Southwest Ham and Cheese
Add a bold twist to your classic sandwich repertoire with this Southwest Ham and Cheese recipe, a tantalizing blend of smoky, creamy, and zesty flavors. Featuring layers of tender cooked ham, melty pepper jack cheese, and a vibrant avocado-lime spread, this upgraded grilled cheese is packed with Southwest-inspired flair. A touch of smoked paprika and ground cumin enhances every bite, while optional jalapeños add a fiery kick for spice enthusiasts. Toasted to perfection on golden sourdough bread with a buttery crisp finish, this sandwich delivers crave-worthy texture and bold taste. Ready in just 20 minutes, it’s an effortless yet gourmet meal perfect for lunch, dinner, or even a hearty snack. Serve with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro and watch it disappear!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 4 slices sourdough bread
- 6 slices cooked ham
- 4 slices pepper jack cheese
- 1 small avocado
- 1 small lime
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 small jalapeño (optional)
- 0.5 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 0.25 teaspoons ground cumin
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
Mash the avocado in a bowl until smooth. Squeeze the juice of the lime into the mashed avocado and stir to combine. Set aside.
If using jalapeño, finely dice it and set aside.
Spread a thin layer of mayonnaise on one side of each slice of sourdough bread.
Sprinkle smoked paprika and ground cumin evenly over the mayonnaise layer on each slice of bread.
On the non-mayonnaise side of two slices of bread, layer three slices of ham and two slices of pepper jack cheese.
Add a layer of the mashed avocado mixture on top of the cheese, spreading it evenly.
Optional: Sprinkle the diced jalapeño over the mashed avocado for added heat.
Top with the remaining slices of bread, mayonnaise side facing outward.
Heat a skillet or griddle over medium heat. Add 1 tablespoon of butter and let it melt completely.
Place the sandwiches in the skillet, cooking one at a time if necessary. Cook for 3-4 minutes on each side, pressing lightly with a spatula, until the bread is golden brown and crispy, and the cheese is melted.
Add the remaining tablespoon of butter to the skillet as needed when flipping or starting the second sandwich.
Once cooked through, remove from the skillet and let the sandwiches cool slightly. Garnish with fresh chopped cilantro if desired.
Slice in half and serve immediately. Enjoy your Southwest Ham and Cheese sandwich!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1654 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 110.7 g | 142% | |
| Saturated Fat | 45.9 g | 230% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 291 mg | 97% | |
| Sodium | 3536 mg | 154% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 86.3 g | 31% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 14.3 g | 51% | |
| Total Sugars | 8.3 g | ||
| Protein | 81.1 g | 162% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.4 mcg | 2% | |
| Calcium | 902 mg | 69% | |
| Iron | 7.4 mg | 41% | |
| Potassium | 1350 mg | 29% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
