These Ham and Apple Sandwiches have delicious layers of honey ham, swiss cheese, granny smith apple, leaf lettuce, and a quick homemade dijonnaise, all on toasted Sara Lee® Honey Wheat Bread. Perfect for either a kid or adult lunch box, these deliciously easy sandwiches will become a go to lunch favorite!
Watch this Recipe Cooked Step-by-Step
I’ll be honest, packing lunches isn’t my favorite activity.
Back to school is around the corner and whether your child is going back to school in person or at home, they still need to eat lunch, right?!
I love to cook dinner, but there is just something so mind-numbing about smearing pb&j on bread and shoving into the lunch box. Well, maybe the problem isn’t packing lunch, but how boring of a lunch I was packing! Enter these delicious Ham and Apple Sandwiches! For more yummy back to school lunch ideas, check out these sandwich recipes, too!
Years ago my Mom and I helped cater a bridal shower luncheon and one of the tea sandwiches we made was ham, swiss, and green apple. My daughter recently started adding apples to her salads so I thought why not add it to her sandwiches too! Well, it was a success! She loves it! She is getting lots of nutrition between the whole grains in the bread, protein from the ham, and a good dose of veggies and fruit from the lettuce and apple.
The sandwich was even more of a hit once I added homemade dijonnaise to my husband’s sandwich! In one step, this sandwich goes from kid-friendly to adult lunch worthy! While the sauce sounds fancy, its so easy. Add three parts good quality mayonnaise to a bowl and one part dijon mustard. Mix well and store in the fridge.
A sandwich is only as good as its bread and Sara Lee® bread is our go to! The ingredients, taste, and big variety make it a perfect choice for our family. It is soft and smooth and perfect for the lunch box or sandwiches made at home. I picked the honey wheat bread for these sandwiches because the drop of pure golden honey pairs perfectly with the apple slices! Sara Lee Honey Wheat bread is a hands-down family favorite and doesn’t have high-fructose corn syrup or any artificial flavors!
Quick Tip! To prevent the apple slices from turning brown, spray with either fruit fresh or soak in a lemon lime soda!
Even before the pandemic, I did 99 percent of my grocery shopping online. I use the Walmart Online Grocery service to save time and stay home! I use the app like my digital grocery list and update it all week as I think of items we need!
Ham and Apple Sandwiches
Delicious layer of ham, apple, and swiss make the most delicious lunch time sandwich!
Ingredients
- 4 slices Sara Lee Honey Wheat Bread toasted
- 8 slices honey or maple ham
- 4 slices swiss cheese
- 1 granny smith apple sliced into thin slices
- 4 pieces leaf lettuce
- 3 tbsp mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp dijon mustard
Instructions
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Mix together mayonnaise and mustard. Spread an even amount on all 4 slices of bread.
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Layer cheese, apple, ham, and lettuce on each sandwich.
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Cut in half and serve! Or wrap in foil or a sandwich bag for later.
Ham and Apple Sandwiches: Ingredient Swaps, Flavor Add-Ins, and Family-Friendly Tips from a Mom Who Loves Quick, Healthy Meals
As a busy mom who still wants to serve delicious and satisfying meals, I’m always on the hunt for quick lunch ideas that feel just a little elevated—something fresh, flavorful, and easy to make in under 10 minutes. That’s why ham and apple sandwiches are one of my absolute go-to recipes. The combination of sweet, crisp apples with savory ham and a hint of creamy spread is irresistible, even for picky eaters.
Whether I’m packing school lunches, prepping a picnic, or making a simple weeknight dinner with a side salad, these apple and ham sandwiches are a reliable favorite. And the best part? They’re endlessly customizable. Below are my favorite ingredient alternatives, sandwich add-ons, and serving tips to make this recipe even more versatile and more likely to rank in Google searches.
Ingredient Alternatives for Ham and Apple Sandwiches
Bread Options
The type of bread you use makes a big difference in flavor and texture. Try:
- Whole wheat or multigrain bread for added fiber
- Sourdough for a tangy, hearty bite
- Brioche for a sweeter, softer option
- Gluten-free sandwich bread for dietary needs
- Ciabatta rolls or baguette slices for a rustic lunch option
Ham Alternatives
While deli ham is classic, you can swap in other proteins depending on preference or what’s in the fridge:
- Smoked turkey breast for a lighter flavor
- Prosciutto for an elevated Italian twist
- Grilled chicken slices for a protein-rich variation
- Plant-based deli slices for a vegetarian option
Apple Varieties
Choose your apple based on the flavor you want to highlight:
- Honeycrisp or Fuji for a sweet crunch
- Granny Smith for tartness and contrast
- Gala or Pink Lady for a balance of sweet and tangy
Spread Alternatives
Spread a little flavor onto each slice of bread to tie it all together:
- Dijon mustard for a zesty kick
- Honey mustard for sweet and savory balance
- Cream cheese or whipped goat cheese for creamy richness
- Apple butter or fig jam for a slightly sweet accent
- Hummus for a dairy-free option
Optional Add-Ins to Elevate Your Sandwich
These ham and apple sandwiches are delicious on their own, but if you’re looking to upgrade the flavor or sneak in some extra nutrition, try adding:
- Sharp cheddar or Swiss cheese for a melty, satisfying layer
- A handful of arugula or baby spinach for a peppery crunch
- Thinly sliced red onions or caramelized onions for added flavor
- Crushed walnuts or pecans for texture
- A drizzle of honey or balsamic glaze for a sweet finish
- Thin cucumber slices or pickled jalapeños for crunch or spice
Adding these customizations not only enhances the sandwich but also helps your blog content rank for searches like “ham apple and cheddar sandwich,” “healthy ham sandwich recipe,” or “sweet and savory lunch sandwich.”
Meal Prep and Storage Tips
As a mom who plans ahead whenever possible, I’ve found a few simple strategies to keep these sandwiches fresh and lunchbox-ready:
- Pack apple slices separately and add just before eating to keep them from browning
- Toast the bread lightly before assembling to avoid sogginess
- Wrap sandwiches in parchment paper or reusable sandwich wraps for freshness
- Store in the fridge for up to 24 hours if pre-made; best when enjoyed the same day
Perfect Pairings and Serving Suggestions
Turn these sandwiches into a full meal by serving them with:
- A cup of butternut squash soup or tomato basil soup
- A simple green salad with lemon vinaigrette
- Sweet potato chips or veggie sticks with hummus
- A side of fresh fruit like grapes, pears, or berries
Including variations of these in your headings, alt text, and meta descriptions will improve your SEO performance and draw traffic from readers searching for healthy, family-approved sandwich recipes.
A Mother’s Take on Simple, Satisfying Meals
These ham and apple sandwiches have become a staple in our home because they strike the perfect balance between simplicity and flavor. They’re quick enough for a busy school morning and tasty enough to make even the most ordinary lunch feel special. As a mom, I love knowing I can whip up something wholesome and satisfying without a long grocery list or hours in the kitchen.
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