwiches


My husband and I first tasted these delightfully different ham sandwiches at our daughter and son-in-law's home last fall.  When I spotted apple butter at the store recently, I was reminded of those sandwiches and how wonderfully tasty they were. 


Toasted ciabatta rolls, a unique and delicious combination of apple butter and Dijon mustard with warm, melted cheese over delicate ham slices make a sandwich that is absolutely perfect for fall, football parties or a hearty treat after leaf-raking.


There's nothing better to boost your spirits as the leaves tumble to the ground!


Pardon me for eating in front of you, I couldn't wait.

I don't know what the weather has been like where you live, but it's been a rather gloomy and rainy October here.  Days with sunshine have been few and far between. Most days, the only sun I've seen was the brass one resting in my garden.  Yes, those nasturtiums below are still blooming as we haven't had a hard frost yet! Right now, we are surrounded by a beautiful sea of gold, but in a very short time our trees will be bare :(  Hang on, I need another bite!


Ham, Swiss and Apple Butter Sandwiches


Note:  Please don't omit the apple butter, it's what makes these sandwiches deliciously special! Also, you don't have to serve them open-faced but they look so much prettier that way!

Makes 6

3 ciabatta rolls, halved horizontally, or thick sliced sourdough bread (I used ciabattini rolls)
2 tablespoons olive oil
6 tablespoons apple butter
4 tablespoons Dijon mustard
1 1/4 pounds Black Forest ham, thinly sliced
6 slices imported Swiss cheese (original recipe calls for sharp cheddar cheese)

1 small bunch fresh chives, chopped (optional)

Place rolls, cut side up, on baking sheet and brush tops with olive oil.

Broil until rolls begin to brown around edges, about 2 minutes (watch carefully).  Remove from oven.

Spread about a teaspoon of Dijon mustard on each roll half, then spread with a rounded teaspoon or so of apple butter. Top with ham, then cheese. Broil until cheese melts and begins to bubble and brown in spots, about 2 minutes.

Sprinkle with chopped chives and serve.

Adapted from Bon Appetit

54 comments:

  1. Your front door is so welcoming:)♥
    I love sweet w/ Dijon..I am sure we would love thisI have never tried apple butter..I should.
    Your little sun looks so happy:)
    THis should be an ad for Smucker's.

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    1. Thank you, Monique! I used to love apple butter on toast in the morning when I was a young teenager and then I forgot about it for years until these sandwiches :)

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  2. I like apple butter but never know when to use the treat. I like marmalade slathered on buttered biscuits and strawberry jam on toast. I am most happy to have this sandwich to enjoy apple butter. Fall is looking lovely at your home. Our color is just getting started.

    Best,
    Bonnie

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    1. It's a great combination of flavors, Bonnie! Hope you try it :)

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  3. Yummy! In France they would call these Tartines! They sound wonderful, I love the apple butter. It must combine deliciously with the ham and cheese.

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    1. That sounds so much more elegant, Chris :) They are wonderful - thank you!

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  4. Sounds so delicious, I'm putting the ingredients on my grocery list AND making apple butter tomorrow with my apples that must be used. Thanks.

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  5. These sandwichs look absolutely delicious Susan !! xoxoxox

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  6. These would go over very well here too!!

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  7. Pinning this one. I love a good sandwich and the combination here sounds perfect. Now ... can you please pass me one of those pickles? :)

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    1. Thank you, Lea Ann! I'd love to pass you a pickle and share my sandwiches with you :)

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  8. This is my kind of sandwich Susan! There is something so terrific about sweet, savory, salty and cheesy! I never thought to combine apple butter with mustard but wow! LOVE, love, love your color photos. Looks like you're having a beautiful fall. Happy Tuesday!

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    1. It is a great combination of flavors, Tricia. Thanks so much! Hopefully November will be a little sunnier than October :)

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  9. Nice fall colors at your place. The sandwich looks delicious - hard to beat ham & cheese

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    1. Thanks, Larry! So true about ham and cheese. It's a classic!

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  10. Those Fall photos are simply gorgeous, so are your open sandwiches, Susan. That apple butter looks fabulous.

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  11. these sandwiches are a delicious bedtime nosh ! Lovely pics Susan,your garden is a paradise corner, hugs from Italy

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    1. Bedtime or anytime :) Thank you, Chiara! It is a beautiful time of year.

