Jambon Beurre Sandwich Recipe with a Garlic-Herb Twist

ByChristopher Posted on Updated on
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My twist on the classic French sandwich with a flavorful update using garlic herb butter and smoked turkey bacon.

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A jambon beurre is a classic French ham and butter sandwich made with a fresh baguette, high-quality French butter, and thinly sliced jambon (ham). It’s one of Paris’s most iconic grab-and-go meals. It’s simple, elegant, and satisfying. This sandwich is all about celebrating good bread, rich butter, and savory cured meat.

In today’s post, I’m sharing my elevated twist on the traditional jambon beurre by swapping in a garlicky herb butter and using Butterball’s Applewood Smoked Turkey Bacon for a smoky, modern variation. Add brie and arugula, and you’ve got a sandwich that feels just as at home on a picnic blanket as it does on a brunch board.

The first time I had a jambon beurre was on a trip to Paris years ago. It was wrapped in wax paper from a tiny corner bakery. What struck me was how something so simple could be so memorable. Since then, I’ve recreated it many times—but this version is a reflection of how I love to cook: classic with a twist.

Why I Love This Recipe

  • It’s a modern, approachable take on a French classic.
  • The garlic-herb butter adds rich, savory flavor.
  • Using turkey bacon gives a smoky twist and keeps it lighter than traditional ham.
  • It’s quick to prepare and can be made ahead for entertaining or a simple lunch.
  • You can make it fancy or casual—serve warm with soup or wrap for a picnic.

Ingredients & Tips

For the Garlic Herb Butter:

  • ½ cup salted butter, softened – Look for European-style or cultured butter for extra flavor.
  • 4 garlic cloves – Simmer in oil to mellow the flavor.
  • ¼ cup olive oil – Infuses the butter with garlic richness.
  • ½ tsp each dried parsley, oregano, basil – Or swap for fresh if you prefer!

For the Sandwich:

  • 1 fresh baguette – Look for one that’s crusty outside, soft inside.
  • 8 slices Butterball Applewood Smoked Turkey Bacon – A smoky alternative to jambon.
  • Brie cheese, sliced – Optional, but adds creamy richness.
  • Handful of arugula – For a peppery contrast.

Important Tip

Don’t skip the quality of the baguette. The bread is key in a jambon beurre. A rustic, crusty loaf from a local bakery works best.

Substitutions & Variations

  • No turkey bacon? Use traditional jambon blanc, prosciutto, or even smoked ham.
  • Dairy-free? Swap butter for your favorite plant-based version.
  • Make it spicy: Add thin slices of pickle or a smear of Dijon mustard for a tangy kick.
  • Add roasted red peppers or grilled onions for a Mediterranean spin.
  • Use corn butter – infuse your garlic butter with cooked corn for a sweet-savory flavor.

How to Make My Garlic Herb Jambon Beurre Sandwich

Step 1: Make the Garlic Herb Butter

In a small saucepan over low heat, combine olive oil and garlic cloves. Simmer gently (don’t boil) for 10–15 minutes until the garlic is golden and tender. Let it cool slightly, then blend with softened butter and herbs in a food processor until smooth.

Step 2: Prepare the Turkey Bacon

Cook the turkey bacon according to package instructions until crisp and heated to 165°F. Set aside.

Step 3: Assemble the Sandwich

Slice the baguette into 4 portions, then slice each in half lengthwise. Spread garlic herb butter generously on both sides of the bread. Layer on 2 slices of turkey bacon, slices of brie (if using), and a small handful of arugula. Top with the other half of the bread.

Step 4: Serve

Serve at room temperature (just like in Paris!) or warm it up lightly in the oven for a melted brie moment.

Expert Tips

Use room temperature butter to make spreading easier.

Don’t skimp on the butter—this is half the sandwich.

Let your baguette rest for a few hours if it’s very crusty—slightly stale bread is easier to cut and eat.

Wrap tightly in parchment paper if you’re taking it on-the-go.

How to Store & Make Ahead

  • Make the herb butter ahead – It lasts up to a week in the fridge.
  • Assemble sandwiches the day before and wrap tightly in parchment or foil. Store in the fridge and let come to room temp before serving.
  • Do not freeze – Brie and arugula don’t freeze well, and the texture of the baguette will suffer.

Other Sandwich Recipes You’ll Love

FAQ

Traditionally, it’s just a baguette, butter, and ham. No extras needed—but many variations exist!

Absolutely. The idea is to pair a rich cured meat with butter and bread, so go with what you love.

A high-fat, salted European-style butter is ideal, but any real butter works. My garlic-herb version adds a ton of flavor.

Traditionally it’s served at room temperature, but warming it slightly (especially with brie!) is a delicious twist.

Final Thoughts

This jambon beurre-inspired sandwich is proof that simple ingredients can be elevated into something really special. The garlic herb butter takes it up a notch, and using turkey bacon makes it fun and modern. Whether you’re reminiscing about Paris or just need an easy lunch idea, this recipe brings French flair to your table in the most approachable way.

Next time you’re craving something quick but elevated, try this twist on the jambon beurre. You might never go back to regular sandwiches again.

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Jambon Beurre Recipe with Garlic Herb Butter & Turkey Bacon

Yield: 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes

This jambon beurre-inspired sandwich is proof that simple ingredients can be elevated into something really special. The garlic herb butter takes it up a notch, and using turkey bacon makes it fun and modern. Whether you’re reminiscing about Paris or just need an easy lunch idea, this recipe brings French flair to your table in the most approachable way.

Ingredients

Garlic Herb Butter

  • ½ cup salted butter, softened
  • 4 garlic cloves, peeled
  • ¼ cup olive oil
  • ½ tsp dried parsley
  • ½ tsp dried oregano
  • ½ tsp dried basil

Sandwich Assembly

  • 1 fresh baguette, sliced into 4 sandwich portions and halved
  • 8 slices Butterball Applewood Smoked Turkey Bacon, cooked
  • Brie cheese, sliced
  • Handful of fresh arugula

Instructions

  1. In a small saucepan over low heat, combine the olive oil and garlic cloves. Simmer gently (do not boil) for 10–15 minutes until the garlic is golden and soft.
    Let cool slightly, then transfer garlic, infused oil, softened butter, and dried herbs to a food processor. Blend until smooth and creamy.
  2. Cook the turkey bacon in a pan or microwave until heated through and crispy (internal temperature should reach 165°F).
  3. Spread garlic herb butter generously on both cut sides of each baguette portion.
    Layer with 2 slices of turkey bacon, brie cheese slices, and a small handful of arugula.
    Close with the top half of the baguette.
  4. Serve immediately at room temperature or wrap and refrigerate for up to 1 day. Enjoy cold or lightly warmed.

Notes

Substitutions & Variations

  • Use prosciutto or ham instead of turkey bacon for a more classic French version.
  • Swap brie for Gruyère or comté.
  • Add cornichons or a smear of Dijon for a tangy twist.

© Christopher

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