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Creamy goat cheese, spicy jam, salty ham, and peppery arugula are combined in the best ham sandwich you’ll ever eat.

Packed with delicious fillings, this is not your ordinary ham sandwich recipe. I typically pile the fillings on a long French baguette and then slice it into small finger sandwiches. However you make this, it won’t last long.

The Best Ham Sandwich you will ever eat! get the recipe at barefeetinthekitchen.com

I serve this ham sandwich for holiday get-togethers, family movie nights, easy lunches, and snacks throughout the year.

We’ve made this amazing sandwich so many times over the past couple of years, I wanted to share it again, to make sure you’ll have the recipe fresh in your memory and at your fingertips when you have leftover ham in the house after Thanksgiving and Christmas this year.

Best Ham Sandwich

While visiting Sioux Falls with The National Pork Board a few years ago, Chef Neel built a similar sandwich and he called it the “best ever ham sandwich.”

This post was originally sponsored by The National Pork Board and this ham sandwich recipe was inspired by that trip to Sioux Falls, South Dakota a few years ago.

While I expected the sandwich to be tasty, I’m reluctant to ever label anything the “best” of its kind. I took one bite and was sold. This was, indeed, the cream of the crop of deli ham sandwiches.

The creamy goat cheese and savory ham are a perfect combination. A spoonful of spicy pepper jam took the whole thing to sigh-worthy heights.

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You only need a few ingredients to make The Best Ham Sandwich you've ever eaten!

Ham Sandwich Recipe

I knew right away I’d be making my own version of that sandwich after I returned home again. The recipe I’m sharing with you today is one you’re going to want to make over and over again.

To make this ham sandwich, I followed Chef Neel’s lead and started with a fresh French baguette. I picked mine up from the bakery section at my local grocery store, but I’m sure a homemade baguette would taste fabulous as well.

After slicing the loaf in half lengthways, I spread each side with a thick layer of whipped goat cheese. Arugula and thin slices of deli ham are piled on next.

The sandwich is made complete with a dollop of hot pepper jelly spooned on top.

This really might be the best ham sandwich of your life! get the recipe at barefeetinthekitchen.com

One baguette’s worth of sandwich can be sliced into sections to feed four people for a lunch. This is also the perfect party sandwich. Slice it into eight sections to serve as an appetizer.

Amazing Ham Sandwich

My family can never get enough party foods and snack ideas, so this sandwich is perfect for us. I’ve made it many times now and my kids still keep asking for “the fancy ham sandwich.”

You can make this on classic French bread, on a baguette, on hoagie rolls, on toast, or on whole-grain wheat bread, the possibilities are endless here.

Make the sandwich as hearty or as light as you like simply by adjusting the amounts of each ingredient. When I’m making these sandwiches for a quick dinner, I pile them high with plenty of ham slices.

As an appetizer or party snack, I’ll be a little lighter on the meat. I love how adaptable this recipe is for any occasion.

Perfect for a crowd or a casual lunch, you're going to love this Ham Sandwich!

Be warned that you just might sigh when you bite into this sweet and savory sandwich. If you’re a ham lover (or even if you’re not!) this sandwich truly deserves the name “The Best Ham Sandwich You’ll Ever Eat!”

Creamy goat cheese and spicy pepper jam add up to make this the ultimate ham sandwich recipe. As a party food or an easy lunch or dinner, this sandwich is always a hit.

I almost can’t believe I’m this excited about a ham sandwich–but I promise you it’s worth the hype. Right now, I admit I’m pretty sold on making these sandwiches just about as often as I can.

For more amazing recipes for party sandwiches, I highly recommend both these Chicken Cordon Bleu Sliders and these Dill Pickle Chicken Salad Croissant Sandwiches. I also have this Cajun Cheesecake Sandwich recipe on my list of party sandwiches to make next.

You're going to love these sweet and slightly spicy ham sandwiches!

I have a well-known love for ham and you can see that evidenced all over this website. Check out all of these ham-filled recipes! Better Than Take-Out Ham Fried Rice is a kid-friendly favorite that’s easier and faster than take out.

There’s nothing else like Ham Balls served on their own or in a Sweet and Sour Ham Ball Stir Fry. (Skeptical? I promise that once you try the ham ball stir-fry, you’ll be a fan too!)

Ham and Cheese Waffles (grab and go or drizzle with syrup at the table) are frequently requested by my kids.

Ham and Cheese Biscuits and Slow Cooker Potato Ham Chowder never disappoint. Serve the biscuits with the chowder for a real treat!

Looking for more easy sandwich recipes? Savory deli meats are piled high on a toasted hoagie roll, then topped with an unforgettable tangy slaw and gooey provolone cheese to make this Italian Grinder Sandwich your new favorite lunch.

5 from 7 votes

The Best Ham Sandwich You’ll Ever Eat

Avatar photoMary Younkin
Creamy goat cheese, spicy jam, salty ham, and peppery arugula are combined in the best ham sandwich you'll ever eat.
Servings: 4 servings (as a meal) 8 servings (as an appetizer)
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Ingredients 

  • 1 French baguette about 30-36 inches
  • 6 ounces whipped or extra creamy goat cheese
  • 4-6 tablespoons spicy pepper jam
  • 2 ounces arugula
  • 1 pound deli ham sliced very thin

Instructions 

  • Slice the bread in half lengthwise, forming two flat halves. Spread the goat cheese on each section of bread.
  • Layer arugula on the bottom half and then ham over the greens. Fold and crumple the ham as you layer it on the bread. Form piles of ham across the bread to create the best texture.
  • Spoon the jam over the goat cheese on the top half of the bread. Close the sandwich and slice into smaller sections. Serve immediately.

