Summer Baseball Picnic Sandwich with Mustard Aioli

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

A hearty sandwich inspired by nostalgic summer days of backyard baseball, layered with smoky ham, sharp cheddar, and a tangy mustard aioli. This american-inspired sandwiches & wraps ready in about 15 minutes blends sourdough bread, thinly sliced smoked ham, sliced sharp cheddar cheese into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 480 calories and feeds 1, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. 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: 10 min Cook: 5 min Serves 1 American cuisine 480 cal/serving
Plan a meal with the AI → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Bakeware & baking tools → Shop all kitchen tools →

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a small bowl, combine 2 tbsp mayonnaise, 1 tbsp Dijon mustard, 1/4 tsp garlic powder, and 1/8 tsp black pepper. Whisk until smooth to create the mustard aioli.
  2. Step 2: Spread 1 tbsp softened butter evenly on one side of each sourdough bread slice. Heat a skillet over medium heat and toast the bread butter-side down for 2-3 minutes until golden and crisp.
  3. Step 3: Flip the bread slices and quickly spread the mustard aioli on the unbuttered sides. Layer 3 oz thinly sliced smoked ham, 2 oz sharp cheddar cheese, 4 dill pickle slices, and 2 small lettuce leaves on one slice.
  4. Step 4: Top with the other slice of bread, aioli side down, and press gently. Remove from skillet, slice in half, and serve immediately for a nostalgic summer picnic bite.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Summer Baseball Picnic Sandwich with Mustard Aioli take to make?

Total time is about 15 minutes (10 min prep + 5 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Summer Baseball Picnic Sandwich with Mustard Aioli?

Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.

Can I substitute ingredients in Summer Baseball Picnic Sandwich with Mustard Aioli?

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 Summer Baseball Picnic Sandwich with Mustard Aioli for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 1 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 1). 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 Summer Baseball Picnic Sandwich with Mustard Aioli?

American 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.

Related recipes