The Lunch Meat You Should Be Pairing With Apple Butter - Tasting Table

"When autumn rolls in, seasonal-centric foodies start looking for ways to put their annual jar of farmstand apple butter to good use (and a slice of toast only gets you so far). Luckily, apple butter happens to go well with ham - especially hot ham sandwiches with cheese. This elevated, meaty take on a classic grilled cheese pairs tender pork with robust, sweet-spiced apple butter for a sandwich that's well-balanced, playful, and unexpected."

"To assemble, simply pile your ham, cheese slices, and any other desired fillings between two slices of apple-butter-smeared-bread. Then, butter the outer sides of the bread (a pastry brush and a dish of melted butter can be helpful here) and pan-fry the assembled sando over medium heat, carefully flipping until golden brown. Alternatively, these sammies could also be cooked in a panini press, or oven-baked on a sheet pan for roughly 20 minutes at 350 degrees Fahrenheit, flipping midway through."

"The key is selecting a cheese that complements the deep, sweet, spiced flavor profile of the apple butter. Nutty Gruyere or Fontina would pair fabulously, or white cheddar would lend a hit of sharpness. For a funkier take on this sweet-savory sammy, melted Swiss cheese, apple butter, ham, and sauteed onions could be stacked between two thick slices of sourdough."

Apple butter pairs well with ham to create a sweet-savory hot ham-and-cheese sandwich. Spread apple butter on bread, layer ham, cheese, and optional fillings, then butter the outer slices and pan-fry over medium heat until golden, flipping carefully. Alternatively, use a panini press or oven-bake on a sheet pan at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for roughly 20 minutes, flipping midway, to prepare multiple sandwiches efficiently. Apple butter provides necessary moisture and warm spiced sweetness. Cheeses such as Gruyere, Fontina, white cheddar, or Swiss complement the flavor; sautéed onions and sourdough add a funkier variation.

Read at Tasting Table