Notes

If you don’t happen to be a fan of goat cheese, this sandwich also works well with whipped cream cheese. However, the cream cheese won’t have the same depth of flavor as the goat cheese in this sandwich.
My favorite way to make this sandwich is with Cranberry Pepper Jam. If you are able to find it in the store, buy it. However, if you have about 15 minutes, you can make your own!

Nutrition

Calories: 609 kcal | Carbohydrates: 44 g | Protein: 39 g | Fat: 30 g | Saturated Fat: 13 g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3 g | Monounsaturated Fat: 11 g | Cholesterol: 90 mg | Sodium: 1899 mg | Potassium: 481 mg | Fiber: 2 g | Sugar: 13 g | Vitamin A: 776 IU | Vitamin C: 4 mg | Calcium: 160 mg | Iron: 4 mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

{originally published 10/24/17 – recipe notes and photos updated 12/23/22}

This ham sandwich makes me SO happy! It's great for a casual lunch or you can make a whole tray at once for a party!
The BEST Ham Sandwich you will ever eat is sweet, spicy, and a little bit of everything! get the recipe at barefeetinthekitchen.com

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Rating




28 Comments

  1. Debbie says:

    Do you have a recipe for the pepper jam? Would love to make it!

    1. Mary says:

      It will be on the blog next week and I’ll add the link here!

    2. SHARON says:

      I missed the recipe for the spicy pepper jelly. could I please get it. THANKS

    3. Mary says:

      You haven’t missed it. It will be on the blog later this week!

  2. Wanda says:

    Thanks for sharing about the book you read the Real Jesus. I am reading & loving it.
    You’re right you laugh & cry. If the world would now Jesus more.

  3. Mausie says:

    I have no idea what to do with the ham that I bought for Thanksgiving, don’t want to eat just plain,so I ‘ll buy the goat chees and voila, the best, I ‘ll have, thank you kindly,…😘😘😘🇺🇸🇵🇭5 stars

  4. Kylie McNamara says:

    I m in Melbourne, Australia and stumbled across this fantastic recipe and it was a winner! I didn’t have the spicy cranberry so substituted with a spicy fruit chutney. The boyfriend thought it was a deli purchased sandwich, he stated as it was the best he has had in a long time since returning from the USA.
    Thank you for sharing!5 stars

    1. Mary Younkin says:

      I’m so glad you enjoyed the sandwich, Kylie!

  5. R. says:

    Anxiety provoking…two hours scrolling for the actual recipe.

    1. Mary Younkin says:

      Oh my goodness, thanks for the laugh. Two hours? You must have the slowest internet connection in the history of the internet. I’m so sorry! That must be terribly frustrating! I just checked and I had to scroll three whole times to get to the recipe. In addition to that, there is a nifty Jump To Recipe link at the top of the page, so feel free to utilize that next time you’re on a free recipe site.

  6. skylar says:

    I love this thank you so much it is so hard to find something my family will like❤❤ and stay safe😷😷5 stars

    1. Mary Younkin says:

      I’m so glad that you love the sandwich, Skylar.

  7. Jennifer H says:

    Oh my goodness! I made this recipe tonight exactly as written (except for the arugula because I couldnt find any). And it is TO DIE FOR. My husband said its a keeper. My 6 year old daughter asked for seconds! I could only find a block of goat cheese so I melted it in the microwave to be able to spread it on the french bread. Thank you for this yummy recipe.5 stars

    1. Mary Younkin says:

      YAY! I’m so glad that you enjoyed it that much, Jennifer.

  8. Bethanne says:

    How would Hawaiian rolls do with this. I want to make them for a crowd. Has anyone tried it?

    1. Mary Younkin says:

      That sounds good to me, Bethanne. The sandwiches will be sweeter and softer, but I think it will work.

    2. noah smith says:

      “Hands down the best ham sandwich ever! Juicy, flavorful ham nestled between perfectly toasted bread—a true culinary masterpiece.”

  9. Alma Cundiff says:

    Made the Taco meat yesterday for two friends and myself. None left. IT WAS DELICIOUS. Also used the homemade taco seasoning.

    1. Mary Younkin says:

      That’s awesome! I’m so glad you enjoyed it.

  10. Anna Crossley says:

    Can you recommend a subsititute for the pepper jelly for people that can’t handle even pepper?

    1. Mary Younkin says:

      Any jam or jelly that you enjoy will work nicely here, Anna. We love the pepper jelly, but the real hit here is the sweet jam with the savory ham. It will still be great without the spicy portion. If you can find a cranberry, peach, or apricot jam, those would be my first choices.

  11. Marina says:

    I’ve already made this sandwich and it’s absolutely YUM!
    Just one question. Your pics look like there was a ham and turkey or chicken but you don’t mention it. Am I seeing things? Thanks for the yummy combo5 stars

    1. Mary Younkin says:

      Hi, Marina. It’s just deli ham in this recipe. No other meat was used. I’m glad you’re loving the sandwich!

  12. Joshua says:

    Absolutely delicious!5 stars

    1. Mary Younkin says:

      I’m thrilled you like the sandwich!