There’s something about the combination of savory ham, creamy brie, and crisp apples that feels absolutely irresistible. This Ham and Brie Sandwich is not just a sandwich—it’s a full-on flavor experience. Imagine biting into a warm, buttery pretzel bun filled with melty brie cheese, pan-seared Black Forest ham, and a drizzle of homemade honey mustard, all balanced with the slight tartness of fresh green apples. Sounds fancy, right? But here’s the best part: it’s super easy to make!
This sandwich is perfect for a quick lunch, an elevated brunch option, or even a cozy dinner when you want something indulgent but effortless. It’s one of those meals that look and taste gourmet but come together in just 20 minutes with simple ingredients you probably already have. Whether you’re making it for yourself or impressing guests, this is the kind of sandwich that will make you feel like a chef in your own kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Ham and Brie Sandwich
If you love rich, melty cheese, perfectly seared ham, and a balance of flavors, this sandwich is going to be your new favorite. The warm, toasty pretzel bun adds a slightly chewy texture that contrasts beautifully with the silky brie and thinly sliced green apple. Plus, the homemade honey mustard dressing brings a sweet and tangy kick that ties everything together.
One of the biggest reasons you’ll love this recipe is its simplicity. Even though it looks and tastes like something you’d get at a fancy café, it requires minimal effort and only a few ingredients. The beauty of this sandwich lies in how easily it comes together without sacrificing flavor. Another great reason to love this sandwich is its versatility. You can customize it to suit your preferences by swapping out ingredients or adding extras like fresh greens, caramelized onions, or a drizzle of balsamic glaze.
It’s also a great option for a hearty yet balanced meal. The protein from the ham, the healthy fats from the brie, and the fiber from the apple make it a well-rounded dish that keeps you satisfied. Whether you’re enjoying it as a quick lunch, a comforting dinner, or even as part of a brunch spread, this sandwich is guaranteed to impress.
How Long Does It Take to make this Ham and Brie Sandwich Recipe?
One of the best things about this sandwich is how quickly you can make it. From start to finish, it takes about 20 minutes, making it ideal for busy days when you want something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Servings: 2 sandwiches
Ingredients You’ll Need to make this Ham and Brie Sandwich
This recipe calls for a handful of simple, high-quality ingredients that come together to create something truly special. Using fresh, good-quality ingredients makes a huge difference in the final taste of the sandwich.
For the Honey Mustard Dressing:
The honey mustard dressing is a game-changer. It adds a sweet and tangy contrast to the richness of the ham and brie, making every bite more flavorful.
- ¼ cup mayonnaise – This creates a smooth, creamy base for the dressing.
- 2.5 teaspoons Dijon mustard – Adds a bold, tangy kick that balances the sweetness of the honey.
- 2-3 teaspoons honey – Adjust based on how sweet you like it; this helps mellow out the sharpness of the mustard.
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar – Adds a slight acidity to enhance the flavors and prevent the dressing from being too sweet.
- Pinch of kosher salt – Brings out all the flavors and prevents the dressing from tasting flat.
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste – Adds a little heat and depth to the dressing.
For the Sandwich:
Each ingredient in this sandwich plays an important role in creating the perfect bite.
- 2 pretzel buns, sliced in half – Soft, slightly chewy, and sturdy enough to hold all the delicious fillings without falling apart. The slight saltiness of pretzel buns complements the sweetness of the dressing and the creaminess of the brie.
- 2 tablespoons butter, for toasting – Because buttery toasted bread makes everything better. Toasting the buns also adds a nice crunch and enhances the overall texture.
- 8 slices Black Forest ham, thinly shaved – Slightly smoky, deeply flavorful, and pairs perfectly with the brie. Black Forest ham has a slightly sweet and smoky profile, making it the best choice for this sandwich.
- 6 slices brie cheese, thinly sliced – Creamy, melty, and rich, brie cheese is what gives this sandwich its luxurious texture. The mild, buttery flavor of brie pairs beautifully with both the ham and the apple.
- ½ green apple, thinly shaved – Adds the perfect fresh, crisp contrast to the warm, melty ingredients. The tartness of the green apple balances the richness of the cheese and the saltiness of the ham.
Step-by-Step Instructions to make this Ham and Brie Sandwich Recipe
- Make the Honey Mustard Dressing
- In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, honey, apple cider vinegar, salt, and black pepper until smooth. The consistency should be thick but drizzle-able.
