This Ham and Cheese Pickle Toastie is the perfect high-protein meal for anyone craving comfort food without compromising on flavour. With savoury ham, gooey melted mozzarella, and tangy Branston pickle all toasted between golden slices of bread, it’s a satisfying, protein-packed option that fuels your goals while tasting incredible.
If you love this toastie, then you should try our Taco Salad Bowl next!
Ham and Cheese Pickle Toastie
If you’re after a high-protein meal that’s quick, filling, and packed with flavour, this Ham and Cheese Pickle Toastie is a brilliant choice. It’s crispy, cheesy, and tangy all in one — ideal for hitting your goals without giving up comfort food.
We layer savoury ham with gooey mozzarella and tangy Branston pickle, then toast it to perfection with a golden, crunchy crust made from a light spread of mayo. The result is a satisfying sandwich that’s crisp on the outside and perfectly melty in the middle.
Each toastie packs 36g of protein and just 525 calories, making it perfect for lunch, dinner, or even a quick high-protein snack when you need something comforting and delicious.
Why We Love this Recipe
- High in Protein: Each toastie packs 36g of protein, making it a filling choice for lunch.
- Quick and easy: Minimal prep mean this meal is on your plate in under 10 minutes.
- Simple ingredients: Just a few everyday items come together to make something that feels indulgent.
What are Stuffed Peppers?
A Ham and Cheese Pickle Toastie is a classic British sandwich where slices of ham and cheese are layered with tangy Branston pickle, then toasted until golden and melty. Variations exist everywhere, from simple grilled cheese to paninis, but the essence is always the same: comforting, cheesy goodness inside perfectly crisp bread.
Our version keeps it high in protein by using lean ham, lighter mayo, and melty mozzarella, with Branston pickle adding that signature sweet and tangy kick. The result is a satisfying, balanced meal that is lighter, leaner, and still packed with 36g of protein per serving.
Ham and Cheese Pickle Toastie Nutrition
This high-protein Ham and Cheese Pickle Toastie delivers all the comfort of a cheesy, savoury meal while keeping your macros in check. With lean ham, melty mozzarella, and tangy Branston pickle toasted between golden bread, it is a quick and filling option that supports your goals without compromise. Here is the nutritional breakdown per serving:
Calories: 525
Protein: 36g
Carbs: 46g
Fat: 19g
Ingredients
- Ham: Lean and savoury, it provides a strong source of protein while keeping the toastie light.
- Mozzarella: Melts smoothly for that gooey, satisfying centre.
- Bread: The base of the toastie.
- Branston Pickle: A tangy, slightly sweet chutney that balances the richness of ham and cheese.
- Lighter than Light Mayonnaise: Spread on the outside of the bread for a perfectly golden, crispy crust.
- Butter: Adds flavour and helps toast the inside of the bread for extra richness.
How to Make Stuffed Peppers
See recipe card for ingredient quantities and full instructions.
Start by laying out the two slices of bread. Spread butter on the inner sides of both slices. This gives the toastie extra flavour when cooked.
Next, layer the ham, mozzarella, and Branston pickle on one slice of bread. Place the second slice on top to close the sandwich.
Spread the lighter than light mayonnaise evenly on the outer sides of the bread. This helps create a golden, crispy crust when toasted.
Heat a frying pan over medium heat and place the sandwich in the pan. Cook for 3–4 minutes on each side, pressing down lightly with a spatula, until the bread is golden brown and the cheese has fully melted.
Slice the toastie in half and serve immediately while it is hot, crispy, and melty inside.
Tips
- Keep the heat medium: Too high and the bread will burn before the cheese melts.
- Serve straight away: Toasties taste best hot from the pan while the cheese is still gooey.
- Press gently with a spatula: Light pressure helps the cheese melt evenly without squashing the sandwich.
Recipe Variations & Substitutions
- Change the cheese: Mozzarella is great for melting, but cheddar, Red Leicester, or a reduced-fat cheese also work well.
- Change the bread: Use sourdough, seeded bread, or a low-calorie bread to adjust the texture and macros.
- Try a different protein: Swap ham for turkey slices, chicken breast, or roast beef for variety.
- Add extras: Sliced tomato, caramelised onion, or even jalapeños can take the flavour to another level.
Storage
Ham and Cheese Pickle Toasties are best eaten fresh while the bread is crisp and the cheese is melted. If you have leftovers, wrap the toastie in foil and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Reheat in a frying pan or air fryer until hot and crispy again. Freezing is not recommended as the bread can become soggy and lose its texture.
Frequently Asked Questions
Any chutney or relish will work well. Look for a savoury chutney or relish. Avoid whole pickled cucumbers as they will change the flavour and texture.
Yes, both work perfectly. They help the cheese melt faster and give an even, crispy crust.
Yes, simply use low-calorie bread and reduced-fat cheese, or swap the butter for a light cooking spray.
More High Protein Lunch Recipes
After you try this Ham and Cheese Pickle Toastie Recipe, let us know your thoughts! Follow us on Instagram for more high protein, low calorie recipe ideas.
Ham and Cheese Pickle Toastie
Equipment
- 1 Frying Pan
- 1 Spatula
Ingredients
- 2 slices Mozzarella your choice of cheese
- 2 slices Ham
- 2 slices Bread your choice of bread
- 1 tbsp Lighter than Light Mayo
- 1 tbsp Butter
- 2½ tbsp Pickle (Branston Pickle or chutney)
Instructions
- Lay out the two slices of bread. Spread the butter evenly on the inner sides of each slice.
- Layer the ham, mozzarella slices, and Branston pickle onto one slice of bread. Top with the second slice to form a sandwich.
- Spread the mayonnaise on the outer sides of the sandwich.
- Heat a frying pan over medium heat. Place the sandwich in the pan and cook for 3–4 minutes on each side, pressing lightly with a spatula, until golden brown and the cheese is melted.
- Slice and enjoy warm.
Notes
Customizations:
- Swap regular bread for a low-calorie or high-protein bread to keep the macros lighter.
- Try high-protein cheese alternatives if you want to increase the protein even further.
