Classic French Jambon-Beurre Sandwich Recipe

Ingredients

  • 2 fresh baguettes
  • 8 slices of Jambon de Paris (high-quality ham)
  • 1 stick of unsalted butter, softened
  • cornichons (pickles), optional for serving
  • Dijon mustard, optional for serving

Steps and instructions

  1. Cut the baguettes lengthwise without going all the way through. You want to create a sort of hinge so the halves stay together.
  2. Spread a generous layer of softened butter on each side of the baguettes.
  3. Lay two slices of Jambon de Paris on each baguette, folding as necessary to fit.
  4. If you'd like, you can also add a smear of Dijon mustard or a few cornichons for extra flavor.
  5. Close the baguette over the fillings.
  6. Serve immediately, or wrap in parchment paper for a picnic or later consumption. Enjoy your classic French sandwich!

Tools for making

Recipe variations

  • Use different types of bread such as a crusty ciabatta or a whole wheat baguette for a different flavor and texture.
  • Replace the Jambon de Paris with other cured meats like prosciutto, salami, or roast beef.
  • Try different spreads like mayonnaise, aioli, or flavored butter (such as herb or garlic butter).
  • Add additional toppings like sliced cheese, tomatoes, lettuce, or sliced onions for added freshness.
  • Make it a vegetarian option by replacing the ham with grilled vegetables or marinated tofu.
  • Experiment with different condiments such as honey mustard, pesto, or a spicy sriracha mayo.
  • Add a layer of sliced avocado or pickled vegetables for extra creaminess and tang.

Recipe overview

Welcome to our simple yet delicious recipe for a classic French sandwich: Jambon-beurre. This sandwich is a staple in French cuisine known for its simplicity and the high quality of its few ingredients. All you need are fresh baguettes, Jambon de Paris, and unsalted butter. Optional additions include Dijon mustard and cornichons. This sandwich is perfect for a quick lunch, a picnic, or any time you want a taste of France. In just a few easy steps, you'll have a delicious, authentic Jambon-beurre. Enjoy the process and the taste of this classic French delight!

Common questions

  1. Can I use a different type of bread?

    While the traditional choice for Jambon-beurre is a fresh baguette, you can experiment with different types of bread if you prefer. However, keep in mind that the texture and flavor may vary.

  2. What kind of ham should I use?

    The authentic choice for Jambon-beurre is Jambon de Paris, which is a high-quality French ham. However, you can substitute it with other types of thinly sliced ham if needed.

  3. Can I add other ingredients to the sandwich?

    Absolutely! While the classic Jambon-beurre is made with just ham and butter, you can personalize it by adding Dijon mustard, pickles (cornichons), or even cheese.

  4. Can I make this sandwich in advance?

    It is best to assemble and eat the Jambon-beurre sandwich immediately for the freshest taste and texture. However, you can wrap it tightly in parchment paper and refrigerate for a few hours if needed.

  5. Can I toast the bread before assembling?

    Traditionally, Jambon-beurre is made with fresh, untoasted baguettes. However, if you prefer a toasted version, you can lightly toast the bread before spreading the butter and assembling the sandwich.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Cutting board - A sturdy surface to slice the baguettes and ham on.
  • Serrated knife - Essential for cutting through the crusty baguettes without squashing them.
  • Butter knife - Used to spread the softened butter onto the baguettes.
  • Parchment paper - Optional, for wrapping the sandwiches if you plan to save them for later or for picnics.
  • Plates - For serving the Jambon-beurre sandwiches.

Origin stories

The jambon-beurre, a quintessentially French sandwich, has a history as simple and straightforward as its ingredients. It rose to popularity in the late 19th century during the industrial revolution in France when people had less time to sit down for a full meal. The sandwich, with its combination of a fresh baguette, quality ham, and rich butter, provided a quick, portable, and satisfying meal for the busy workers of the time. Even today, its popularity persists, with millions of jambon-beurre sandwiches sold in France each year, maintaining its status as an iconic symbol of French gastronomy.

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.