Jambon-Beurre Iconic French Sandwich

The Jambon-Beurre, aka Le Parisien or even Paris Beurre sandwich, is an iconic French sandwich that has been around since the 19th century, born in the Halles of Paris during workers’ lunch breaks. What’s simpler than half a baguette smothered with butter and a few slices of deli ham? This is a classic, and there’s nothing better than a fresh baguette with semi-salted butter and Paris ham! This ham-butter combo is so simple yet so decadently delicious. It is still the French go-to lunch sandwich, eaten on the go and available on every corner, and is regaining popularity in boulangeries.

The baguette I prefer is traditional, crispy, and not too much dough, an almost rustic type of bread. The butter really makes the sandwich pop, so choose an authentic French butter like Beurre d’Isigny or Président and go with the best genuine French ham called Jambon de Paris, or Paris ham, sliced right off the bone, after being slowly steamed-cooked in its own juice and seasoned with salt.

Now that’s a sandwich, or shall I say casse-croûte! By the way, here’s an old French expression. Do you know what casser la croûte means? It means grabbing a bite to eat and literally to “break some crumbs” or “have a bite”.

Check out my other favorite classics such as the Croque-Monsieur and Croque-Madame sandwiches. I also just love the saucisson-beurre baguette filled with saucisson sec and butter, the pâté-cornichon, which is pâté de Campagne with Maille cornichons and a little Maille moutarde. de Dijon , or the Camembert with a glass of bon rouge!