Grilled Ham and Cheese with Pears
I wanted to do a summery version of grilled cheese and tomato soup, and I found this recipe that looked really interesting. Unfortunately, it was just OK. It was missing something – tanginess or sharper cheese or something sweeter…I’m not sure. It was fine, and it worked for dinner, but I probably won’t use this particular combination again. Also note that if you’re actually making 4 sandwiches, you’ll need 8 slices of bread – the recipe says 4.
Grilled Ham and Cheese with Pears
Everyday Food – October 2003
Pears come in more than 5,000 varieties. Choose ones that are firm, without blemishes and with stems attached. The pears at the supermarket have often spent a few months in cool storage, so they are usually a few days from being fully ripe.
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Yield: Serves 4
4 slices sandwich bread
8 ounces Gruyere cheese
1 pear, thinly sliced
8 ounces deli ham, thinly sliced
Butter
Layer 4 slices of sandwich bread with 8 ounces Gruyere or other melting cheese, 1 thinly sliced pear, and 8 ounces thinly sliced deli ham; top each with bread.
Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Spread outside of both bread slices with butter. Cook sandwiches in batches, if necessary, until golden and cheese is melted, flipping once, 3 to 5 minutes per side. Cut sandwiches in half and serve hot.
Big Flavors Rating: 3 Stars
Ashley
Ashley Covelli is a food photographer, recipe developer, and culinary instructor based in Ossining, New York. She loves helping people become enthusiastic and adventurous in the kitchen so that they can build skills and confidence to cook for themselves and their loved ones. She can almost always be found with at least 3 different beverages within arm's reach.
