Authentic German Schinkenbrot Recipe

Ingredients

  • 1 loaf of German rye bread
  • 200 grams of Black Forest ham or other smoked ham
  • 200 grams of Swiss cheese
  • 1 large tomato
  • 1 large red onion
  • 1 bunch of parsley
  • 4 tablespoons of butter
  • 1 teaspoon of salt
  • 1 teaspoon of black pepper

Steps and instructions

  1. Start by slicing the rye bread into half-inch thick slices. You should have enough to make 8 sandwiches.
  2. Next, thinly slice the Black Forest ham, Swiss cheese, tomato, and red onion.
  3. Wash and finely chop the parsley.
  4. Spread a half tablespoon of butter onto one side of each slice of rye bread.
  5. On the unbuttered side of 4 slices of bread, arrange the slices of ham, Swiss cheese, tomato, and red onion. Sprinkle some chopped parsley, salt, and pepper on top.
  6. Cover these with the remaining slices of bread, buttered side up.
  7. Heat a large non-stick pan over medium heat. Once heated, add the sandwiches and cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side or until the bread turns golden brown and the cheese has melted.
  8. Remove from the pan and let them cool for a minute before serving.

Tools for making

Recipe variations

  • Use a different type of bread such as whole wheat, sourdough, or baguette.
  • Experiment with different types of ham like prosciutto, smoked turkey, or roast beef.
  • Replace the Swiss cheese with cheddar, provolone, or Gouda.
  • Add additional toppings like sliced pickles, lettuce, or avocado.
  • Try a different spread such as mustard, mayonnaise, or horseradish sauce.
  • Make it vegetarian by replacing the ham with roasted vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, and eggplant.
  • Add a fried egg or a sunny-side-up egg for a breakfast twist.
  • Toast the bread before assembling the sandwich for extra crunch.
  • For a spicy kick, add sliced jalapenos or a dash of hot sauce.
  • Make a sweet version by spreading Nutella or honey on the bread and adding sliced bananas or strawberries.

Recipe overview

This recipe is for Schinkenbrot, a traditional German sandwich that is hearty, delicious, and easy to make. Made with slices of German rye bread filled with layers of Black Forest ham, Swiss cheese, tomatoes, and red onions, this sandwich is a perfect representation of the robust flavors of German cuisine. It's topped with fresh parsley, adding a touch of freshness to balance the rich flavors. The sandwich is then pan-fried until the bread is golden brown and the cheese has melted to perfection. This recipe serves 4, making it perfect for a family lunch or a light dinner. The preparation time is about 15 minutes and the cooking time is around 10 minutes. Enjoy this German culinary delight!

Common questions

  1. Can I use a different type of bread? Yes, you can use a different type of bread if you prefer. However, authentic Schinkenbrot is traditionally made with German rye bread.
  2. Can I use a different type of ham? While the recipe calls for Black Forest ham, you can use any smoked ham that you enjoy. Feel free to experiment with different flavors and types of ham.
  3. Is Swiss cheese necessary? Swiss cheese is a classic choice for Schinkenbrot, but you can substitute it with another type of cheese if desired. Some alternatives include Gruyère, Emmental, or cheddar.
  4. Do I have to use red onion? No, you can use a different type of onion if you prefer. Red onion provides a mild and slightly sweet flavor, but you can use white or yellow onion as a substitute.
  5. What can I serve with Schinkenbrot? Schinkenbrot is delicious on its own, but you can also serve it with a side salad, pickles, or even potato chips for a complete meal.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Cutting board - A sturdy surface for slicing and preparing ingredients.
  • Knife - A sharp knife for slicing the bread, ham, cheese, tomato, and onion.
  • Non-stick pan - A large pan for grilling the sandwiches.
  • Spatula - A utensil for flipping the sandwiches in the pan.
  • Butter knife - A knife for spreading butter onto the bread slices.
  • Chopping board - A surface for chopping the parsley.
  • Chopping knife - A knife for finely chopping the parsley.

Origin stories

Schinkenbrot, a simple yet satisfying sandwich, hails from the heart of Germany, a country known for its hearty cuisine. It's a testament to the German art of bread baking, as the dish puts a spotlight on the robust flavours of German rye bread. The bread, firm and slightly sour, perfectly complements the smoky saltiness of the ham. The term "Schinkenbrot" literally translates to "ham bread", underscoring the importance of these two key ingredients. It's a common sight in German bakeries and is often enjoyed as a quick, easy meal. Whether it's grabbed on the run for a busy day, packed for a leisurely picnic, or savored in a cozy kitchen, every bite of Schinkenbrot is a delightful taste of German culinary tradition.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.