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A man holding a grilled ham and cheese sandwich that has been cut in half and stacked.

Grilled Ham and Cheese Melts with Caramelized Onions

Sara
This elevated grilled ham and cheese for two is packed with melty cheddar and havarti cheese, savory ham, and balsamic Dijon caramelized onions. Perfectly golden, gooey, and delicious!
5 from 1 vote
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Prep Time 40 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 2 sandwiches
Calories 675 kcal

Ingredients
 
 

  • 4 slices Sourdough Bread (or any sturdy bread)
  • 4 slices Havarti Cheese (or 1 cup shredded)
  • 2 slices Sharp Cheddar Cheese (or 1/2 cup shredded)
  • 8 thin slices Deli Ham (see notes)
  • 1/4 cup Balsamic Dijon Caramelized Onions (recipe included below, too!)
  • 2-3 tbsp. Mayonnaise or Softened Butter

Instructions
 

  • Cook the Onions.Thinly slice 1 medium yellow onion and toss it into a skillet with 1 tbsp butter + 1 tsp olive oil over medium heat. Sprinkle in a pinch of salt and cook, stirring occasionally, for about 10 minutes. Turn the heat down to medium-low and keep cooking, stirring every 5 minutes, for another 20–25 minutes, until the onions are soft, golden, and jammy. Stir in 1/2 tsp light brown sugar + 1/2 tsp Dijon mustard + 1/2 tsp balsamic vinegar at the end for tangy-sweet depth.
    Want the full method with step-by-step photos? Grab the full recipe here!
    Caramelized onions in a skillet being stirred with a spatula.
  • Build the First Sandwich Layers. Spread mayonnaise (or softened butter) over one side of a slice of bread. Place it mayo-side down in a large skillet over medium heat. Tear one Havarti slice in half and lay both halves over the bread to mostly cover the surface. Top with two slices of ham, then 1 tbsp caramelized onions.
    A slice of bread piled with cheese and caramelized onions cooking in a skillet.
  • Add More Layers: Tear the cheddar slice in half and place over the onions. Top with two more slices of ham and another tablespoon of caramelized onions.
    A slice of bread topped with two halves on white cheese in a skillet.
  • Finish the Stack + Flip. Tear another slice of Havarti in half and place on top. Spread mayo on another slice of bread and place it mayo-side up on the sandwich. Cook for 2–3 minutes, then press down with a spatula to help the layers stick. Carefully flip the sandwich.
    A grilled cheese sandwich cooking in a skillet.
  • Finish Cooking. Cook another 2–3 minutes until the bottom bread is golden. Turn off the heat. Pro tip: Cover the pan with a lid for 1–2 minutes to trap the heat and melt the cheese all the way.
  • Serve. Transfer to a cutting board and let it rest 30 seconds before slicing. Serve hot!
    A grilled ham and cheese sandwich cut in half and resting ohn a cutting board.

Notes

  • Ham: Black Forest ham adds smoky depth, but honey ham or a maple/brown sugar ham also totally work. Their sweetness plays beautifully with the rich cheese! Not into ham? Deli turkey works too; just know the flavor will shift a bit.

Nutrition

Serving: 1sandwichCalories: 675kcalCarbohydrates: 71gProtein: 35gFat: 28gSaturated Fat: 16gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 7gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 80mgSodium: 1425mgPotassium: 263mgFiber: 3gSugar: 7gVitamin A: 725IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 612mgIron: 5mg
Keyword grilled ham and cheese
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