North Dakota Grilled Havarti & Ham Sandwich

Introduction

Experience the ultimate grilled sandwich right from the heart of North Dakota. With smokey ham, creamy Havarti, and crispy golden bread grilled to perfection on the Arteflame Grill, this sandwich brings together bold flavors and irresistible textures. Whether you're cooking for a crowd or enjoying a quiet lunch, this sandwich is satisfying, simple, and cooked entirely on the Arteflame for maximum flavor with minimal cleanup.

Ingredients

• 8 slices of thick sourdough bread
• 8 oz sliced Havarti cheese
• 8 oz smoked ham (thick cut)
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
• 2 tbsp Dijon mustard (optional)
• Fresh cracked black pepper to taste
• Pickles or arugula (optional for garnish)

Instructions

Step 1: Fire Up the Arteflame Grill

1. Pour vegetable oil onto three paper napkins and place them in the center fire area of the Arteflame grill.
2. Stack dry firewood over the napkins.
3. Light the napkins and allow the grill to heat for about 20 minutes until the center grate reaches 1,000°F and the flat cooktop heats evenly.

Step 2: Prep the Ingredients

1. Butter one side of each slice of bread with softened butter.
2. Layer the non-buttered side of four bread slices with Havarti, smoked ham, black pepper, and optional mustard or garnishes.
3. Top each sandwich with the remaining bread slices, butter side facing out.

Step 3: Grill the Sandwiches

1. Place the sandwiches on the flat cooktop near the center, where it’s hot but not scorching.
2. Grill each sandwich for 2-3 minutes per side, pressing slightly with a grill spatula to ensure even contact and crisping.
3. Once golden brown and the cheese is bubbling, remove the sandwiches from the grill.

Step 4: Serve

1. Let sandwiches rest for 2–3 minutes so the cheese sets slightly.
2. Cut in half and serve with pickles or a light side salad.

Tips

• Use country sourdough for a heartier bite that holds up well on the grill.
• Use the hotter inner grill radius for a brisk sear and move sandwiches outward to prevent burning.
• For extra flavor, grill the ham slices on the center grate briefly before assembling into the sandwich.
• Use a grill press or heavy spatula to ensure crisp, evenly browned sandwiches.
• Remove meats 15°F before desired doneness—they keep cooking after being removed from the grill.

Variations

1. Spicy Jalapeño Kick: Add pickled jalapeños and spicy pepper jack cheese instead of Havarti for a fiery twist.
2. Apple & Ham Delight: Add thin apple slices for a sweet crunch with a honey mustard spread replacing Dijon.
3. Swiss Mushroom Melt: Replace Havarti with Swiss and add sautéed mushrooms grilled on the cooktop.
4. Turkey Bacon Avocado: Substitute ham with grilled turkey and crispy bacon, adding avocado slices post-grilling.
5. Pesto Italiano: Use fresh mozzarella in place of Havarti, grilled prosciutto instead of ham, and spread pesto inside the sandwich.

Best pairings

• North Dakota-style potato salad
• Grilled sweet corn on the Arteflame
• Cold local amber ale or crisp lager
• Lemon iced tea or sparkling apple cider
• Pickles or marinated vegetable skewers

Conclusion

There’s nothing quite like a Ham and Havarti sandwich grilled to perfection on an Arteflame Grill. With its unbeatable sear from the hot center and even finish on the cooktop, every bite is melty, crisp, and smoky. Play around with the variations to find your favorite version and enjoy the taste of North Dakota right from your backyard.