IRON PIER NO. 2 RECIPE
Smoky Ham & Gouda Melt with Iron Pier Aioli
A golden ham and gouda melt layered with creamy Iron Pier aioli, smoky cherrywood depth, maple warmth, and melty comfort in every bite. It is simple enough for lunch, cozy enough for dinner, and just elevated enough to feel like something from a little café.
Cherrywood smoke, maple warmth, and savory depth make Iron Pier No. 2 a natural fit for creamy sauces, toasted sandwiches, grilled meats, burgers, and cozy skillet meals.
Ingredients
Iron Pier Aioli
- 1/3 cup mayonnaise
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
- 1/2 teaspoon lemon juice or apple cider vinegar
- 1 to 1 1/2 teaspoons Iron Pier No. 2
- Pinch of black pepper, optional
Sandwiches
- 4 slices sourdough, Italian bread, or bakery-style sandwich bread
- 6 to 8 slices deli ham
- 4 slices gouda cheese
- 1 tablespoon butter, softened
- 1 teaspoon mayonnaise, optional for crisping the outside of the bread
- Optional: pickles, arugula, or thin sliced apple
Directions
- In a small bowl, stir together mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, honey or maple syrup, lemon juice, and Iron Pier No. 2.
- Taste the aioli and adjust with a little extra Iron Pier if you want a deeper smoky flavor.
- Spread the Iron Pier aioli on the inside of each slice of bread.
- Layer ham and gouda cheese onto two slices of bread.
- Add pickles, arugula, or thin sliced apple if using.
- Top with the remaining bread slices.
- Spread a thin layer of butter on the outside of each sandwich. For extra crispiness, add a very light swipe of mayonnaise to the outside of the bread as well.
- Heat a skillet over medium-low heat.
- Cook sandwiches for 3 to 4 minutes per side, pressing gently, until the bread is golden and the gouda is melted.
- Slice and serve warm.
Salt Spring Tip
Keep the heat at medium-low so the gouda has time to melt before the bread gets too dark. A little honey or maple syrup in the aioli helps echo the maple warmth in Iron Pier No. 2 without making the sandwich taste sweet.
Serve With
Serve with kettle chips, pickles, tomato soup, a simple side salad, roasted potatoes, or apple slices for a cozy lunch that still feels a little special.
Make It With Iron Pier No. 2
Iron Pier No. 2 brings smoky cherrywood flavor, maple warmth, and bold savory depth to sandwiches, burgers, grilled chicken, roasted vegetables, and easy weeknight meals.
Shop Iron Pier No. 2