Garlic Toasts With Ham

Norma Kelly
Norma Kelly
Published: June 16, 2026
Tags: snack, easy, Appetizer, Ham, Quick Lunch, Garlic Toasts, Baguette, Melted Cheese

Ham Garlic Toasts

Crisp garlic-butter baguette toasts topped with savory ham, melted cheese, and a little parsley for an easy snack, appetizer, or quick lunch.

Prep Time:10 minCook Time:10 minTotal Time:20 minServings:4Difficulty:Easy

Garlic toasts with ham are the kind of quick kitchen snack that feels more deliberate than the time it takes. Baguette slices crisp around the edges while garlic butter soaks into the center, giving each toast a savory base for thin slices of ham.

A small amount of cheese helps the ham settle onto the bread and adds a browned, bubbly top without turning the toasts heavy. Dijon mustard is optional but useful, especially if the ham is mild or slightly sweet.

Serve the toasts hot from the oven as an appetizer, a soup side, or a fast lunch with a simple salad. They are best eaten right away, while the bread is crisp and the garlic butter is still fragrant.

Nutrition (per serving)

Calories:285 kcal
Protein:13 g
Carbs:25 g
Fat:15 g

Directions

  1. 1
    Parchment-lined baking sheet ready for the toasts

    Heat the oven to 425°F and line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper.

  2. 2
    Garlic butter mixture with mustard and black pepper in a bowl

    Stir the softened butter, grated garlic, Dijon mustard, and black pepper together in a small bowl until evenly combined.

  3. 3
    Baguette slices spread with garlic butter on a baking sheet

    Arrange the baguette slices on the baking sheet and spread each slice with a thin layer of the garlic butter.

  4. 4
    Lightly toasted garlic-butter baguette slices on a tray

    Bake the bread for 4 minutes, just until the edges begin to crisp but the centers are still slightly tender.

  5. 5
    Folded ham on toasted garlic-butter baguette slices

    Top each toast with folded ham, keeping the ham mostly within the edges of the bread.

  6. 6
    Shredded cheese sprinkled over ham-topped garlic toasts

    Sprinkle the cheese over the ham and return the pan to the oven.

  7. 7
    Baked ham garlic toasts with melted cheese and golden edges

    Bake for 5 to 6 minutes, until the cheese is melted and the bread is golden at the edges.

  8. 8
    Finished ham garlic toasts scattered with chopped parsley

    Scatter parsley over the hot toasts and serve immediately.

Ingredients

  • Baguette cut into 12 diagonal slices:1 medium
  • Unsalted butter, softened:4 tbsp
  • Garlic cloves, finely grated:2
  • Dijon mustard:1 tsp
  • Black pepper:1/4 tsp
  • Thinly sliced deli ham, cut to fit the bread:6 oz
  • Shredded Gruyere or mozzarella cheese:3/4 cup
  • Fresh parsley, chopped:2 tbsp

Tips & Notes

  • Use sturdy bread with a tight crumb so the garlic butter does not make the centers soggy.
  • For a sharper flavor, use Swiss, Gruyere, or aged cheddar; for a milder toast, use mozzarella.
  • If the ham is very salty, use a lighter hand with the cheese and skip any added salt.