These classic ham and cheese burgers are a straightforward and satisfying meal, perfect for a quick lunch or dinner. Featuring layers of savory ham, melted cheese, fresh vegetables, and a perfectly cooked egg, all nestled within a soft hamburger bun, these burgers offer a harmonious blend of flavors and textures. Whether you’re looking for a casual meal or a quick bite, these homemade burgers are a delicious and easy option.
Preparation Time:
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Ingredients:
- Approx. 100 grams cooked ham, sliced or diced
- 1 small cucumber, thinly sliced
- 1 medium tomato, thinly sliced
- 100 grams cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, provolone, or your favorite), sliced
- 2 large eggs
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon mayonnaise or sour cream
- Hamburger buns (sesame seed, brioche, or your preference)
- Ketchup, to taste
- Optional: Lettuce leaves, mustard, sliced onions, pickles, or other desired condiments
Directions:
- Prepare the Ingredients:
- Begin by preparing the fresh ingredients. Wash the cucumber and tomato thoroughly.
- Thinly slice the cucumber and tomato into even, circular slices.
- Slice the cheese into thin, uniform slices.
- If using sliced ham, you can leave it as is or dice it into smaller pieces for easier layering.
- Cook the Eggs:
- Heat a non-stick pan or griddle over medium heat.
- Crack the eggs carefully into the hot pan.
- Cook the eggs to your desired doneness. For sunny-side up, cook until the whites are set and the yolks are still runny. For over-easy, flip the eggs and cook for a few seconds. For scrambled, whisk the eggs in a bowl, then pour into the pan and cook, stirring occasionally.
- Season the eggs with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Remove the cooked eggs from the pan and set them aside.
- Prepare the Buns (Optional):
- If you prefer toasted buns, you can lightly toast them in a toaster, oven, or on a grill pan.
- To toast in the oven, preheat the oven to 180°C (356°F), place the buns cut-side up on a baking sheet, and toast for 3-5 minutes, or until lightly golden.
- Toasting enhances the texture and adds a warm, crispy element to the burger.
- Assemble the Burgers:
- Spread mayonnaise or sour cream evenly on both halves of the hamburger buns. This adds moisture and flavor to the burger.
- On the bottom bun, layer the sliced or diced ham. Ensure the ham is distributed evenly.
- Place the sliced cheese on top of the ham. This will melt beautifully when baked or warmed.
- Add the sliced tomato and cucumber, layering them neatly.
- Place the cooked egg on top of the vegetables. The egg adds richness and protein to the burger.
- Add ketchup and any other desired condiments, such as mustard, sliced onions, or pickles.
- Top with the other half of the bun.
- Bake (Optional):
- If you want to melt the cheese and warm the burger through, you can wrap the assembled burgers individually in aluminum foil.
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (356°F).
- Place the wrapped burgers on a baking sheet.
- Bake for about 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the burger is warmed through.
- If you prefer a cold burger, you can skip this step and serve the assembled burgers immediately.
- Serve:
- Remove the burgers from the oven (if baked) and let them cool slightly for a minute or two before serving.
- Serve the burgers warm with your favorite sides, such as French fries, a fresh salad, potato chips, or coleslaw.
Nutritional Facts (Approximate, per serving):
- Calories: 400-500
- Protein: 25-30g
- Fat: 20-25g
- Carbohydrates: 30-35g
- Fiber: 2-3g
- Sodium: 800-1000mg
- Note: Nutritional values can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes, especially condiments and sides.
The Origins and Popularity of Recipe:
The concept of a sandwich filled with meat, cheese, and vegetables is a culinary staple across many cultures. The hamburger, in its classic form, originated in the late 19th and early 20th centuries in the United States, drawing inspiration from German Hamburg-style beef patties. The addition of ham, cheese, and fresh toppings transforms the basic hamburger into a more versatile and customizable meal. Its popularity lies in its simplicity, convenience, and the ability to tailor it to individual preferences. The ham and cheese burger offers a balance of savory, salty, and fresh flavors, making it a satisfying and universally appealing meal. The ease of preparation and the use of readily available ingredients have contributed to its status as a go-to meal for busy individuals and families. The flexibility to add various condiments and toppings allows for endless variations, ensuring there’s a ham and cheese burger to suit every taste.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Quick and Easy: This recipe requires minimal preparation and cooking time, making it perfect for busy days.
- Versatile: You can customize the ingredients and toppings to suit your preferences.
- Satisfying and Flavorful: The combination of savory ham, melted cheese, and fresh vegetables is simply delicious.
- Family-Friendly: These burgers are a hit with both kids and adults.
- Affordable: The ingredients are readily available and budget-friendly.
Health Benefits Of:
- Protein Source: Ham, eggs, and cheese provide a good source of protein, essential for building and repairing tissues.
- Calcium Rich: Cheese is a rich source of calcium, which is vital for bone health.
- Vitamins and Minerals: Fresh vegetables provide vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin C and potassium.
- Energy Source: Carbohydrates from the bun provide energy.
Serving Suggestions Of:
- Classic Sides: Serve with French fries, potato chips, or onion rings.
- Fresh Salads: Pair with a side salad, coleslaw, or pasta salad.
- Soup: Enjoy with a bowl of tomato soup or vegetable soup.
- Fruit Salad: Serve with a refreshing fruit salad for a balanced meal.
- Pickles and Relish: Offer a side of pickles, relish, or other condiments.
Tips:
- Use Quality Ingredients: Opt for high-quality ham, cheese, and buns for the best flavor.
- Cook Eggs to Your Preference: Cook the eggs to your desired doneness for a personalized touch.
- Toast the Buns: Toasting the buns adds a warm, crispy texture.
- Layer Ingredients Evenly: Layer the ingredients evenly for a balanced flavor in each bite.
- Don’t Overfill: Avoid overfilling the burger to prevent it from becoming messy and difficult to eat.
Variations to Try:
- Spicy Burger: Add a dash of hot sauce or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes to the burger.
- Breakfast Burger: Add bacon or sausage to the burger for a breakfast-inspired twist.
- Vegetarian Burger: Substitute the ham with grilled vegetables or a vegetarian patty.
- Different Cheeses: Experiment with different cheeses, such as Swiss, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack.
- Gourmet Buns: Use gourmet buns, such as brioche, pretzel, or sourdough buns.
Conclusion:
These classic ham and cheese burgers are a simple, satisfying, and customizable meal that can be enjoyed by everyone. With readily available ingredients and minimal preparation time, they are perfect for a quick lunch or dinner. Whether you’re looking for a casual meal or a comforting bite, these homemade burgers are sure to please.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I use different types of meat?
- Yes, you can use other types of cooked meat, such as turkey, roast beef, or bacon.
- Can I use different types of cheese?
- Yes, you can use different types of cheese, such as Swiss, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack.
- Can I make these burgers ahead of time?
- It’s best to assemble the burgers just before serving to prevent the buns from becoming soggy.
- How do I keep my burger warm if I bake it?
- Wrap the assembled burger in aluminum foil before baking.
- Can I add other toppings?
- Yes, you can add other toppings, such as lettuce, onions, pickles, or different condiments.