This Ploughmans Sandwich is inspired by the classic British meat and cheese platter. It's loaded with thick cut ham, aged cheddar, branston pickle, salty butter, mustard and arugula between two slices of fluffy white bread. It's a hearty lunch that's packed full of sweet and savory flavors! Serve withs some ketchup crisps and you've got yourself an a tasty English lunch!
Backstory
Back when i was a cheesemonger at Depanneur in Brooklyn, I worked with a ton of people from all around the world.
My best friend, Spasia, was from the UK and was always blowing my mind with her recipes.
That's where I first heard the term Ploughmans Platter.
One day while we were creating the daily specials, Spasia decided to turn this classic British snack into a tasty sandwich.
I remember taking a bite and being blown away by the combo of sweet, savory, and umami.
Unbeknownst to me, Branston Pickle was a condiment like no other.
It was like a super crunchy chutney that packed so much flavor.
There was tang, umami and a slightly sweet finish that balanced perfectly.
I was hooked.
Years later, I visited London and saw a Ploughmans platter on the menu one night.
And now that we're not allowed to travel on the moment, I wanted to take my taste buds on a trip.
In Spasia's honor, I wanted to share this tasty Ploughmans Sandwich with all of you.
To make it really authentic, be sure to pair it with some ketchup crisps or some chips and you've got yourself a legit British lunch!
Ingredients
- fluffy white bread
- thick cut ham
- mature cheddar (aka aged cheddar I used Tillamook's Reserve)
- mustard (english mustard is preferred but you can use grainy, too)
- branston pickle
- salty butter
- arugula (aka rocket as they say!)
How to make it
Making the Ploughmans Sandwich is all about layering the correct way.
In true British form, you'll want to start by buttering one slice of fluffy white bread.
On top of that, smear on some of the Branston Pickle.
If you've never had Branston Pickle, you can think of it as a pickle chutney that is tangy, crunchy, savory and slightly sweet. It's a British condiment that you can find in the International aisle of most grocery stores.
I recommend buying the small chunk variety because it's best for sandwiches. If you'd like to order some, you can do so on amazon!
Then add the cheese on top.
Be sure to used an aged cheddar (or mature cheddar as the Brits say) and make it thick cut!
I'm using Tillamook's aged white reserve cheddar and it works perfectly.
And if you're wondering, you can use an orange aged cheddar, too! Just make sure that it's very sharp and delicious!
Now top the cheddar with some arugula (I mean rocket as they say) and set it aside.
Next, grab the other piece of bread and smear it with some mustard.
You'll want to use an English mustard if you have it... but if you don't a regular yellow or grainy mustard will work just fine.
On top of the mustard, you'll add the ham.
Now it's time to close the sandwich up and slice it in half.
And it's that simple!
What to pair it with
This Ploughmans Sandwich is perfect for lunch! I recommend pairing it with a big bowl of rustic tortellini soup or my spicy lemon detox soup.
You could also do as the Brits do and serve it with some (cajun) deviled eggs or some chips (aka these air fryer potato wedges).
If you want more British inspired recipes, try these easy English Sausage Rolls or this Curried Chicken Salad.
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Recipe
Recipe
Ploughmans Sandwich
Ingredients
- 2 slices fluffy white bread
- 1 tablespoon salted butter
- 2 tablespoon branston pickle (small chunk is preferred)
- 1 tablespoon mustard (english mustard or grainy)
- ¼ lb thick cut ham
- ⅛ lb aged cheddar (or mature cheddar as they say)
- ½ cup arugula
Instructions
- Smear butter on one slice of bread then slather with branston pickle.
- Top with cheese and arugula.
- Smear mustard on the remaining slice of bread and top with ham.
- Place one half on top of the other so they’re sandwiched together.
- Slice in half and serve.
Em Jay
I love the idea! Ploughman's is a brilliant lunch at the pub. I would also try it with the beloved Stilton...it would be to die for! Thank you for sharing and encouraging a slice of the UK in Canada! Cheers!