Ham and Brie Sandwich with Apricot Jam

Name: Ham and Brie Sandwich with Apricot Jam
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 10 min
Cuisine: French
Ingredients: ½ French baguette, approximately 6 oz; 4 tablespoons apricot jam or preserves; 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard; 4 oz ham, preferably Black Forest variety; 4 oz Brie, sliced into ½ inch pieces; 1 cup arugula

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

A cutting board topped with a ham and brie sandwich. There is a jar of jam sitting next to it.

With savory ham, creamy Brie, peppery arugula, mustard, and jam this Ham and Brie Sandwich with Apricot Jam a fancy twist on the classic ham and cheese!

Everyone knows that ham and cheese is a classic sandwich combo, but a Ham and Brie Sandwich with Apricot Jam? Now that takes things up a notch and adds a little je ne sais quoi!

For a little backstory: this sandwich is a love letter to my time studying abroad in Paris, where I developed a deep appreciation for baguette sandwiches. As a student, in between classes, I’d often pop into the local boulangerie for a quick lunch – there was something so simple and satisfying about grabbing a fresh baguette, stuffed with delicious fillings, and enjoying it on the go.

In Paris, I remember two sandwiches were especially common: the classic jambon-beurre (ham and butter) and the ever-popular Brie baguette – a crisp baguette filled with the iconic creamy, soft French cheese. Both are simple and delicious, and both hold a special place in my heart. But then, I thought: What if I combined them?

And so, the Ham and Brie Sandwich was born!

Imagine layers of tender, savory ham, a rich, creamy Brie, a handful of peppery arugula, a zing of Dijon mustard, and the perfect touch of sweet apricot jam. It’s a sandwich that checks all the flavor boxes, especially for those of us who love sweet and savory combinations.

Every bite makes me nostalgic for those Parisian lunch breaks, sitting in the sun with a simple and delicious baguette sandwich. So if you are craving something that’s both comforting and a little fancy, definitely give this Ham and Brie Sandwich a try!

Ingredients sit on a table including a baguette, sliced ham, brie cheese, arugula, a jar of mustard and a jar of jam.

Ingredients for Ham and Cheese Sandwich

Ham: Ham is a sliced meat made from cured or smoked pork. I love using deli-sliced Black Forest Ham for this sandwich because it adds a delicious smoky flavor that pairs perfectly with the sweetness of the apricot jam and the creamy Brie. It’s the perfect balance of rich and salty!

Brie: Brie is a soft, creamy French cheese with a delicate white rind. It has a mild, buttery taste with a hint of earthiness. It gives the sandwich that dreamy, velvety texture that you just can’t get enough of.

Apricot Jam: This sweet and tangy spread is made from apricots and sugar, and it adds the perfect fruity touch to the sandwich. The jam’s sweetness balances the savory ham and rich Brie, while the subtle tang brings everything together for a well-rounded flavor.

Arugula: Arugula is a leafy green with a little kick! It has a peppery, slightly mustardy taste that adds a fresh, crunchy bite to the sandwich. The slight bitterness helps cut through the richness of the cheese and ham, making every bite feel light and refreshing.

French Baguette: A classic French baguette has that perfect balance of a crispy, golden-brown crust and a soft, airy inside. It’s the ideal base to hold all these yummy ingredients together, adding a satisfying crunch with every bite.

Dijon Mustard: Dijon mustard, with its zesty tang and smooth texture, brings just the right amount of bite to the sandwich. Made from mustard seeds and a touch of wine or vinegar, it helps balance out the richness of the Brie and ham while adding a punch of flavor that cuts through the sweetness of the apricot jam.

A sliced baguette and serrated knife sitting on a cutting board.

Recipe FAQs

Can I use a different cheese than Brie?

Yes, absolutely! If you can’t find Brie, Camembert is a great alternative. It’s another soft French cheese, but with a slightly more pronounced flavor and a bit more earthy richness than Brie. If both Brie and Camembert aren’t available, you can also substitute with goat cheese (especially chèvre).

Can I use leftover ham from a ham roast instead of deli ham?

Yes, leftover roast ham can definitely be used! Just make sure to slice it thinly, similar to deli-style ham, so it fits easily in the sandwich.

Can I use a different kind of bread?

If you can’t find a baguette, no worries! You can use any artisan-style bread with a sturdy texture and crispy crust. Sourdough or ciabatta work great as alternatives.

Can I use a different kind of jam?

Yes, you can easily swap the apricot jam for other fruit preserves. Peach jam, apricot or peach preserves, or even marmalade can be great substitutes that will still bring a nice balance of sweetness and tang to the sandwich. If you’re feeling adventurous, try fig jam for a richer, more complex flavor!

Can I make this sandwich ahead of time and eat it cold?

Yes, you can make the sandwich ahead of time! While I love this sandwich warm, it still tastes delicious when it’s cooled down. If you want to reheat it, you can pop it in a pan or oven to warm it up slightly before serving.

A close up shot of a ham and brie sandwich sitting on a cutting board.

Related Recipes

Looking for some other great sandwiches to try? Check out one of these delicious recipes from the Soup and Sammie archives!