A ham and cheese toastie — who didn’t grow up with one? But today, we’re taking it just a little differently. Inspired by Scandinavian cuisine and with the irresistible flavors of Nicolas Vahé, you can turn this lunch classic into a stylish and delicious treat. Time to give your everyday lunch an upgrade!
The Scandinavian take on a classic
In Scandinavia, simplicity is an art form. It’s all about pure ingredients, beautiful design, and cherishing the small, everyday moments of happiness. This philosophy translates perfectly into our ham and cheese toastie — a dish everyone knows, but one that truly shines in subtlety and flavor with a few culinary tweaks.
What makes this ham and cheese toastie special?
The secret is in the surprise: not just artisan bread, but especially the flavorful pesto from Nicolas Vahé. Think Basil & Parmesan pesto, combined with melted cheese, tender ham, and a crispy bite. Quite literally, everything comes together — comfort food meets finesse.
Ingredients that make the difference
- 2 slices of good artisan bread, for example sourdough
- 2 slices of high-quality ham
- 2 slices of mature or semi-mature cheese
- 2 tablespoons Nicolas Vahé Basil & Parmesan Pesto
- 1 tablespoon salted butter
- Optional: fresh basil or arugula to serve
Step-by-step: how to make your ultimate ham and cheese toastie
- Preheat a sandwich press, grill pan, or regular frying pan over medium heat.
- Butter the outside of both slices of bread for an extra crispy crust.
- Spread a generous layer of Nicolas Vahé basil & parmesan pesto on the inside of one slice of bread, add the ham and cheese, and top with the second slice of bread.
- Cook the toastie for about 3-4 minutes on each side, until golden brown and crispy and the cheese has melted.
- Serve immediately — preferably on a beautiful Scandinavian design plate and with a small salad or a little extra pesto as a dip.
Toastie tips: make it even tastier
- Play with cheese: Try comté, taleggio, or aged cheddar too.
- Veggie version: Replace the ham with grilled vegetables such as zucchini and bell pepper.
- Upgrade your bread: Use wholegrain sourdough, olive bread, or rustic white bread, for example.
- Small twist: Add a little truffle oil for an extra luxurious result.
Scandinavian dining: how to turn it into a treat
Serve your toastie with a light salad of arugula, cherry tomatoes, and a simple vinaigrette. Finish the whole thing with Scandinavian-looking tableware; discover our plate collection for a complete table setting. That way, you can enjoy not only the flavor, but also the presentation.
More Scandinavian inspiration with Nicolas Vahé
Nicolas Vahé is known for products that make cooking easy and special: from unique pestos and tapenades to flavorful jams and delicacies. Curious for more? Take a look at the complete Nicolas Vahé collection and give your kitchen a Nordic upgrade.
Fancy making this toastie?
Head into the kitchen and taste the simplicity and quality of good ingredients. All the essentials for this toastie — from the pesto to the tableware — can be found in our Nicolas Vahé collection. Enjoy your lunch, Scandinavian style and full of flavor!
Frequently asked questions
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How can you best store a ham and cheese toastie?
Let the toastie cool, store it airtight in the fridge, and briefly reheat it in a dry frying pan. It tastes best when eaten straight away, though! -
Which cheese is most suitable for this toastie?
Use a cheese that melts well, such as semi-mature cheese, mature cheese, cheddar, or comté for extra flavor. -
Can I make this toastie without a sandwich press?
Absolutely! Use a grill pan or regular frying pan and press the toastie flat with a spatula for a crispy bite.
Read also: Want to read more about this topic? Then also check out our article on Scandinavian brunch inspiration.
