Broiled Spam and Cheese Open-Face Sandwiches: A Quick & Delicious Comfort Food

Looking for a quick, easy, and satisfying meal? Look no further than these broiled Spam and cheese open-face sandwiches! This recipe is a nostalgic favorite for many, offering a delightful combination of savory Spam, melted cheese, and perfectly toasted bread. It’s a versatile dish that can be enjoyed for breakfast, lunch, or a light dinner. Plus, it’s incredibly simple to customize to your liking. Let’s dive into the details and get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

* **Quick & Easy:** Ready in under 20 minutes, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or when you need a fast and flavorful meal.
* **Budget-Friendly:** Spam is an affordable protein option, making this a wallet-friendly choice.
* **Customizable:** Easily adapt the recipe with your favorite cheeses, toppings, and bread.
* **Comfort Food Classic:** This dish brings back memories and offers a comforting and satisfying taste.
* **Versatile:** Enjoy it for breakfast, lunch, or dinner!

Ingredients You’ll Need

* **Spam:** The star of the show! You can use classic Spam, reduced sodium Spam, or even Spam Lite, depending on your preference.
* **Bread:** Choose your favorite sliced bread. White, wheat, sourdough, or even English muffins work well. Sturdier breads will hold up better under the broiler.
* **Cheese:** Cheddar, Monterey Jack, provolone, or Swiss cheese are all excellent choices. Use pre-sliced cheese for convenience or shred your own.
* **Mayonnaise (Optional):** A thin layer of mayonnaise adds moisture and flavor to the bread. You can also use butter or a light spread of olive oil.
* **Mustard (Optional):** A dab of mustard complements the savory Spam and cheese.
* **Black Pepper (Optional):** Freshly ground black pepper adds a touch of spice.
* **Garlic Powder (Optional):** A sprinkle of garlic powder enhances the overall flavor.
* **Hot Sauce (Optional):** For those who like a little kick, a dash of hot sauce is a great addition.

Equipment

* **Baking Sheet:** A baking sheet is essential for broiling the sandwiches.
* **Broiler:** Your oven’s broiler is what will melt the cheese and toast the bread.
* **Knife:** For slicing the Spam and other ingredients.
* **Cutting Board:** To protect your countertops while slicing.
* **Spatula:** For removing the sandwiches from the baking sheet.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s a detailed guide to making the perfect broiled Spam and cheese open-face sandwiches:

**1. Prepare the Bread:**

* Lightly toast the bread slices. This will help prevent them from becoming soggy under the broiler. You can use a toaster or toast them lightly in the oven.
* Optional: Spread a thin layer of mayonnaise, butter, or olive oil on each slice of bread. This will add moisture and flavor.

**2. Prepare the Spam:**

* Remove the Spam from the can and slice it into ¼-inch thick slices. You can adjust the thickness to your liking.
* Optional: For a crispier Spam, you can pan-fry the slices in a skillet with a little oil or butter until lightly browned on both sides.

**3. Assemble the Sandwiches:**

* Place the toasted bread slices on the baking sheet.
* Top each slice with Spam slices, overlapping slightly if necessary.
* Cover the Spam with slices of cheese, ensuring it covers the entire surface.
* Optional: Sprinkle with black pepper and garlic powder.

**4. Broil the Sandwiches:**

* Preheat your oven’s broiler on high.
* Place the baking sheet with the assembled sandwiches under the broiler. Keep a close eye on them as they broil quickly.
* Broil for 2-4 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the bread is golden brown. The exact time will depend on your broiler’s strength, so watch carefully to prevent burning.

**5. Serve and Enjoy:**

* Carefully remove the baking sheet from the oven using oven mitts.
* Let the sandwiches cool slightly before serving. The cheese will be very hot!
* Optional: Drizzle with hot sauce or add a dollop of mustard.
* Serve immediately and enjoy!

Tips for Perfect Broiled Spam and Cheese Sandwiches

* **Don’t Overcrowd the Baking Sheet:** Make sure the sandwiches are not too close together on the baking sheet. This will ensure even browning.
* **Watch Carefully Under the Broiler:** Broilers can vary in strength, so keep a close eye on the sandwiches to prevent burning. If the cheese is melting too quickly, lower the baking sheet to a lower rack in the oven.
* **Use Room Temperature Cheese:** Room temperature cheese will melt more evenly and quickly under the broiler.
* **Toast the Bread First:** Toasting the bread before adding the toppings will prevent it from becoming soggy.
* **Experiment with Toppings:** Get creative with your toppings! Try adding sliced tomatoes, onions, pickles, or even a fried egg.
* **Pan-Fry the Spam:** Pan-frying the Spam before adding it to the sandwich adds a delicious crispy texture.
* **Use High-Quality Cheese:** The better the quality of the cheese, the better the flavor of the sandwich.
* **Don’t Overcook the Spam:** Overcooked Spam can become dry and rubbery. Cook it just until it’s heated through.
* **Add a Touch of Sweetness:** A drizzle of honey or maple syrup can add a surprising and delicious touch of sweetness.

Variations and Customizations

The beauty of this recipe is its versatility. Here are some ideas to customize your broiled Spam and cheese open-face sandwiches:

* **Spicy Spam:** Use Spam with Jalapeños or add a few slices of pickled jalapeños to your sandwich.
* **Hawaiian Spam:** Add a slice of pineapple for a sweet and savory twist.
* **Deluxe Spam:** Top with sliced tomatoes, onions, lettuce, and your favorite condiments.
* **Garlic Bread Spam:** Spread garlic butter on the bread before adding the Spam and cheese.
* **Breakfast Spam:** Add a fried egg on top for a hearty breakfast sandwich.
* **Different Cheeses:** Experiment with different cheeses like Gruyere, Pepper Jack, or even a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.
* **Different Breads:** Try using bagels, croissants, or even English muffins for a unique twist.
* **Add Vegetables:** Sliced bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach can add extra nutrients and flavor.
* **Use Different Spreads:** Instead of mayonnaise, try using pesto, hummus, or guacamole.

Serving Suggestions

These broiled Spam and cheese open-face sandwiches are delicious on their own, but they also pair well with a variety of sides:

* **Salad:** A simple green salad or a Caesar salad complements the richness of the sandwich.
* **Soup:** Tomato soup, potato soup, or a light broth-based soup are all great choices.
* **French Fries or Potato Chips:** For a classic comfort food combination.
* **Pickles:** The acidity of pickles cuts through the richness of the sandwich.
* **Coleslaw:** A refreshing and crunchy side dish.
* **Fruit Salad:** For a lighter and healthier option.

Make-Ahead Tips

While these sandwiches are best served fresh, you can prepare some of the components ahead of time:

* **Slice the Spam:** You can slice the Spam ahead of time and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
* **Shred the Cheese:** If you’re using block cheese, you can shred it ahead of time and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
* **Toast the Bread:** You can toast the bread slightly ahead of time, but be sure to store it in an airtight container to prevent it from becoming stale.

Storage Instructions

These sandwiches are best enjoyed immediately. However, if you have leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Reheat them in the oven or microwave before serving.

Nutritional Information (Approximate)

* **Calories:** 350-450 per sandwich (depending on ingredients)
* **Protein:** 15-20 grams
* **Fat:** 20-30 grams
* **Carbohydrates:** 20-30 grams

*Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.*

Conclusion

These broiled Spam and cheese open-face sandwiches are a simple, delicious, and satisfying meal that’s perfect for any occasion. With their customizable nature and easy preparation, they’re sure to become a family favorite. So, gather your ingredients, fire up the broiler, and enjoy a taste of comfort food nostalgia!