A French ham and butter baguette is one of the most simple sandwiches with only three ingredients, but it is one of the best you’ll ever have.
Please forgive my absence.
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I’ve been writing and posting like a mad woman since I returned from Europe in September, all the way until Christmas. There were also other deadlines on top of the culinary tour posts I’d written. I honestly didn’t step foot into a store to do Christmas shopping until December 23rd, which is so unlike me.
I have been working on a Cullen Skink recipe (smoked haddock chowder) for over a month, and I’m just not satisfied with my recent chocolate cake photos (#foodbloggerproblems). I’ve also had tons of company staying with us, and last weekend, I became my niece’s godmother! Isn’t she just adorable?
One of my favorite sandwiches!
So instead of rushing to post the Cullen Skink or chocolate cake, I remembered that I had taken several shots of ham and butter sandwiches a couple of times last year. I had wanted to share one of the most simple things you could ever make, but at the same time, one of the most delicious (at least, to me).
Last year, I was lucky enough to buy real French ham at a gourmet import store here in LA. I also bought a crusty baguette and always have Kerrygold butter on hand, so that’s all that was needed.
Another killer sandwich I discovered in my travel to Scotland.
These three quality ingredients = heaven. Don’t miss having one if you go to France! Or if you go to Seattle, stop by Le Panier as they have delicious varieties of French baguette sandwiches.
I also made them in England at my cousin Connie’s house. If you’ve never had one, you should do yourself a favor and rustle up these three ingredients. You really don’t need a recipe, but here’s what to do~
French Ham and Butter Baguette Sandwiches (Jambon Beurre)
Ingredients
- thin, French ham (if you can find it, if not, the best, thinly sliced ham you can get)
- top quality butter, at room temperature
- a really good, crusty baguette
Cut the baguette into as many pieces as you want sandwiches, then cut in half, lengthwise.
Spread the softened butter onto the baguette. Don’t put it on like cheese, but don’t put too little, either.
Add the slices of ham. This is not a NY deli style sandwich. One or two thin slices will suffice.
Enjoy your ham and butter baguette, you lucky devil!
Simplest is Best: French Ham and Butter Baguette Sandwich (Jambon Beurre)
A classic French creation that is incredibly simple, yet just as tasty.
Ingredients
- a really good, crusty baguette
- 2 oz top quality butter, at room temperature
- 8 oz thin, French ham (if you can find it, if not, the best, thinly sliced ham you can get)
Instructions
Cut the baguette into 4 pieces and slice lengthwise.
Spread the butter on both sides of each piece of bread, then add the sliced ham.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 4 Serving Size: 1 sandwichAmount Per Serving:Calories: 1250Total Fat: 15gCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 14g
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When I lived in France in our village we bought jambon buerre sandwiches that had cornichons on them.
Yum! That would be good, too!! Maybe I’ll try it next time, thanks, Rebecca!
I’ve eaten this in Paris and in Germany but on a pretzel. So good. My area does not have good bread, but last week, I discovered the take and bake loaves. So delicious with the crispy outside and a soft holey interior. This would work well for the sandwiches but with more ham for me.
Yes, those bake at home loaves would be a good bread to use. :)
I completely agree; sometimes the simplest things are the best! This sandwich looks wonderful! :)
Thanks, Annie!
I have enjoyed my share of these in France and Italy! Perfect!
Aren’t they just heavenly?!
Looks totally perfect to me! Sometimes the simplest dishes are the tastiest!
Absolutely!
Sometimes keeping it simple is the best answer. I was able to try real French ham at the Fancy Food Show one year – OMG! So unbelievable delicious!
Isn’t it so incredibly delicious? If you told someone, they’d probably not believe you unless they’ve tasted it themselves. Hope you can find it again, Laura!
I ate these so much when I was in Italy for a month with a budget :). Simple goodness.
Awesome sandwich Christina, and oh so simple. Love it. I am glad you are enjoying life and look forward your new recipes when they are perfected. (!) :) Your niece is precious and the days are fleeting, so glad you are enjoying time together with your loved ones.
I found this a revelation the first time I had it a few years ago. So simple, and Americans really don’t put butter on their sandwiches (their loss). It’s my sandwich of choice now. And you are so right…top quality ingredients, or don’t bother making it!
Sooo glad you have discovered this too, Dorothy! I grew up eating “a piece and butter” as it’s called in Scotland (a piece, meaning a piece of bread). I’m so relieved now that we can get Kerrygold in the US! Finally- REAL butter!
Congratulations on being godmother to such a cutie niece – and she looks like a little you! Christina, I absolutely love a good simple sandwich just like this. As long as it’s on the perfect and extra fresh baguette. You cannie beat it! Good luck with that Cullen Skink – can’t wait to see your recipe – and chocolate cake? Sounds like we’re going to be spoiled again.
I did have big cheeks when I was a baby (what am I talking about, I still do)! Cullen Skink coming soon!! Hope it’s as good as yours! :)
This is by far my hubby’s favorite sandwich and it is in my top 5 as well. When I first met my hubby and visited France for the first time (with him) I thought this was the weirdest combination, one bite had me hooked. It is so simple and incredibly delicious. But when you have a simple sandwich like this, every ingredient must be top notch or it falls flat!
I wonder why you thought it was a strange combo? Because there was butter in it and not mayo? I still can’t wrap my head around massively gargantuan American sandwiches! ;)
My favorite ham sandwich! I had my first butter/ham sandwich in Ireland in 1969…I was starving at the time but I can still remember how it tasted SO delicious. Thanks for sharing.
Oh I also love the British/Irish version of this sandwich, too-I totally agree! :)
Delicious sandwich, one I grew up eating. Love it.
:)
I love this sandwich too, and I’m always looking out for good ham.
I’m excited about the Cullen Skink having lived in the U.S. for so long and never seeing smoked haddock here. Finnan haddie as I remember.
Yes, and it’s such good quality fish that Richard smokes! My dad (who had a fish and chip shop in Glasgow) gave the Cullen Skink a huge thumbs up -twice, so it’s a go! :)
Couldn’t agree more. Simple really is best. If the ham and butter and bread are all of good quality, this sandwich is absolutely divine! And, yes indeed, your goddaughter *is* adorable! Happy New Year.
Thank you, Frank! Yes, the best quality ingredients are key! Happy New Year to you, too!
This is almost exactly what I have for breakfast every morning- except sometimes I add slices of hard-boiled egg. A little mustard – deliousness!
What a concept! I would love this for breakfast, too!