- Cover and refrigerate until ready to use. This can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- Toast the Pretzel Buns
- Lightly butter the inside of each pretzel bun to enhance its flavor and give it a golden, crispy texture.
- Heat a nonstick skillet over medium heat and toast the buns, cut-side down, until they turn golden brown and slightly crisp. This should take about 2-3 minutes. Remove from the pan and set aside.
- Prepare the Ham & Brie
- In the same skillet, add the Black Forest ham, warming it just until it starts to sizzle. This enhances its flavor and makes it extra juicy.
- Lay the brie slices over the ham and cover the pan with a lid. Let it sit for 1-2 minutes, until the brie becomes melty and gooey. Avoid overcooking, as you want the brie to be just melted, not runny.
- Assemble the Sandwich
- Place the warm ham and melted brie onto the bottom half of each toasted pretzel bun, ensuring an even layer.
- Layer on the thinly sliced green apple for a fresh, crisp bite.
- Drizzle with the homemade honey mustard dressing, allowing it to seep into the layers and enhance every bite.
- Top with the other half of the bun and press down slightly to hold everything together.
- Serve & Enjoy
- Serve warm, with an extra drizzle of honey mustard if desired. Pair with a simple side salad, roasted sweet potato fries, or even a cup of tomato soup for the ultimate meal.
Storage & Make-Ahead Tips
- This sandwich is best enjoyed fresh since the textures and flavors are at their peak when the cheese is melty and the bun is crispy.
- You can make the honey mustard dressing ahead of time and store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- If you need to store leftovers, wrap the sandwich in parchment paper and refrigerate for up to 1 day, then reheat in a skillet or toaster oven before eating.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use regular mustard instead of Dijon?
Yes! Yellow mustard or whole grain mustard works well, but Dijon adds a nice depth of flavor.
What kind of ham works best?
Black Forest ham, honey ham, or smoked ham are great options. Avoid overly salty deli ham, as it can overpower the flavors.
Can I serve this cold instead of warm?
Absolutely! You can skip the heating step and enjoy it as a cold sandwich, though the melty brie adds an extra layer of deliciousness.
Is there a substitute for pretzel buns?
If you can’t find pretzel buns, use ciabatta, brioche, or a crusty French roll for a similar effect.
Can I pack this for lunch?
Yes, but pack the honey mustard separately to prevent the bun from getting soggy. Reheat before eating if possible.
Final Thoughts
This Ham and Brie Sandwich is a perfect balance of savory, creamy, sweet, and crisp flavors that come together in just minutes. The melty brie, smoky ham, fresh apple slices, and tangy honey mustard make every bite delicious, while the toasted pretzel bun adds the perfect texture. It’s an easy yet elevated sandwich that feels special without requiring much effort.
Whether you’re making it for a quick lunch, a cozy dinner, or even a brunch option, this sandwich is sure to impress. Plus, you can customize it with different breads, spreads, or add-ins to make it your own.
If you give this sandwich a try, I’d love to hear how it turned out! Leave a comment or share a photo—I always enjoy seeing your creations. Enjoy your gourmet sandwich! 🍏🧀🥪✨
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Ham and Brie Sandwich – The Ultimate Gourmet Combo
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 2 sandwiches 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Ham and Brie Sandwich is a savory, melty, and slightly sweet combination of toasted pretzel buns, creamy brie, smoky ham, crisp apple, and a tangy honey mustard drizzle. Perfect for a quick and satisfying lunch or dinner in just 20 minutes.
Ingredients
- 2 pretzel buns, sliced in half
- 2 tbsp butter, for toasting
- 8 slices Black Forest ham
- 6 slices brie cheese
- ½ green apple, thinly sliced
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- 2.5 tsp Dijon mustard
- 2–3 tsp honey (adjust to taste)
- 1 tsp apple cider vinegar
- Pinch of kosher salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- Whisk together mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, honey, apple cider vinegar, salt, and black pepper to make the honey mustard dressing. Set aside.
- Butter the inside of each pretzel bun and toast in a skillet over medium heat until golden brown. Remove from heat.
- In the same skillet, warm the Black Forest ham for 1-2 minutes. Layer brie cheese over the ham and cover the skillet until the cheese melts.
- Assemble the sandwich by placing the ham and brie on the toasted bun, adding thinly sliced green apple, and drizzling with honey mustard dressing.
- Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
- For extra flavor, add a drizzle of balsamic glaze or a handful of arugula.
- Swap pretzel buns for ciabatta, brioche, or sourdough for a different texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Sandwiches
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American, Gourmet