Grilled Virginia Ham & Apple Sandwich on Arteflame

Introduction

Nothing beats the crunch of rustic bread, the smoky richness of seared Virginia ham, and the sweet-tart snap of grilled apple—all fused together by gooey, melted cheddar cheese. This incredible grilled Virginia Ham and Apple Sandwich recipe leverages the power of the Arteflame grill to elevate a simple sandwich into a wood-fired masterpiece. By reverse searing the ham and sizzling the ingredients on the flat-top griddle, you’ll achieve precise doneness, rich flavor, and a visual presentation that’s ready for the spotlight.

Ingredients

• 8 slices of cured Virginia ham
• 1 tart Granny Smith apple, thinly sliced
• 4 slices of sharp cheddar cheese
• 4 slices of rustic sourdough bread
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter, softened (plus more for grilling)
• Fresh cracked black pepper, to taste
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Arteflame Grill

1. Pour a small amount of vegetable oil on three paper napkins.
2. Place the napkins in the center of the Arteflame grill.
3. Stack firewood over the napkins and light the paper.
4. Let the grill heat up for about 20 minutes until the center grate reaches 1000°F and the cooktop is evenly hot.

Step 2: Sear the Virginia Ham

1. Place the Virginia ham slices briefly on the center grill grate to sear at high heat (around 45 seconds per side).
2. Move the ham onto the hot flat-top griddle to finish cooking to your liking (approx. 3 minutes).
3. Remove when the internal temperature is about 15°F below your desired final internal temperature as it’ll continue to cook off the grill.

Step 3: Grill the Apple Slices

1. Place butter on the hotter portion of the flat cooktop griddle.
2. Lay apple slices onto the buttered area and grill for 2–3 minutes per side until nicely caramelized, but still slightly firm.

Step 4: Assemble the Sandwich

1. Butter one side of each slice of bread.
2. On the unbuttered side, layer cheddar cheese, seared ham, grilled apples, and a light smear of Dijon mustard if using.
3. Top with the second slice of bread, buttered side out.

Step 5: Grill the Sandwich

1. Place the sandwiches onto the flat griddle, near center for higher heat.
2. Grill each side for 3–4 minutes until bread is golden and cheese is melted, pressing down gently for a crispy sear.
3. Slice and serve immediately.

Tips

• Use a food thermometer to ensure the ham is heated properly and remove it at 15°F below target temp.
• Let grilled components rest 2–3 minutes before building sandwich to avoid soggy bread.
• The Arteflame’s different cook zones let you crisp bread while warming cheese gently—no burning!
• Use quality rustic bread that holds up well on the griddle without falling apart.
• Don’t skip the butter—it adds unmatched flavor over olive oil on the griddle.

Variations

1. Spicy Sriracha Ham: Add a thin layer of sriracha mayo under the cheese for a hot & tangy twist.
2. Honey Dijon Delight: Drizzle honey and use honey Dijon mustard for a sweeter, richer flavor.
3. Brie & Apple Bliss: Replace cheddar with creamy brie and add arugula just before serving for a gourmet finish.
4. Smoky Bacon Crunch: Add crispy bacon and smoked provolone for added crunch and depth.
5. Pepper Jack Heat: Swap in pepper jack cheese and grill with jalapeños for a spicy kick.

Best pairings

• Drink: Hard cider or smoky bourbon cocktail
• Side: Sweet potato fries or grilled corn on the cob
• Salad: Arugula salad with vinaigrette and slivered almonds
• Dessert: Grilled peach halves with a drizzle of honey

Conclusion

The Arteflame grill transforms this Virginia ham and apple sandwich from simple to sensational. By using the reverse sear method and cooking entirely on the flat-top cooktop and center grate, you preserve the meat’s juiciness while achieving the ideal crust. This is more than just grilled cheese—it’s an elevated experience for your home cookout.