Hot Ham & Provolone Sandwich
I don’t know about you, but after Easter I always have lots of leftover ham and turkey breast, and I am always torn over what to do with it. This year I decided to keep it simple with an effortless Hot Ham and Provolone Sandwich using HoneyBaked Ham. It is the same leftover-loving spirit as my turkey cranberry brie sandwich.
What makes this sandwich really tasty is that it is broiled. I put the ham, cheese and ciabatta under the broiler before adding my fresh toppings, and it makes all the difference: the cheese is hot and melty and the bread is warm and toasty. In particular, if you love a melty sandwich, my grilled cheese sandwich and my bagel sandwich belong on your list too.
You can use turkey breast instead of ham, depending on your preference. Moreover, it is ready in 15 minutes, which makes it a great afternoon snack or an easy dinner when you want to keep things simple, right alongside my Pace® salsa chicken and white bean chicken soup.
What Is a Hot Ham and Provolone Sandwich
It is an open-faced, broiled sandwich: ciabatta rolls spread with whole-grain mustard and mayonnaise, layered with thick-sliced ham and provolone, then broiled until the cheese melts and finished with fresh toppings.
In essence, it is the best way I know to turn holiday leftovers into a lunch that feels brand new.
Hot Ham and Provolone Sandwich Ingredients (With Purpose & Flavor Notes)
Ciabatta Rolls
Sturdy enough to hold the fillings, with a soft, chewy inside that toasts beautifully.
Thick-Sliced Ham
Leftover holiday ham is perfect. Turkey breast works too.
Provolone Cheese
Mild, melty and a little smoky if you choose smoked provolone.
Whole-Grain Mustard
Tangy, with a little texture that cuts the richness.
Mayonnaise
Adds creaminess. I use Duke’s.
Fresh Toppings
Red onion, bacon, arugula or romaine and sliced tomatoes; let everyone choose their own.
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Rimmed Half Sheet Pans
Broil all four sandwiches open-faced on one pan.
Parchment Paper Sheets
Line the pan for easy cleanup; use foil directly under the broiler.
Bread Knife
Halves ciabatta rolls cleanly without crushing them.
8-Inch Chef’s Knife
Slices tomatoes and onions thin and even.
Epicurean Cutting Board
A sturdy board for slicing toppings and serving.
Spreader Knives
Spread mustard and mayonnaise edge to edge.
Salad Spinner
Dry greens keep the sandwich from getting soggy.
Glass Prep Bowls
Set out toppings so everyone builds their own.
Little Condiment Bowls
For extra mustard and mayo at the table.
Serving Platters
Serve the sandwiches family-style.
Small Silicone Tongs
Lift hot sandwiches off the pan safely.
Airtight Storage Containers
Store leftover ham and toppings for tomorrow’s lunch.
How To Make a Hot Ham and Provolone Sandwich
Step 1: Heat the Broiler
Preheat the broiler and line a baking sheet with foil.
Step 2: Spread and Layer
Spread each roll with mustard and mayonnaise, then divide the ham and cheese over the bottom halves.
Step 3: Broil
Broil open-faced for 2 to 4 minutes, until the cheese is melted and the rolls are toasted.
Step 4: Top and Serve
Add your favorite toppings, close the sandwiches and serve warm.
Hot Ham and Provolone Sandwich
Equipment
- Baking sheet
- Bread knife
Ingredients
- 4 ciabatta rolls halved
- ½ lb thick-sliced ham leftover HoneyBaked Ham is perfect
- 4 slices provolone cheese thick-sliced
- ⅓ cup whole-grain mustard
- ¼ cup mayonnaise I use Duke’s; to taste
Optional Toppings
- sliced red onion
- cooked bacon
- arugula or romaine lettuce
- sliced tomatoes
Instructions
- Heat the broiler. Preheat the broiler to high with a rack about 6 inches from the heat. Line a baking sheet with foil.
- Spread. Spread the cut sides of each roll with mustard and mayonnaise.
- Layer. Arrange the rolls open-faced on the pan. Divide the ham over the bottom halves and top with the provolone.
- Broil. Broil for 2 to 4 minutes, watching closely, until the cheese is melted and the tops of the rolls are toasted.
- Top and serve. Add your favorite toppings, close the sandwiches and serve warm.
Notes
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Keep Reading →Hot Ham and Provolone Sandwich Variations
Turkey and Provolone
Swap the ham for sliced turkey breast.
Ham and Swiss
Use Swiss or Gruyère for a nuttier melt.
Add Bacon
Crispy bacon adds smoky crunch.
Make It Spicy
Add pepper jack and sliced pickled jalapeños.
Slider Style
Use slider rolls for a party tray.
Honey Mustard
Stir a little honey into the mustard for a sweet-savory spread.
When I Love Serving a Hot Ham and Provolone Sandwich
The Week After Easter
The best use of leftover ham.
After Thanksgiving and Christmas
It works with holiday turkey and ham too; see what to do with Thanksgiving leftovers.
Quick Weeknight Dinners
On the table in 15 minutes.
Game Day
Make a tray and set it next to my favorite tailgating dip and a French fry board.
Casual Lunch With Friends
Set out toppings and let everyone build their own, with tuna salad boats on the side.
After-School Snack
Hearty enough to hold the kids until dinner.
What To Serve With a Hot Ham and Provolone Sandwich
Soup
A cup of white sausage tortellini soup makes it a meal.
A Crisp Salad
My winter salad or one of these eight salads.
Chips or Fries
Kettle chips or hot fries are the classic side.
A Veggie Tray
Add crunch with an epic veggie tray.
Fresh Bread
Start with a great roll; here is where to find fresh bread in Atlanta.
Something Sweet
Finish with air fryer apple fries.
Hot Ham and Provolone Sandwich Storage
Serve Fresh
These sandwiches are best right out of the broiler.
Store the Components
Keep ham, cheese and toppings separately in the refrigerator; cooked ham keeps 3 to 5 days.
Reheat
Reheat an assembled sandwich, without the fresh toppings, in a 350°F oven for 8 to 10 minutes.
Make Ahead
Slice the toppings and mix the spread ahead so assembly takes minutes.
Hot Ham and Provolone Sandwich FAQs
Can I use turkey instead of ham?
Yes. Sliced turkey breast works just as well.
What bread works best?
Ciabatta rolls are sturdy and toast well; hoagie rolls or a baguette also work.
Can I bake instead of broil?
Yes. Bake at 400°F for 6 to 8 minutes, until the cheese melts.
What cheese can I substitute?
Swiss, Havarti, mozzarella or pepper jack all melt nicely.
How do I keep the bread from burning?
Keep the pan about 6 inches from the broiler and watch closely; it only takes a few minutes.
Can I make these for a crowd?
Yes. Use two sheet pans and broil one at a time.
Final Thoughts
This sandwich is proof that leftovers can be something to look forward to. All things considered, a little heat, good bread and melty cheese turn yesterday’s ham into a lunch that feels brand new. If you make it, tell me your favorite toppings in the comments!
Erica A. Thomas
Founder of Eating With Erica
