In France, the Jambon-Beurre Sandwich is the epitome of simplicity and wildly popular, with over 3 million sold each day. Quality ingredients are a must when assembling this French sandwich as there are only three: a long, crusty baguette, lightly salted European style butter and thinly sliced ham, ideally Jambon de Paris.
Once you've procured your ingredients, you'll be just 5 minutes away from enjoying a Parisian bistro worthy lunch.
Ingredients You Need to Make Jambon Beurre
- Baguette: ~26-inches long French baguette or 2 shorter baguettes.
- Butter: Salted European style butter - if you use unsalted butter, add a sprinkle of salt, Fleur de Sel if you have it on hand.
- Ham: Thinly sliced, unsmoked ham of excellent quality, ideally Jambon de Paris.
FAQ
French for "ham butter", the origins of this classic sandwich can be traced back to 19th century France where it began as a portable and nutritious meal for the working class.
Slice a long, fresh baguette in half crosswise and again lengthwise (leaving a hinge if you like), slather it with soft butter and layer on thin slices of ham. Lunch time!
Jambon de Paris (Parisian ham / French style ham) is a traditional wet-cured ham, used in Paris for making Jambon-beurre, Croque Monsieur and Croque Madame (same sandwich with a fried egg). It has a tender texture, is subtly spiced (typically coriander, cloves, juniper and a bouquet garni), unsmoked and is less salty than many hams. Your local butcher or deli counter likely carries it or has something similar.
Classic French Recipes to Serve Alongside
Jambon-Beurre Sandwich
Ingredients
- 1 French baguette ~26-inches long
- 8 tablespoons European style butter or more at room temperature
- 12 ounces best quality thinly sliced ham ideally Jambon de Paris
Instructions
- Cut baguette crosswise into 4 equal lengths and then halve lengthwise, leaving one edge uncut to create a hinge if you like. Slather the cut sides of both top and bottom of each with 2 tablespoons or more of the softened butter. Divide ham slices equally, gently layering them into the center of each sandwich, and serve.
Adding it to my picnic basket!
I love to hear that, Lance!
Oh, how I remember walking the streets of Provence and grabbing one of these to share with the family. So simple, yet special! Now I need to pick up some fixings!!
The simplicity of this is fantastic. And delicious. Reminds me of a bocadillo de jamon in Spain, sold on the streets. Although it's missing the butter, which makes sounds absolutely delectable! Love it. 🙂 ~Valentina
Thank you, Valentina! We love Spanish ham, so I'm sure we'd love those too.
This sandwich looks terrific! Love a classic, Marissa! I could eat this every day for lunch!
It's so good, Katherine! Pure comfort food.
While I sometimes love some complex flavour combinations, there's nothing better than simplicity, and this recipe 100% proves this. This definitely looks utterly delicious, and I won't mind one right now, maybe with some apple cider 🙂
Thanks so much, Ben! I agree completely.
3 million sandwiches sold each day!? That's quite the resume for this sandwich! I do love street food, and this sounds like it's right up my alley. Simple, yet delicious sandwich that lets the bread, meat and butter flavors shine through. I'm craving this for lunch now, Marissa!
I wish I could make one for you, David!
A simple, classic sandwich that's sure not to disappoint! Delicious!
Thank you, Mary Ann!
So simple, yet so tasty...I would love to have one now!
Yes! Thanks so much, Angie.