Asparagus Grill Sandwiches are a delightful lunch or snack option, perfect for any occasion where you want to impress with a blend of flavors and textures. This recipe, cherished from generations past, combines savory elements like cheese, vegetables, and a hint of sweetness from tomatoes, all enveloped in a golden-brown, buttery grilled bread.
Ingredients
Let’s dive into the ingredients that make up this comforting dish:

- Butter: Used for spreading on bread slices and also in the cheese sauce.
- Margarine: Optionally used for spreading on bread slices.
- Cooked Ham: Adds a savory note to the sandwich.
- Onions: Provides a mild, aromatic flavor.
- Tomatoes: Adds a juicy sweetness.
- Asparagus Spears: The star vegetable that brings a fresh, slightly nutty flavor.
- Process American Cheese: Melts beautifully to bind the sandwich ingredients together.
- All-purpose Flour: Used to thicken the cheese sauce.
- Milk: Creates the creamy base for the cheese sauce.
- Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Adds a bold, tangy flavor to the cheese sauce.
Nutritional Information
Each serving of these sandwiches offers a balanced nutritional profile:
- Calories: 466.1
- Total Fat: 26.2g
- Saturated Fat: 15.8g
- Cholesterol: 71.6mg
- Sodium: 1049.1mg
- Carbohydrates: 38.1g
- Fiber: 2.9g
- Sugar: 6.3g
- Protein: 20.6g
Recipe Instructions
Now, let’s walk through the steps to create these Asparagus Grill Sandwiches, along with a delicious cheese sauce to complement them:
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Prepare the Sandwiches:
- Start by spreading one side of each bread slice with butter.
- Place 4 slices of bread, buttered side down, on a hot griddle or skillet.
- On each slice, layer 2 slices of ham, 1 slice of onion, 1 slice of tomato, 4 asparagus spears, and 1 slice of American cheese.
- Top with the remaining 4 slices of bread, buttered side up.
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Grill the Sandwiches:
- Cook the sandwiches on the griddle until the bottom slices are golden brown.
- Carefully flip them to brown the other side.
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Make the Cheese Sauce:
- In a heavy saucepan, melt butter over low heat.
- Add flour and cook for about 1 minute, stirring constantly to create a roux.
- Gradually add milk, stirring constantly over medium heat until the mixture thickens and becomes bubbly.
- Add shredded sharp cheddar cheese to the sauce, stirring until melted and smooth.
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Serve:
- Pour the hot cheese sauce over the grilled sandwiches before serving.
- For an elegant presentation, slice the sandwiches diagonally and drizzle additional cheese sauce on top.
Tips and Variations
- Vegetarian Option: Omit the ham for a vegetarian version that’s just as satisfying.
- Bread Choice: Use your favorite bread for these sandwiches, such as whole wheat, sourdough, or a hearty multigrain.
- Cheese Varieties: Experiment with different cheeses in the sauce, like Swiss or Gruyère, for unique flavor twists.
- Grilling Method: If you don’t have a griddle, use a panini press or a regular skillet to grill the sandwiches.
Conclusion
These Asparagus Grill Sandwiches are not just a meal but a nostalgic journey into the heart of comforting homemade food. Whether you’re serving them for a casual lunch with friends or as a special snack, they are sure to be a hit. With layers of savory goodness and a creamy cheese sauce to tie it all together, this recipe is a testament to the joy of sharing delicious food with loved ones. Enjoy the process of making and savoring these sandwiches, and let them become a part of your own culinary traditions!