📝 About This Recipe
Named after the iconic Bikini Concert Hall in Barcelona where it first gained fame, this is not just a ham and cheese sandwich—it is a Catalan institution. It features paper-thin slices of salty Jamón Serrano and creamy, melt-in-your-mouth Mahón cheese, all pressed between buttery, golden-brown crustless bread. The secret lies in the high-quality Spanish ingredients and the patient, low-heat pressing technique that creates a shatteringly crisp exterior and a gooey, decadent interior.
🥗 Ingredients
The Bread and Fat
- 4 slices White Pullman-style loaf (high-quality, slightly thick-cut sandwich bread)
- 3 tablespoons Unsalted butter (softened to room temperature)
- 1 teaspoon Extra virgin olive oil (to mix with butter for a higher smoke point)
The Fillings
- 4-6 slices Jamón Serrano (very thinly sliced, authentic Spanish cured ham)
- 4 slices Mahón Cheese (or semi-cured Manchego, sliced 1/8 inch thick)
- 1 teaspoon Truffle honey or Truffle oil (optional, for a modern 'Bikini de Trufa' twist)
Optional Accompaniments
- 6-8 pieces Cornichons (for serving on the side)
- 1 handful Spanish Potato Chips (fried in olive oil)
👨🍳 Instructions
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1
Begin by preparing the bread. Lay the four slices of white bread on a clean cutting board and carefully trim off all four crusts using a sharp serrated knife to create perfect squares.
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2
In a small bowl, cream together the softened butter and the teaspoon of olive oil until completely smooth and spreadable.
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3
Lightly butter one side of each slice of bread, ensuring you spread it all the way to the very edges for even browning.
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4
Flip two of the slices over so the buttered side is facing down on the board. These will be the bottom of your sandwiches.
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5
Place two slices of Mahón cheese onto each of the unbuttered sides of the bottom bread slices, overlapping slightly if necessary to cover the surface.
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6
Layer the Jamón Serrano over the cheese. Don't lay it flat; ribbon it slightly to create air pockets which help the heat distribute and improve the texture.
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7
If you are making the truffle version, drizzle a tiny amount of truffle honey or oil over the ham at this stage.
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8
Top with the remaining two slices of bread, ensuring the buttered side is facing outward (upward).
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9
Preheat a heavy-bottomed non-stick skillet or a cast-iron griddle over medium-low heat for 2 minutes.
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10
Place the sandwiches in the pan. Immediately place a second heavy pan or a bacon press on top of the sandwiches to weigh them down slightly.
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11
Cook for 3-4 minutes on the first side. You are looking for a deep, uniform golden-brown color and a crisp texture.
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12
Carefully remove the weight, flip the sandwiches with a wide spatula, and replace the weight. Cook for another 3-4 minutes until the cheese is visibly oozing at the edges.
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13
Remove from the pan and let the sandwiches rest on a wire rack for 60 seconds. This prevents the bottom from getting soggy from steam.
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14
Slice each sandwich diagonally into two triangles or into three elegant rectangular soldiers.
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15
Serve immediately while the cheese is at its peak meltiness and the bread is shatter-crisp.
💡 Chef's Tips
Use high-quality butter with a high fat content (European style) for the most flavorful crust. Always remove the crusts; a true Bikini is defined by its soft, uniform interior and crisp, crust-free edges. Don't rush the heat; low and slow is the secret to melting the cheese without burning the bread. If you can't find Mahón cheese, a young Gruyère or a mild Havarti are excellent substitutes for meltability. For a gourmet touch, use 'Jamón Ibérico' instead of Serrano for a deeper, nuttier flavor profile.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
Serve with a side of salty, olive-oil fried Spanish potato chips. Pair with a glass of chilled Cava or a crisp Albariño wine to cut through the richness of the cheese. Accompany with a small bowl of Arbequina olives and cornichons for a vinegary contrast. A dollop of Allioli (Spanish garlic mayo) on the side makes for a decadent dipping sauce. Enjoy as a 'Merienda' (afternoon snack) with a cold caña (small glass of beer).