Ham Sandwich with Arugula Pesto & Burrata

FoodAppetizersLunchSpringToastBrunchArugulaBurrataHamProsciuttoSandwich & BurgerTomato

Mar 27

Okay… this is not your average ham sandwich.

This is the kind of sandwich you make when you want something simple… but also feels like you ordered it from a really good café. You know the ones - thick, airy bread, creamy burrata spilling out the sides, layers of salty ham, peppery greens, and that herby pesto tying everything together.

It’s fresh, it’s rich, it’s a little messy in the best way and honestly, once you make it like this, there’s no going back to basic sandwiches.

Let me walk you through it like I would if we were in the kitchen together.

Why You’re Going to Love This

First bite? You get:

Creamy, milky burrata
Salty, delicate ham
Bright, peppery arugula pesto
Crispy, golden toasted bread

It hits every single note - creamy, crunchy, salty, fresh.

This is perfect for:

A quick elevated lunch
Hosting (cut into halves or thirds = instant fancy platter)
Picnic sandwiches
Or those days when you want something that feels special without a ton of effort

Ingredients

For the Sandwich:

For the Arugula Pesto:

How to Make It

Step 1: Make the Arugula Pesto

In a food processor, combine arugula, parmesan, nuts, garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.

Slowly drizzle in olive oil while blending until smooth.
Taste and adjust - more lemon if you want it brighter, more salt if needed.

(You’re going to want to eat this with a spoon. Try not to.)

Step 2: Prep the Bread

Slice your focaccia or ciabatta in half.

Lightly toast it in the oven or a pan until golden and crisp on the edges but still soft inside.

This step is key - it gives structure so everything doesn’t slide apart.

Step 3: Build your Sandwich

Here’s how I layer it for the best bite:

Spread a generous layer of arugula pesto on both sides of the bread
Add your ham (don’t lay it flat - fold it slightly for texture)
Add a handful of fresh arugula
Tear the burrata and place it right on top
Drizzle olive oil and a pinch of salt

Close it up gently… or leave it slightly open-faced if you want that café look.

Step 4: Slice & Serve

Cut into halves or thirds and serve immediately.

And yes… it’s going to be a little messy. That’s part of the experience.

Let’s Talk About Burrata

If you’ve never used burrata before, this is your moment.

It looks like mozzarella on the outside, but when you cut into it… it’s soft, creamy, and almost spreadable inside. It melts into the sandwich and basically becomes the “sauce.”

Pro tip: don’t overthink it. Just tear it open and let it do its thing.

Tips for the BEST Sandwich

Use good bread – this is not the time for basic sandwich bread
Room temp burrata = creamier, better texture
Don’t skip the lemon in the pesto – it balances everything
Toast the bread – makes a huge difference

Make It Your Own

You can easily tweak this depending on what you have:

Swap ham for turkey or grilled chicken
Add sliced tomatoes for extra freshness
Drizzle balsamic glaze for a sweet contrast
Add avocado for even more creaminess

Storage Tips

This sandwich is best fresh but:

Pesto can be stored in the fridge for up to 5 days
Bread can be pre-toasted and assembled later
If prepping ahead, keep burrata separate until serving

This is one of those recipes that feels way more impressive than the effort it takes. It’s simple ingredients, but when they come together like this… it just works.

It’s the kind of lunch you make once… and then suddenly you’re craving it all the time.

Looking for more brunch recipes? Try my popular recipes below:

Healthy RecipesLunchSpringAppetizersToastbrunchHamProsciuttoSandwich & BurgerBurrataArugulaTomato

Sophia Vincent