Nostalgic Ham, Egg, and Potato Sandwich
Making a Classic Ham, Egg, and Potato Sandwich: A Taste of the Past
Hello everyone! It’s Annri’s sister here. Today, we’re going to recreate a sandwich that my mom used to make for me all the time when I was little. Back in the 80s, this sandwich that I still crave today always had potatoes, eggs, apples, and ham. I’ve given it a little upgrade today, adding a few more ingredients for a richer flavor. Let’s embark on a delicious journey down memory lane!
Sandwich Filling Ingredients
- 2 medium potatoes
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 small apple
- 2 slices ham
- Generous amount of mayonnaise (adjust to taste)
- 2 Tbsp chopped nuts (e.g., Brazil nuts, almonds, peanuts)
- 1 whole pickle
- 1 slice cheddar cheese
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, let’s prepare the star of our sandwich: the potatoes. Wash 2 medium potatoes thoroughly. Place them in a microwave-safe dish with a little water at the bottom. Cover with plastic wrap or a lid and microwave for about 5 minutes, or until tender. (Microwave cooking times may vary.)
Step 2
Carefully remove the hot potatoes from the microwave. Using a fork or a potato masher, mash the potatoes until they are smooth and lump-free. Mashing them while still warm will yield a creamier texture.
Step 3
To add a delightful richness, tear or finely chop 1 slice of cheddar cheese and mix it into the mashed potatoes. The cheese will melt slightly, enhancing the creamy and savory flavor of the potatoes. (This step is optional, but highly recommended for extra deliciousness!)
Step 4
Next, we’ll hard-boil 2 eggs. Place the eggs in a pot, cover them with water, and add a pinch of salt. Once the water comes to a rolling boil, reduce the heat slightly and simmer for about 15 minutes for fully cooked, hard-boiled eggs. After boiling, immerse them in cold water to cool, which makes peeling easier.
Step 5
Once cooled, peel the hard-boiled eggs. Crack them open and add them to the bowl with the mashed potatoes. Mash the eggs together with the potatoes until well combined. This creates a wonderful creamy base for our filling.
Step 6
Prepare the apple by washing it thoroughly and then peeling its skin. (You can leave the skin on if you prefer, but peeling ensures a smoother texture.)
Step 7
Finely dice the peeled apple. The sweet and crisp texture of apples was a signature element of the sandwiches my mom used to make, and it’s what makes me feel like it’s truly her recipe! That subtle sweetness is irreplaceable.
Step 8
Get your whole pickle ready. This will add a burst of tangy flavor and a satisfying crunch to our sandwich.
Step 9
If you don’t have whole pickles, don’t worry! You can substitute by thinly slicing a cucumber, lightly salting it, and then squeezing out the excess moisture. This will give you a similar crisp texture. (This was another clever trick my mom often used!)
Step 10
Finely chop the 2 slices of ham. You can use frankfurters or any other preferred type of ham. Chop it into small pieces.
Step 11
Now, combine all the prepared ingredients in a bowl: the mashed potatoes, eggs, diced apple, and chopped ham. Seeing everything come together already makes the filling look so abundant!
Step 12
Add the finely chopped nuts (like Brazil nuts, or any nuts you have on hand) to the mixture. These will add a lovely nutty flavor and a pleasant textural contrast. Peanuts or almonds work just as well.
Step 13
Time for the star binder and flavor enhancer: mayonnaise! Generously add mayonnaise to the mixture. It binds everything together and adds that essential creamy richness. Don’t be shy – add a good dollop!
Step 14
Mix all the ingredients and mayonnaise thoroughly until well combined. Our sandwich filling is now complete! Taste it and adjust with a pinch of salt and pepper if needed, though the natural flavors are usually sufficient. (The ingredients themselves provide plenty of deliciousness.)
Step 15
While classic sandwiches are made with simple white bread, today we’re elevating it with olive ciabatta for a special twist. (Of course, feel free to use regular sliced bread, brioche buns, or baguettes!) The nutty, chewy texture of the ciabatta adds a sophisticated touch to this nostalgic sandwich. We certainly didn’t have fancy bread like this back in the day!
Step 16
Generously spread the prepared filling onto one slice of your chosen bread. Since the filling isn’t heavily seasoned, you can afford to be generous! Pack it in until the bread is almost overflowing.
Step 17
Top with the other slice of bread to complete the sandwich. You can lightly toast the bread before or after adding the filling, or spread a little butter or margarine on top for extra flavor.
Step 18
Slice the sandwich comfortably for easy eating. Enjoy your homemade Ham, Egg, and Potato Sandwich, filled with nostalgia and deliciousness!
