Cooking Instructions

Follow these steps for perfect results

Ingredients

0/9 checked
2
servings
1 pound

Ham

thinly sliced

2 tbsp

Unsalted Butter

melted

2 tbsp

All-Purpose Flour

0.75 cup

Whole Milk

2 tsp

Dry Mustard

0.75 cup

Beer

(not dark)

6 unit

Gruyere Cheese

coarsely grated

4 slice

Pumpernickel or Rye Bread

oval slices

1 unit

Cornichons or Gherkins

for garnish

Step 1
~2 min

Preheat broiler.

Step 2
~2 min

Wrap ham tightly in foil.

Step 3
~2 min

Place ham on rack farthest from broiler to heat through for about 15 minutes.

Step 4
~2 min

Melt butter in a heavy medium saucepan over medium-low heat.

Step 5
~2 min

Whisk in flour and cook, whisking, for 1 minute.

Key Technique: Whisking
Step 6
~2 min

Whisk in milk, mustard, and pepper.

Step 7
~2 min

Bring to a boil over medium heat, whisking.

Key Technique: Whisking
Step 8
~2 min

Simmer, whisking, for 2 minutes.

Key Technique: Whisking
Step 9
~2 min

Add beer and simmer, whisking, for 1 minute.

Key Technique: Whisking
Step 10
~2 min

Remove from heat and whisk in cheese until melted.

Step 11
~2 min

Arrange bread in 1 layer on a baking sheet.

Step 12
~2 min

Broil 4 to 5 inches from heat, turning once, until lightly toasted, about 5 minutes total.

Step 13
~2 min

Transfer bread to plates.

Step 14
~2 min

Spoon some of the sauce over the bread.

Step 15
~2 min

Top with ham and remaining sauce.

Pro Tips & Suggestions

Expert advice for the best results

Use a good quality beer for the best flavor.

Grate the Gruyère cheese fresh for the best melting.

Serve with a side salad for a complete meal.

Cooking Experience

Everything you need to know before you start

Time & Preparation

Cleanup Time

10 minutes

Batch Cooking
Not Ideal
Make Ahead

The sauce can be made ahead of time and reheated.

Freezable
Kid Friendly

Cooking Environment

Messiness Level
Medium
Smell Intensity
Medium
Noise Level
Low
Elder Friendly
Suitable for seniors

Plating & Presentation

Serving Suggestions

Serve with a side of pickled vegetables.

Serve with a green salad.

Perfect Pairings

Food Pairings

Pickled onions
Green salad

Drink Pairings

Cultural Heritage

Discover the story behind this recipe

Origin & Tradition

Region of Origin

United Kingdom

Cultural Significance

Traditional Welsh dish, often associated with comfort food.

Style

Occasions & Celebrations

Occasion Tags

Casual Meal
Lunch
Dinner

Popularity Score

65/100

More British Lunch Recipes

Discover more delicious British Lunch recipes to expand your culinary repertoire

British
Medium
A

Ultimate Roast Beef Sandwich

4.3
(614 reviews)

An indulgent roast beef sandwich with caramelized leeks, horseradish sauce, and golden potatoes.

60 min
700 cal
Gluten-containing
Dairy-containing
65%
70
British
Medium
C+

Coronation Chicken II

4.2
(1352 reviews)

A classic British dish, perfect for sandwiches, salads, or as a light meal.

60 min
450 cal
Gluten-Free
Dairy-Free (if using dairy-free mayonnaise)
75%
70
British
Medium
A-

Spiced Pumpkin Soup With Pear Purée And Stilton

4.2
(289 reviews)

A creamy and flavorful spiced pumpkin soup, elevated with sweet pear purée and tangy Stilton cheese.

50 min
300 cal
Vegetarian
Gluten-Free
60%
75
British
Easy
A+

Nigella Lawson Pea, Mint, and Avocado Salad

4.3
(868 reviews)

A refreshing and vibrant salad with fresh peas, mint, and creamy avocado, dressed with a simple vinaigrette. Perfect as a light lunch or side dish.

70 min
350 cal
Vegetarian
Gluten-Free
60%
75
British
Easy
A+

Cream of Carrot Soup

4.1
(1759 reviews)

A simple and delicious creamy carrot soup, perfect for a quick and healthy meal.

30 min
250 cal
Vegetarian (optional)
Gluten-Free
80%
75
British
Medium
B+

Creamy Chicken Puffs

4.5
(1245 reviews)

Flaky puff pastry filled with a creamy and savory chicken and bacon mixture. Perfect as an appetizer or light meal.

55 min
450 cal
Contains Dairy
Not Gluten-Free
75%
70
British
Medium
A

Smoked Haddock, Leek And Potato Soup

4.2
(302 reviews)

A comforting and flavorful soup featuring smoked haddock, leeks, and potatoes.

30 min
400 cal
Pescatarian
Gluten-Free (if served without bread)
60%
75
British
Easy
A-

Easy and Delicious Cauliflower Soup for Cold Days

4.3
(675 reviews)

A creamy and comforting cauliflower cheese soup, perfect for a chilly day.

40 min
300 cal
Vegetarian
80%
75