Ham Sandwiches Are Even Better Combined With This Iconic Sandwich

At lunchtime, nothing hits like a ham sandwich ... except for maybe two sandwiches in one. Introducing: the ham BLT, aka the HBLT. This when-worlds-collide sammie is a double-meat masterpiece that adds savory, toothsome ham to the balanced BLT formula. Salty, crispy bacon is balanced by fresh tomato, and the lettuce adds a refreshing crunch, especially when rounded out by a swipe of rich, creamy mayo. Ham enhances that meaty mouthful and makes the bite even more satisfying. Plus, this timeless combo has already been proven to work: Our classic club sandwich recipe calls for both bacon and ham.

You can customize the taste and texture of this handheld meal depending on the type of ham you use. Versatile, mild, thin-sliced Black Forest ham would allow the flavor of the bacon to shine. Or, for a bolder flavor, you could build your HBLT with an Italian cured ham like smoky speck or shaved prosciutto. Just keep in mind that these cured varieties are already fairly salty on their own; adding extra fresh veggies or a generous smear of a moist element (like mayo, mustard, or even blackberry jam) will likely be necessary to keep the bacon-ham pairing from becoming overpowering.

Alternatively, a HBLT sammie could also be made with carved country ham or honey-baked ham. These toothier hams would create a heartier sandwich with a more abundant mouthfeel and a note of subtle sweetness. Bonus points if you make your HBLTs with ham leftover from a holiday dinner (hooray for minimizing food waste!). 

However you choose to build it, the HBLT is majorly savory and oh-so-satisfying. As you assemble your HBLT, just be sure to opt for a type of bread with enough structural integrity to support these substantial, meaty fillings. Tangy sourdough or a grainy whole wheat bread would work fabulously. That bread can be toasted or untoasted, depending on your preference. You can even crisp the bread in the pan you prepared the bacon in.

Pro tip: For the best HBLT, add a few slices of creamy avocado, which amps up both the fresh element and the moisture. If you go this route, swap the standard lettuce for baby spinach leaves, which better complement the avocado. The toppings don't have to end there, either. Cheddar cheese adds the perfect balance to ham sandwiches, and would lend richness to a HBLT. You could also try creamy provolone, milky ricotta, sharp white cheddar, funky Swiss, or nutty fontina as a juxtaposition to the ham and bacon. 

As for the condiments, mild mayo would let the meats shine, but there's nothing in the rulebook that says you can't up the ante with garlic aioli, pepper jam, basil pesto, or hot honey. All in all, it turns out that one of the absolute best ways to elevate your BLT is to add a little ham (who knew).