Apricot

Apricot Chutney Ham and Cheese with Spiced Caramel Crust

by:
October 24, 2009
5
2 Ratings
Photo by James Ransom
  • Serves 4
Author Notes

This sandwich a delightful study in contrast: a little sweet, a little savory, a little bit grown-up and a little bit kid. It's fun to make -- and very quick and easy, too. If you have apricot chutney handy, then use that, but this quick facsimile of chutney works just as well. —vrunka

Test Kitchen Notes

WHO: vrunka is an always-trustworthy FOOD52-er, a librarian, and a self-described "kitchen tornado."
WHAT: A wacky-sounding sandwich -- that works.
HOW: You layer cinnamon sugar toast with goat cheese, ham, and a doctored-up apricot chutney, then brown it in a skillet until golden and gooey.
WHY WE LOVE IT: The sweet, salty, savory, and creamy in this sandwich all come together beautifully -- with just the right amount of crunch and ooze. We're not sure if this is meant for breakfast, lunch, snack, or dinner, but we'd have it any time of day. —The Editors

What You'll Need
Ingredients
  • 1/2 cup apricot preserves
  • 2 tablespoons cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon fresh grated ginger
  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 8 slices sourdough bread
  • 6 tablespoons butter, divided
  • 8 ounces goat cheese
  • 12 slices deli-style ham (preferably maple glazed)
Directions
  1. In a small bowl, mix the apricot preserves, vinegar and ginger. Set aside.
  2. In another small bowl, mix together sugar and cinnamon. Set aside.
  3. Butter one side of each of the slices of bread. Spread goat cheese on the other side. Spread about 2 tablespoons of apricot chutney on top of the goat cheese and then fold three slices of ham on top.
  4. Close up the sandwich. Sprinkle cinnamon sugar mix over the outside of the sandwich.
  5. Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Melt the remaining butter (about 1 tablespoon per sandwich) in the skillet. Working 2 sandwiches at a time, brown each one, about 3-5 minutes on each side, covering the pan in between flips. The outside should get golden brown and slightly gooey.
  6. Repeat for remaining two sandwiches, keeping the first sandwiches warm in a toaster oven set on low. Serve immediately.
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I love experimenting in the kitchen and learning new techniques.

11 Reviews

Susan November 28, 2014
Absolutely fantastic! Easy, tasty, an who wouldn't love this combo? Try it - you'll like it!
 
hwydiva July 9, 2013
Yummy!! Added garam masala and crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce. Thanks for the recipe.
 
Bevi July 25, 2012
Congrats Vrunka! This looks great!
 
fiveandspice July 25, 2012
Heaven's! This looks insanely delicious! Congrats on the wild card.
 
ChefJune July 25, 2012
Wow, this sounds terrific! Congratulations on both your creativity and the win.
 
drbabs July 25, 2012
Wow--congratulations!
 
EmilyC July 25, 2012
Congrats vrunka! I love all variations on ham and cheese, especially ones with a sweet component, and yours looks amazing!
 
aargersi July 25, 2012
Looks amazing! Congratulations!!!
 
vrunka July 25, 2012
Yippee! Thanks for picking this recipe!
 
Christine H. July 25, 2012
Know what I like - the photo has slightly burned bread. That's how I like a grilled sandwich. Yum. I'll try this.
 
Christine H. July 25, 2012
Know what I like - the photo has slightly burned bread. That's how I like a grilled sandwich. Yum. I'll try this.