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    Recipes » Main Course Recipes » French Main Courses

    Jambon-Beurre Sandwich

    Published: Sep 7, 2021 · Modified: Sep 11, 2021 by Marissa Stevens · 13 Comments

    Quick Meals

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    parchment wrapped Jambon Beurre sandwich on a wooden board

    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.

    Brown paper parchment wrapped Jambon Beurre sandwich on a wooden board.

    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

    Jambon Beurre Sandwich Ingredients on a white marble board.
    • 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

    Who invented Jambon-Beurre?

    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.

    How do you prepare a jambon-béurre?

    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!

    What is Jambon de Paris? Is there a substitute?

    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

    • Tomato Bisque
    • Nicoise Salad
    • Lyonnaise Salad
    • Celery Root Remoulade
    Brown paper parchment wrapped Jambon Beurre sandwich on a wooden board.

    Jambon-Beurre Sandwich

    Marissa Stevens
    The iconic, simple sandwich that you'll find at bistros all over Paris.
    5 from 4 votes
    Save Recipe Saved! Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 5 mins
    Total Time 5 mins
    Course Main Course
    Cuisine French
    Servings 4 people
    Calories 577 kcal

    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.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 577kcalCarbohydrates: 31gProtein: 24gFat: 39gSaturated Fat: 20gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 13gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 113mgSodium: 1593mgPotassium: 319mgFiber: 2gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 700IUCalcium: 61mgIron: 3mg
    Keyword comfort food
    Tried this recipe?I'd love to see it! Tag me on Instagram at @pinchandswirl or leave me a comment and rating below.
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      Recipe Rating




    1. Liz says

      September 20, 2021 at 5:45 pm

      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!!

      Reply
    2. Valentina says

      September 15, 2021 at 9:29 pm

      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

      Reply
      • Marissa Stevens says

        September 17, 2021 at 9:22 am

        Thank you, Valentina! We love Spanish ham, so I'm sure we'd love those too.

        Reply
    3. Katherine | Love In My Oven says

      September 09, 2021 at 11:29 am

      5 stars
      This sandwich looks terrific! Love a classic, Marissa! I could eat this every day for lunch!

      Reply
      • Marissa Stevens says

        September 12, 2021 at 4:36 pm

        It's so good, Katherine! Pure comfort food.

        Reply
    4. Ben | Havocinthekitchen says

      September 08, 2021 at 12:44 pm

      5 stars
      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 🙂

      Reply
      • Marissa Stevens says

        September 12, 2021 at 4:36 pm

        Thanks so much, Ben! I agree completely.

        Reply
    5. David @ Spiced says

      September 08, 2021 at 4:31 am

      5 stars
      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!

      Reply
      • Marissa Stevens says

        September 12, 2021 at 4:36 pm

        I wish I could make one for you, David!

        Reply
    6. Mary Ann | The Beach House Kitchen says

      September 07, 2021 at 5:26 pm

      5 stars
      A simple, classic sandwich that's sure not to disappoint! Delicious!

      Reply
      • Marissa Stevens says

        September 12, 2021 at 4:37 pm

        Thank you, Mary Ann!

        Reply
    7. angiesrecipes says

      September 07, 2021 at 6:45 am

      So simple, yet so tasty...I would love to have one now!

      Reply
      • Marissa Stevens says

        September 12, 2021 at 4:37 pm

        Yes! Thanks so much, Angie.

        Reply

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