Inside-Out Grilled Ham-and-Cheese Sandwiches

By CheeseDiva

Ingredients

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
• 8 slices of bakery Pullman bread
• 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese
• 1/2 pound sliced Swiss cheese, preferably Gruyère
• 8 ounces thinly sliced ham
• Dill pickle slices (optional)
• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• 1/4 cup apricot preserves

Preparation

Step 1

Butter each slice of bread and sprinkle with Parmigiano, pressing to help it adhere. Invert the slices onto a work surface, cheese side down. Top 4 of the slices with the Swiss cheese, ham and pickles. Mix the mustard and preserves and spread on the remaining 4 slices of bread. Close the sandwiches and griddle over moderate heat, turning, until golden, crisp on the outside and melted inside, about 3 minutes. Cut in half and serve right away.