Dutch-Style Ham and Cheese Toastie Recipe for Crispy Melty Sandwiches

Simple and delicious Dutch-style toasted ham and cheese sandwich. Perfect for a quick lunch served with cornichons.

One of my favourite quick lunches is a Dutch-style toasted ham and cheese sandwich.

I first discovered these wonderfully simple toasted sandwiches on a weekend in Amsterdam years ago — they’re still a go-to whenever I want something quick and tasty.

toasted ham and cheese sandwiches piled up on a plate with a side of cornichons Dualit stainless steel radio in the background

Why Make Ham and Cheese Toasted Sandwiches?

Quick and easy: A hot, gooey grilled ham and cheese ready in minutes.

Simple: Minimal prep and little to clean up.

Customisable: Add any extra fillings you like — make it your own.

Ham and Cheese Toasted Sandwich Recipe

Makes – 1 toasted sandwich (easy to double or triple)

Prep time – 5 minutes

Cook time – around 5 minutes

Total time – around 10 minutes

Equipment Needed

Bread board
Butter knife
Bread knife
Teaspoon
Toaster or toasted sandwich cage (or a griddle/frying pan and a weight)

Ingredients

Everything you need for a delicious ham and cheese toastie.

Tiger bread — I love tiger bread for its nutty finish, but use any good sandwich bread or sourdough.
Butter — real butter adds flavour and prevents sticking.
Cheese — Gouda melts beautifully; Edam, Emmental, Cheddar or mozzarella also work well.
Wafer-thin ham — heats through quickly for an even melt.
Dijon mustard — adds a subtle tang; wholegrain works nicely too.
Cornichons — optional but traditional and delicious as a side. Pickled onions or piccalilli are great alternatives.

How To Make The Best Toasted Ham and Cheese Sandwich

You can’t go wrong with this classic. Add extras to suit your taste.

Step 1 — Butter the bread

Butter two slices of bread. Place the buttered side down in the toasted sandwich cage or on the cooking surface.

Step 2 — Add the fillings

On the unbuttered side, add wafer-thin ham, a little Dijon mustard and a slice of cheese.
Top with the second slice of bread, buttered side facing out.

Step 3 — Cook

If using a toaster cage: toast for about 2–3 minutes until golden and the cheese is melting. Let it rest a minute in the warm toaster so the cheese finishes melting.
If using a pan or griddle: cook on medium heat, pressing down with a heavy pan or weight for a few minutes, then flip and cook the other side until golden and the cheese is melted.

How to Serve

Dutch style: Serve with a small pile of cornichons. For a richer version, top the sandwich with a poached egg so the yolk runs over the bread.

Add a side salad: Sliced tomatoes and avocado on a bed of spinach with a simple vinaigrette make a fresh accompaniment.

With soup: A toasted ham and cheese pairs perfectly with a hearty tomato or roasted pepper soup for a comforting meal.

This makes a great quick lunch alongside coffee or juice.

Toasted Sandwich Ideas to Try

Add your own twist — here are a few ideas.

Extra ingredients to try

Thinly sliced hot chicken or turkey
Freshly ground pepper
Crispy bacon bits
Tomato sauce spread on the bread
Creamy mayo or roasted garlic mayo
Chilli jam or fresh chopped chillies for heat

More Sandwich Recipes

homemade tuna melt baguettes served on white dinner plates with a small bowl of side salad

sourdough rye bread lightly toasted and topped with king prawns in a creamy dressing

Tuna Cheese Melt — a tasty tuna and cheese melt with a pesto twist. Great for lunch or served with sweet potato wedges.
Prawn and Dill Open Sandwiches — king prawns in a creamy lemon and dill dressing on hot buttered rye sourdough.
Easy Vegetarian Wraps — roast sweet potato, halloumi, hummus and salad for a satisfying vegetarian option.

Love sandwiches? Try different combinations to find your favourite.

Family Meal Ideas

If you need meal planning inspiration, collect a few favourite recipes and create weekly plans. A simple toasted sandwich is perfect for busy days and pairs well with soups and salads for a family-friendly meal.

Dutch style ham and cheese toasted sandwich

Yield:
Serves 1 – easy to make more

Prep Time:
5 minutes

Cook Time:
5 minutes

Total Time:
10 minutes

A delicious, quick and easy toasted sandwich recipe

Ingredients

2 slices of tiger bread
30g butter
1 slice Gouda cheese
2 slices wafer-thin ham
1/2 tsp Dijon mustard
Small handful of cornichons

Instructions

Butter the bread.
Place the bread butter side down into the toasted sandwich cage or on the griddle.
Top the unbuttered side with ham, mustard and cheese.
Place the other slice on top with the buttered side out.
Toast for 2–3 minutes until the bread is browned and the cheese is melted. If using a pan, press and cook each side until golden.
Serve with a little pile of cornichons.

Nutrition Information:

Yield: 1
Serving Size: 1

Amount Per Serving:
Calories: 709Total Fat: 42gSaturated Fat: 23gTrans Fat: 1gUnsaturated Fat: 15gCholesterol: 183mgSodium: 2164mgCarbohydrates: 40gFiber: 2gSugar: 9gProtein: 43g

Nutritional content will vary depending on ingredients and quantities used. Use these values as a general guide only.

Get more toastie ideas and recipes — try variations like a cheese and ham toastie made in the air fryer.

Save this toasted ham and cheese sandwich for later.

toasted ham and cheese sandwiches piled up on a plate with a side of cornichons Dualit stainless steel radio in the background. Text overlay "delicious toasted ham and cheese"

We hope you enjoy the recipe. If you make it, tag your photos on social media — we’d love to see them.

Find more meal ideas and easy recipes to try.