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  12. These sandwiches look awesome, and yes...I imagine how the apple butter would add an extra flavor to the sandwiches...
    Beautiful autumn pictures...which we do not get here in California...so I am totally amazed by it...
    Have a wonderful week Susan :)

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    1. Thank you, Juliana! At least you don't have to deal with snow :)

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  13. Simple and perfect! When I catered I would add pumpkin or apple butter to mayo or mustard for a different kind of condiment for gourmet sandwiches. But I bet just the apple butter is fabulous!

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    1. I've never seen pumpkin butter but now I'll have to look for it! Thank you, Mimi!

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  14. Hi Susan, this combo sounds amazing, I am going to surprise my husband and make these for him. Thanks!!

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  15. Susan, I love the ingredients here and those pictures honestly made my tummy growl! I love the look of open-face sandwiches too, they are just so inviting. These sandwiches definitely sound like a delicious snack and I've bookmarked this post! The pictures of those colorful, fall leaves are just stunning! :)

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  16. Can hardly wait to try these sandwiches with our homemade apple butter. After watching the people making it at the festival, I will really appreciate the taste of it on such a special sandwich. Thanks Susan.

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    1. I thought about that when I read your post about the apple butter-making :) Thank you, Penny!

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  17. Susan, the combination of flavors sounds wonderful. I've been making the Beekman's apple butter for two years. Hopefully November will be a little sunnier than October for you!

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    1. I've never tried making it myself but something I should definitely try! I hope November is sunner too, Debbie - we need it :) Thanks!

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    2. We had the sandwich yesterday and it was sooooo gooood!!! I have enough ham left to make more for my lunches this week.

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  18. Love your beautiful photos. The weather has been similar in Germany and Austria as well…not many days of sunshine. Your sandwiches sound terrific.

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    1. Sorry to hear you've been having gloomy weather too, Karen! Thinking sunny thoughts for us both :) Thank you!

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  19. We have had one of the most beautiful of falls here in western Pennsylvania -- soon to give way to real winter. But I've enjoyed every day. Now, if only I had had one of those sandwiches after leaf raking yesterday!

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    1. Thank you, Rosemary! I'm glad you're enjoying a beautiful fall. So far, November has been very nice here.

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  20. Wow.... never seen leaves so yellow. (beautiful yellow)
    Like that fine slice of the Ham.

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  21. I envy you, that brief moment of gold is so gorgeous! I wish I can have a bite of the sandwich, it's making me hungry!

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    1. Thank you, Jasline! The leaves are almost a memory already!

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  22. Love the fall photos, Susan. It's one of the few things I miss living in Florida.
    Great sammie...my mother used to make something similar (without the apple butter), wrap them in foil and freeze. Then when grandkids came for lunch, she'd pop them in the oven.

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    1. Your mother was a smart lady, Barbara, and what a great idea. I'm sure you don't miss what comes after the fall color is gone :)

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  23. That sandwich sounds wonderful. I am visiting from Vee's A Haven for Vee. Come visit when you have time!
    Penny

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  24. I saw Vee's rendition of your sandwich, Susan, and had to stop by! Oh my, do they ever look and sound delish, and perfect for a quick meal.
    Your Danish pastries look fabulous, too. You're such an accomplished cook!
    Happy weekend!

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  25. They look so mouthwatering I wish i could just grab one from inside the screen! Perfect little appetizers Susan on a perfect fall scenery!

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  26. I'm visiting from Vee's place where she was bragging about your sandwich this morning! It does indeed look delicious!!

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  27. Delicious food! Great photos!:)

    xxBasia

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  28. I love anything with apple butter! For me it would have to be smoked turkey, but oh my, as long as it has apple butter I am great!

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  29. Sue your sandwich looks divine!! Never had apple butter before, but I think I will have to get some soon,.,. I have to tell you how much we all admire your gorgeous garden just beautiful - every season!

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  30. These sandwiches look so comforting and perfect for a cool fall day like it was today.

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  31. O-M-G!!! I cannot WAIT to make these delicious sandwiches! It includes some of my favorite things (HELLO ham & cheese!) and sounds supremely perfect for Fall. Thanks again for another amazing recipe - I'm always inspired by the deliciousness:)

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