This Jam and Cheese Sandwich recipe perfectly balances sweet and savory. It features raspberry jam and gooey melted cheese nestled between two pieces of crispy, buttery bread. If this doesn't take you to foodie heaven, I don't know what will.
If you like sweet and savory bread recipes, check out my Hong Kong-style French Toast next!
I first tasted a Jam and Cheese sandwich in elementary school when my friend brought one to lunch. I was hooked from the start. I didn't understand why it tasted so good, but I just knew it did.
But really, it's no mystery. Humans love sweet and savory foods. For example, chicken and waffles, pineapple pizza, or salted caramel. It's in our DNA - we crave them.
It's believed that humans have sugar receptors on our tongues that only transport the "sweet flavor" to our brains when sodium is present. That's why the seemingly strange pairing of Jam and Cheese tastes so good - the saltiness of the cheese complements the sweetness of the jam, and our brain rewards us for it, even if it doesn't sound great and goes against all our cooking logic.
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🥪 What is Jam and Cheese Sandwich?
A jam and cheese sandwich is made with fruit jam, cheese, and bread. Its believed to have originated in the United Kingdom sometime in the 20th century. Although it has only three ingredients, it tastes vastly different just by using different varieties of each ingredient.
My favorite combination is raspberry jam, American cheese, and fluffy white bread. However, there are various other options to consider, including using strawberry jam, cheddar cheese, or even a different kind of bread.
Jam and cheese sandwiches can be untoasted, toasted, or even grilled with butter - my personal favorite! But at that point, it's just a grilled cheese with jam. I've even had it made with garlic bread which takes it to an entirely new level, and I definitely recommend trying it!
My simple recipe requires only four ingredients and takes only five minutes to prepare, making it perfect for a busy weekday lunch!
🍓 Ingredients
There are only three ingredients, so using high-quality stuff is important!
- Bread - I'd recommend using any fluffy white bread like Chinese-style milk bread, good white bread, or garlic bread - all are good options. I'd stay away from sourdough and dense bread like rye.
- Jam - raspberry jam is my all-time favorite, but you can use whatever you prefer; use a high-quality jam for the best flavor. My elderly neighbor makes me an endless supply of jam which tastes better than any store-bought jam.
- Cheese - My favorite cheese to use is American cheese, also known as processed cheese. My second favorite is mild or medium orange cheddar.
💭 Tip
For the best Jam and Cheese sandwiches, find an elderly neighbor to make homemade jam for you. Build a good relationship with them. You can try making the first move by making them a batch of my mini lime tarts.
🔪 Instructions
Step 1. Spread jam
Spread two tablespoons of jam onto one slice of bread.
Step 2. Add cheese
Place a slice of cheese on the jam.
📋 Note
My favorite types of cheese are American cheese (processed cheese) and mild cheddar cheese. They have a mild but creamy flavor which pairs perfectly with fruity jam. But you can use any type of cheese. I encourage you to experiment with different cheeses to find out what you like.
Step 3. Butter
Combine the pieces of bread and spread one tablespoon of butter onto both sides.
Step 4. Grill
Heat a nonstick pan over medium heat, then grill for 2 minutes on each side until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted. Ensure you use medium heat so the bread doesn't burn before the cheese melts.
Serve immediately and enjoy! How easy was that?
💭 Top Tips
- Use high-quality jam for the best results. Homemade jam is the best, but you can use regular jam from the grocery store if you don't have that. Smucker's brand is my favorite budget-friendly option that still tastes really good.
- Pick the right cheese! American cheese and cheddar cheese are my favorites because they melt well and complement the sweetness of the jam.
- Use a good amount of butter; it'll make the sandwich taste richer and give the outside a crispier texture.
- Use medium heat when frying the bread so the outside doesn't burn before the cheese melts.
👨🏻🍳 Variations & Substitutions
- Jam-packed - try making with different varieties of jam, such as raspberry, strawberry, blueberry, blackberry, peach, fig, marmalade, and grape!
- Oil - if you don't have butter, oil works just as well!
- Garlic bread - is the secret ingredient to my childhood friend's Jam and Cheese sandwiches, and I can't believe I'm sharing it with the world. It's basically my Krabby Patty formula.
- Cheese - try using different cheeses like American, cheddar, Monterey jack, Havarti, swiss, etc.
🥡 Storage & Leftovers
Storing: Store leftover Jam and Cheese sandwiches in an air-tight container (or tightly wrapped in plastic) in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. But remember that grilled bread's texture deteriorates with each day, so it's best to consume it within 1-2 days.
Reheating: Reheat leftovers by baking at 325℉ for 5-7 minutes until heated through. If you have an air fryer, you can pop it in at 350℉ for 2-3 minutes until the outside is crispy and the inside is warm,
Make ahead: Cooking for a crowd? You can prepare the sandwiches through Step 3 and grill them the day of. Store pre-made sandwiches in an air-tight container (or tightly wrapped with plastic) in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
When you're ready to serve, heat a nonstick pan over medium heat and grill the sandwiches for two minutes on each side until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted.
📖 Recipe FAQs
Yes, cheese and jam sandwiches are a thing. They're popular in many parts of the world, particularly in North America and the United Kingdom, where they're thought to have originated. Their sweet and savory flavor is something many people enjoy.
The answer is yes! Cheese and jam are complementary flavors. The sweetness and fruity flavor of the jam balance the saltiness and sharpness of the cheese. In fact, cheese and jam are frequently served together on charcuterie boards, along with crackers and fruits. Fig jam is a popular choice for pairing with cheese, but other jams like raspberry, strawberry, and apricot work well too.
To avoid burning the sandwich, use medium to low heat when grilling it. Making any grilled cheese sandwich is a balancing act between browning the bread and melting the cheese. Too high of heat will cause the outside to burn before the cheese can melt. Lower heat lets the cheese melt slowly while the outside stays golden brown.
🍽 More Recipes You'll Love
Did you enjoy this recipe? Please leave a 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 rating in the recipe card below and consider leaving a comment. I'd love to hear your feedback!
📋 Recipe
Jam and Cheese Sandwich
Ingredients
Instructions
- Spread jam onto one slice of bread.
- Place a slice of cheese on the jam.
- Combine the two pieces of bread and spread butter onto both sides.
- Heat a nonstick pan over medium heat, then grill for 2 minutes on each side until heated through.
Notes
- Use high-quality jam for the best results. Homemade jam is the best, but if you don't have that, you can use regular jam from the grocery store. Smucker's brand is my favorite budget-friendly option that still tastes really good.
- Pick the right cheese! American cheese and cheddar cheese are my favorites because they melt well and complement the sweetness of the jam.
- Use a good amount of butter; it'll make the sandwich taste richer and give the outside a crispier texture.
- Use medium heat when frying the bread so the outside doesn't burn before the cheese melts.
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