Roasted Tomato
Ham Open-Faced Sandwich
A rustic, open-faced sandwich layering savory cured ham, fresh mozzarella, and peppery arugula, all crowned with sweet, oven-roasted cherry tomatoes and garlic.
This open-faced sandwich elevates simple ingredients through the careful layering of flavors and textures. The sweetness of slow-roasted cherry tomatoes and creamy garlic perfectly balances the salty bite of cured ham and fresh mozzarella. Built on a sturdy base of rustic bread, it is an effortless yet elegant dish suitable for a light lunch or a sophisticated appetizer.
Ingredients
- 200 g cherry tomatoes
- 1 head garlic
- 2 slices rustic or walnut bread
- 1 handful fresh arugula
- 4 slices cured ham
- 100 g fresh mozzarella cheese
- to taste olive oil
- to taste salt
- to taste black pepper
- 1 sprig fresh rosemary
Instructions
- 1Season the tomatoes and garlic
Place cherry tomatoes and peeled garlic cloves in a baking tray. Season evenly with freshly ground black pepper, salt, a sprinkle of rosemary, and a generous drizzle of olive oil before baking.
Tip: Coating the tomatoes and garlic thoroughly with olive oil helps them roast evenly and develop a rich, concentrated flavor. - 2Bake in the oven
Transfer the seasoned baking tray into the preheated oven at 195 degrees Celsius and bake for about 20 minutes until the tomatoes soften and blister.
Tip: Keep an eye on the garlic so it does not burn before the tomatoes finish roasting. - 3Plate the bread
Take two slices of hearty rustic bread or walnut bread and arrange them on a serving plate. This will serve as the crunchy base for the roasted toppings.
Tip: You can lightly toast the bread beforehand if you prefer an extra crispy texture. - 4Add roasted garlic
Take the soft, roasted garlic cloves and distribute them over the bread slices. Spread the garlic evenly to create a creamy and savory base layer.
Tip: Roasted garlic is very mellow and sweet, so dont be afraid to use a generous amount on each slice. - 5Top with arugula
Layer a handful of fresh arugula leaves over the spread garlic. The peppery bite of the arugula will perfectly balance the rich flavors of the roasted vegetables and savory ham.
Tip: Wash and dry the arugula thoroughly beforehand so it doesnt make the bread soggy. - 6Layer the ham
Drape folded slices of savory ham generously over the fresh arugula layer.
Tip: Ensure the bread is sturdy enough to hold the juicy toppings without getting soggy. - 7Add mozzarella cheese
Tear or slice fresh mozzarella cheese and place generous pieces directly on top of the ham layers across the assembled sandwiches.
Tip: Tearing the mozzarella by hand creates better texture and helps it meld with the warm toppings. - 8Top with roasted tomatoes
Using a pair of kitchen tongs, carefully pick up the warm roasted cherry tomatoes and arrange them neatly over the mozzarella cheese layer.
Tip: Be gentle so the soft, roasted tomatoes do not burst before reaching the sandwich.
