- 2 tablespoons butter, at room temperature
- 8 slices sourdough bread (¼ inch thick)
- ¼ pound smoky ham, such as Virginia country ham, cut into 4 slices (or buy pre-sliced ham)
- 1 small green apple (about 5 ounces), such as Granny Smith, cut into 1/8-inch-thick slices
- 6 ounces medium or sharp cheddar cheese, coarsely grated
- To assemble: Butter one side of each slice of bread. Place 4 slices on your work surface, buttered side down. Place a slice of ham on each bread slice, folding it to fit if necessary. Top with 4 to 5 apple slices per sandwich, followed by the cheese. Place the remaining 4 bread slices on top, buttered side up. (If the sandwich seems quite thick, press it down to compress the ingredients slightly.)
- STOVETOP METHOD: Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat for 2 minutes.
- Put the sandwiches in the skillet (in batches if necessary), cover, and cook for 2 minutes, or until the undersides are golden brown and the cheese has begun to melt.
- Uncover, and turn the sandwiches with a spatula, pressing firmly to flatten them slightly. Cook for 1 minute, or until the undersides are golden brown.
- Turn the sandwiches again, press with the spatula, and cook for 30 seconds, or until the cheese has melted completely. Serve immediately.
- SANDWICH MAKER METHOD: Preheat the sandwich maker. Follow directions for sandwich assembly, and cook according to the manufacturer's instructions.
- GAS GRILL METHOD: Brush the grill rack with oil and preheat the grill to medium-high. Follow directions for sandwich assembly. Put the sandwiches on the grill and follow directions for the stovetop method.