Toasted Special, Irish Style

Last year I stumbled upon a video of a women making a toasted Irish special and couldn’t get it out of my mind. And even though the ingredients are pretty common, the sandwich as a whole is unbelievably satisfying.

What Is A Toasted Special?

From a short internet search, I found that a toasted special is essentially a toasted sandwich with ham, cheese, onion and tomato. And is served in only about every pub in Ireland.

Thinly slice onion and tomato, melty Irish cheddar and fried ham sandwiched between toasted bread – lunch doesn’t get much better than that.

To cook this Irish Toasted Special Gather:

• ham – Use deli, baked or smoked.
• bread – I use white sandwich bread, however use what you like.
• butter – Adds flavor-packed flavor.
• mayonnaise – Lends moisture and flavor.
• sliced tomato – Thinly sliced.
• kosher salt – Enhances the flavor in the tomatoes and sandwich.
• freshly ground black pepper – This will add some subtle bite and flavor.
• Onion – Red, yellow or white onion will work.

One thing I like to do is fry the ham. Not sure how “long-used” this is but Worth keeping fried ham, bacon etc. Lightly spray a medium skillet with ghee oil or avocado oil spray and heat on medium. Once hot, cook the ham until golden in spots on both sides. Remove and wipe out the skillet with paper towel or kitchen towel.

While the ham is frying, grab 2 slices of bread. I’m using a white bread but honestly, use what you have – sourdough, whole grain etc. Spread one slice with 1-1/2 teaspoons salted butter.

Spread the other slice with about 2 teaspoons mayonnaise.

Top the buttered side with sliced tomato and season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper.

Lastly top with Irish cheddar.

Top the mayo covered slice with the fried ham.

Then add the thinly sliced red onion and more sliced Irish cheddar.

Place in a lightly greased skillet over medium-low heat.

Cover and cook until the bread is golden brown underneath and the cheese has melted.

Once melted, put the two sandwich halves together.

I’m mean it doesn’t look like much. HOWEVER….

It’s so dang savory.

I like to serve this with salt and pepper potatoes chips.

Enjoy! And if you give this method a try, let me know! Snap a photo and tag me on twitter or instagram!