Say Bonjour to the classic dish that is the Jambon Beurre sandwich. It’s an oh-so-simple but oh-so-delicious classic French sandwich.
When I moved to France to go to culinary school at Le Cordon Bleu Paris, this was a sandwich that I snacked on whenever I came across it. Then, when I hosted Off Menu for Tastemade, we visited legendary sandwich shops across Paris for this sandwich. As a travel planner specializing in custom French travel itineraries for food lovers, I share this recipe with curious clients who want to cook classic French sandwiches.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
The Jambon Beurre is one of the most classic recipes from Paris that uses 100% Northern French ingredients. It’s classically made with a fantastic baguette (preferably the skinny ficelle) topped with slightly salted French butter and spiced Parisian ham (jambon de Paris). But it’s on the very unofficial Paris endangered eats list because a good version of it is more complex and harder to find.
Where To Find A Jambon Beurre In Paris
Caractère de Cochon is our top choice for trying this classic food from Paris. We discovered them when Aida was filming the Paris episode of Off Menu, and their Jambon Beurre Sandwich was love at first bite.
It’s a tiny shop next to one of my favorite Paris markets, the Marché des Enfants Rouges, which is in the ever-hip Marais district (and one of the best arrondissements to stay in Paris, in our opinion), and they do the Classic Parisian Jambon Beurre Sandwich recipe just right.
Recipe Ingredients
Here are the ingredients you’ll need to make this jambon beurre sandwich:
- French (aka sweet) baguette: The smaller-sized (but more challenging to find) ficelle is the best option for making an individual-sized sandwich.
- High-quality European butter: We’re partial to salted butter from Normandy, like Beurre D’Isigny.
- Jambon de Paris or another high-quality ham: To be honest, Jambon de Paris is tough to find so use the best-quality ham you can get.
How To Make A Jambon Beurre Sandwich
Here is how you can make this recipe:
- Halve the Baguette: Slice each baguette half lengthwise to have an open sandwich.
- Layer On Butter And Ham: Spread a ridiculous amount of the room temperature butter on the baguette, then layer each with a few slices of paper-thin ham.
- Close And Eat! Close and eat way too many.
Tips To Make A Jambon Beurre Sandwich
It’s so simple to make that it doesn’t require a recipe. But it does require that you get the best ingredients (preferably an epic ficelle, some demi-sel butter, and authentic Jambon de Paris) you can find!
If you can’t find those exact ingredients, look for a good-quality baguette, European-style butter, and top-notch ham. The measurements below are just suggestions, so feel free to add more or less of anything based on your size and baguette size.
Variations On Jambon Beurre Sandwich
We’re purists regarding this sandwich, but you will find variations out there. Some may be stuffed with cornichons, some with a swipe of Dijon mustard, and others with slices of Gruyere cheese. While they are by no means classic, they, too, are delicious!
Frequently Asked Questions About Jambon Beurre
A Jambon Beurre sandwich is a classic French sandwich consisting of a baguette, high-quality ham (typically Jambon de Paris), and butter. It's known for its simplicity and the quality of its ingredients.
The key ingredients for a Jambon Beurre sandwich are a fresh French baguette, thinly sliced high-quality ham (Jambon de Paris is traditional), and unsalted European-style butter.
The Jambon Beurre sandwich is popular in France due to its simplicity, the quality of its ingredients, and its delicious taste. It's a staple in French cuisine, often enjoyed as a quick lunch or snack.
What To Serve With This Recipe
Here are our readers’ favorite classic French recipes to serve with this Jambon Beurre sandwich:
- Classic Lentil Soup
- Classic Olive Tapenade
- Classic Nicoise Salad
- Classic Citron Presse (French Lemonade)
- Classic Potato Leek Soup
- French Carrot Salad
Okay, go stock up on all your cooking essentials, then head into the kitchen, make this, and share it with us by tagging @saltandwind and #swsociety on social!
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Jambon Beurre Sandwich Recipe
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 ficelle French (aka sweet) baguette cut into 12-inch lengths (or use mini baguettes)
- 2 tablespoons High-quality European butter salted to your liking, at room temperature
- 4 ounces Jambon de Paris or other high-quality ham, sliced paper thin
Instructions
- Make The Jambon Beurre Sandwich: Slice each ficelle in half lengthwise so you have an open sandwich. Spread a ridiculous amount of the room temperature butter on the baguette then layer each with a few slices of paper-thin ham. Close and eat way too many.
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