Grilled Cheese with Fried Ham

This was a staple in our house growing up.  Not just ordinary grilled cheese, but grilled cheese with fried ham. If you've never had it, it will change your world. My mom would also make it with fried bologna once in a while, but that only works if you have the fresh, thin-sliced bologna from the deli. Both are amazing.

It took me a few times to learn that the trick to making perfect grilled cheese is cooking it for a long period of time over low heat. This way allows the bread to slowly brown, but gives it enough time to let the cheese melt. I used to be so impatient that I would cook it over medium-high heat, but I'd be left with really crisp bread and cold cheese. Not the ideal grilled cheese sandwich. So take your time and you'll wind up with this pretty looking and delicious tasting thing!

Printable Recipe

Ingredients

• 2 slices white bread
• 1/2 tbsp. plus 1 tbsp. butter, softened
• 5-6 slices deli ham
• 2 slices American cheese (or your favorite cheese)

Melt 1/2 tbsp. butter over medium heat in a small frying pan. Once melted, add ham and cook until browned on both sides, about 3-4 minutes. Remove from heat.

Spread remaining butter on one side of both pieces of bread. Heat a pan to medium-low heat. Place the first piece of bread butter side down in the pan. Put the cheese on top and then top with the ham. Place the second pieces of bread, butter side up, on top of the ham.

Allow to cook for 2-3 minutes or until the first side is brown. The trick to perfect grilled cheese is to cook it for a long period of time over medium-low heat to allow the cheese to melt without the bread getting brown too quickly.

Once the first side is browned, flip the sandwich and cook the second slice of bread. Once brown and cheese is melted, remove from heat and serve with your favorite chips!

Source: My mom