A French Ham and Butter Sandwich is a classic, simple, yet utterly delicious sandwich, often found in cafés and bakeries across France. Known as a “Jambon Beurre” in French, it’s made with high-quality ingredients, highlighting the contrast between the rich, creamy butter and the savory, flavorful ham. It’s a perfect snack or light meal that’s simple to make but full of flavor.
French Ham and Butter Sandwich (Jambon Beurre)
Ingredients:
- 1 fresh baguette (preferably a crusty, French-style baguette)
- 4-6 slices of good-quality ham (like Parisian ham or French-style deli ham)
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (preferably high-quality, like European-style butter)
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional, for a little extra zing)
- Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Baguette:
- Slice the baguette into 2 pieces, about 6–8 inches long, depending on how large you want the sandwich.
- Cut each piece of baguette horizontally in half, but not all the way through—just enough to create a pocket for the fillings.
2. Butter the Bread:
- Generously spread the butter on both the inside of the top and bottom halves of the baguette. Use a good amount of butter to ensure a rich, creamy flavor. Make sure the butter is spread evenly across the entire surface of the bread.
- If you like a little extra tang, spread a thin layer of Dijon mustard on the bread along with the butter.
3. Add the Ham:
- Layer the ham slices inside the baguette. Use enough slices to cover the entire surface, but not so much that it overwhelms the bread and butter.
- Fold or layer the slices so the ham fits perfectly inside the sandwich.
4. Optional Garnishes:
- If desired, sprinkle a little salt and pepper to taste, and you can even add some fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
5. Serve:
- Close the sandwich and serve immediately, or if you prefer, you can cut it into smaller pieces for sharing or packing for a picnic.
Tips:
- Bread: The bread is key in this sandwich. A fresh, crusty baguette is best for that perfect balance of crunch and softness. If you can’t find a baguette, any similar artisan bread will work, but try to avoid overly soft or thick breads.
- Butter: Opt for a rich, creamy butter like European-style butter, which has a higher fat content and adds a silky, luxurious texture to the sandwich.
- Ham: Look for thinly sliced French ham (Jambon de Paris) or a mild, quality deli ham. Avoid overly processed or salty ham, as the bread and butter should be the stars.
- Optional Extras: You can also add a few slices of cornichons (small French pickles) on the side for an added touch of tang and crunch, or serve it with a light salad.
This French Ham and Butter Sandwich is a perfect example of how simple, high-quality ingredients can come together to create a timeless, satisfying dish. It’s elegant in its simplicity and perfect for a quick lunch, picnic, or a treat to enjoy with a glass of wine. Bon appétit!