Classic French Ham and Cheese Sandwich with Dijon Mustard

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A warm French sandwich featuring layers of thinly sliced ham, melted Emmental cheese, and tangy Dijon mustard on crusty baguette, toasted to golden perfection. This french-inspired sandwiches & wraps ready in about 13 minutes pairs (about 12 inches) French baguette, sliced ham, sliced Emmental cheese for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 400 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 5 min Cook: 8 min Serves 4 French cuisine 400 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat a panini press or a large skillet over medium heat. Slice the French baguette lengthwise, leaving a hinge on one side.
  2. Step 2: Spread 2 tbsp Dijon mustard evenly on the cut sides of the baguette. Layer 6 oz sliced ham evenly on the bottom half, then top with 4 oz sliced Emmental cheese.
  3. Step 3: Close the sandwich and spread 2 tbsp softened unsalted butter on the outside of the baguette on both sides.
  4. Step 4: Place the sandwich in the panini press or skillet, pressing gently. Cook for 4-5 minutes in a panini press or 3-4 minutes per side in skillet, until the bread is golden and crisp and the cheese is melted.
  5. Step 5: Remove from heat, let rest for 1 minute, then slice into 4 portions and serve warm.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Classic French Ham and Cheese Sandwich with Dijon Mustard take to make?

Total time is about 13 minutes (5 min prep + 8 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Classic French Ham and Cheese Sandwich with Dijon Mustard?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep sliced ham from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Classic French Ham and Cheese Sandwich with Dijon Mustard?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Classic French Ham and Cheese Sandwich with Dijon Mustard for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Classic French Ham and Cheese Sandwich with Dijon Mustard?

French sandwiches & wraps like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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