When it comes to making lunches or any meal for that matter, I believe quick and easy is the way to go. I used to spend hours in the kitchen preparing elaborate meals only to have the kids say, “Can we just have a sandwich?” Naturally, when Hillshire Farms asked me to try their new Hillshire Farm Naturals sandwich meats, I thought, “Fast lunch that the kids will eat=winning!” Because the entire family loves toasted sandwiches from on of the national chains, I decided to make my own version. The result was my Toasted Ham and Cheese Sandwich. Since I have a daughter with Celiac, this could get a little tricky because I couldn’t find any gluten free buns. Instead, I changed her meal into a Ham and Cheese Lettuce Wrap.
I stopped by Walmart to pick up the ingredients and favorite toppings for the kids. What I like about this sandwich is how versatile it is. I added different toppings to each sandwich to suite individual tastes. Don’t be afraid to mix unusual veggie combinations! It could turn out to be a huge hit. At worst, if the kids don’t like them combined, pull them off the sandwich and make them a quick salad.
I began by splitting open cheese buns and topping them with provolone cheese. I broiled them just long enough to get them toasty and the cheese melted. Then I piled on the ham and toasted them for a minute longer. Next, it was topping time. I added thinly sliced tomato, lettuce and thin slices of avocado. On top of that I added a dash of freshly ground pepper and sea salt along with a splash of oil and balsamic vinegar. Topped off with some hot and spicy mustard, I got compliments from the entire family.
Another quick and easy idea is a “build your own sandwich bar.” I set out bowls of the toppings I listed above and other toppings like pickles, thinly sliced onions, peppers and cucumbers. Have everyone add the toppings they want. It couldn’t get much easier than this and is a super alternative to fixing lots of dishes for a tailgate party!
Available in four varieties, Slow Roasted Turkey Breast, Hardwood Smoked Turkey Breast, Honey Roasted Ham, and Black Forest Ham, the new Hillshire Naturals are packaged in double-sealed, re-sealable tubs to lock in freshness. My favorite part? These meats contain no artificial ingredients, preservatives or colors and no added nitrites/nitrates except those occurring naturally in celery juice. You can find them in the refrigerated deli meats section in grocery stores all over the US.
What is you absolute favorite sandwich recipe for a quick and easy lunch?
Yum great food pics! Now i want to make a sandwich at 12:45am! LOL
We love a good peanut butter and jelly in our house. These flavors combinations for your sandwiches sound awesome. I like the idea of having a sandwich bar for parties and even just a lunch at her house.
I have a few kids who appreciate a good sandwich. This one looks delicious.
You can absolutely make me a smmie anytime you want! Or, I’ll even take a wrap with your daughter. I’m good either way 😉
These just gave me a great idea for lunch tomorrow! I love ham sandwiches and so do my kids. They hardly touch turkey.
That sandwich looks yum! My oldest loves a good ham and cheese sandwich for lunch.
Ham and cheese is my families go-to sandwich on the weekends. I love toasting it for some ooey gooey, melty cheese!
That looks soo delicious! I would have never guessed you used store bought lunch meat by looking at the picture. I would have thought you carved it yourself! Good job hillshire!
This looks amazing. You are making me hungry!
Everything’s better toasted. I love sandwiches, these are perfect!
Sandwiches are so much better toasted. I will look out for this product.
Oh my gosh! That looks so good. I love ham and cheese sandwiches but I’ve never used a yummy bun like that! I’m so boring, and usually use just plain bread haha!!
Genius! I am not one for taking forever to make lunch so this will totally work.
that looks amazing. I love a warm sandwich, it feels more satisfying
Looks delicious! Even better than the ones you pay $9 for at lunch!
The sandwiches look so delicious! We are getting more into lettuce wraps and less into bread with something in-between. Thanks for the great ideas.
Oh yum! I don’t eat grain or cheese anymore, but these do look wonderful!
Looks like a great lunch sandwich! Fast is good when you are hungry
Wow. That’s a gourmet sandwich! My sandwiches are usually made with regular loaf bread, and they certainly are NOT toasted.
These look great. I love a good sandwich.
What an easy meal! So good, too!
I love ham and cheese! Your sandwiches are making me drool! Those bad some chips would be great about now!
I like a grilled sandwich so much better than just a plain old sandwich. I haven’t tried the Hillshire Naturals on my Hubs yet.
Ooh, we haven’t had a sandwich bar in a long time – great idea!
Hit submit too soon. 🙂 I’ll definitely have to set one up for everyone with everything you had. It all looks so good!
We do a lot of build your own sandwich bars in our house. the kids really just prefer a simple sandwich to something nice that I make.
I usually prefer wraps over sandwiches. Ham and turkey are my favorite meats, add lots of veggies and roll up. YUM!
Sandwiches are our go-to lunch. My oldest prefers peanut butter and honey, but my favorite is ham and cheese!
This is one of my favorite things to eat. I haven’t had one in a very long time though. Thank you for the reminder!
Yummy! I love toasted sandwiches!! I’m thrilled with their new naturals line.
Mmmm! Now those look tasty! Would be great to serve on game day too!
I’m so glad that they are making more natural nitrate free choices. We love ham and cheese and always look for nitrate free.
Oh my, those cheese buns look fantastic! I think anything on them would be tasty. My local grocery store used to carry deli sliced teriyaki chicken it was delicious on a sandwich!
Ham and cheese is my favorite. It’s my preferred pizza topping and middle for my omelets.
Everything looks so fresh and flavorful! We like to have sandwiches on hot days and busy afternoons; and even grill the bread too! The hardwood smoked turkey sounds delicious, I’d love some with honey mustard on a french roll.
That is a classic, we make them all the time. I so love this deli meat, so good!
You know… If you ever invite me down south for lunch, I will say YES! Every food item you post looks amazing.
Hi Pam,
“Can we just have a sandwich?”… no, no, no…. lol. In my house a sandwich is a big deal – there are times when I spend more time making sandwiches than I would if I had prepared a standard home meal! I need to own a Deli because and sandwich (or salad) is never a quick meal 🙂
My kids love cucumbers, bell peppers, tomato, and spinach on their sandwiches – all great additions and even some substitutions from the norm.
Victoria
Mom Does Reviews
This looks like an amazingly delicious lunch idea. I am a big sandwich fan, and this is a lunch I would enjoy,.
Grilled cheese is my fave. That melty yummy goodness gets me every time. 🙂
I love grilled cheese, too. Especially when it’s with tomato soup!
That sounds like a delicous sandwich. We eat lots of them in our house 🙂