Jambon Beurre (Ham Butter Sandwich) Recipe

By
Rebecca Franklin
Rebecca Franklin
Rebecca Franklin is a freelance lifestyle writer and recipe developer. Her expertise is in French cuisine, which she writes about and teaches.
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Updated on 05/23/22
Jambon baguette

Westend61 / Getty Images
Prep: 5 mins
Cook: 0 mins
Total: 5 mins
Servings: 4 servings
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
485 Calories
17g Fat
62g Carbs
22g Protein
Show Full Nutrition Label Hide Full Nutrition Label
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Nutrition Facts
Servings: 4
Amount per serving
Calories 485
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 17g 21%
Saturated Fat 8g 42%
Cholesterol 58mg 19%
Sodium 1216mg 53%
Total Carbohydrate 62g 23%
Dietary Fiber 3g 11%
Total Sugars 6g
Protein 22g
Vitamin C 1mg 5%
Calcium 75mg 6%
Iron 5mg 29%
Potassium 351mg 7%
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
(Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate.)

Jambon beurre is, quite simply, a ham and butter sandwich in a baguette. It is simple, delicious and a classic of French food. 

The architecture is simple: Start with a quality baguette, sliced lengthwise down the middle, spread the cut interiors with a bit of butter and layer in thin slices of ham. That's it. It really is that simple and delicious.

Cook's note: No exact amounts have been given for this recipe because the ham to bread ratio is entirely up to personal taste. Slather a healthy amount of butter on the bread to "seal" the sandwich together and give it a rich flavor but not so much as to make it greasy.

Ingredients

  • 1 loaf baguette, about 8 ounces, high-quality, preferably organic

  • 4 tablespoons (2 ounces) unsalted butter, at room temperature

  • 12 thin slices French jambon, or ham

  • Lettuce leaves, for garnish

Steps to Make It

  1. Slice the fresh baguette lengthwise.

  2. Spread the softened butter onto the cut surfaces of the bread. 

  3. Layer the ham onto the butter; how much you use is entirely up to you.

  4. Add a few salad leaves or even a few slices of tomato–understand that this is not a classic way of serving but does add an extra dimension. 

  5. Sandwich the baguette together and serve the jambon beurre chilled.

  6. Store the sandwich in the refrigerator for up to one day.

This makes a perfect picnic menu item.

Alternatives to the Classic Jambon Beurre

Ham with a buttered baguette is only one of many French classic sandwiches. The addition of a little mustard can switch this sandwich very quickly into something else. Please use French or Dijon mustard (not English).

Add a little salad (not just the leaves) to the ham and butter and serve. If using tomato, do not keep the sandwich as the tomato will make the sandwich soggy. Always add at the last minute. 

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