If you’re wondering what to do with all the Christmas dinner leftovers, or if you’re feeling a bit peckish as the evening rolls in, James Martin has a recipe that’s a far cry from the traditional festive leftover dishes. His toasted sandwich offers comfort and versatility, with endless variations.
It’s an ideal alternative to bubble and squeak and, according to the celebrated British chef, the “ultimate Christmas sandwich”. The recipe involves layering veggies, cold cuts, and cranberry sauce between two slices of crusty bread, creating something “a bit epic”.
But the host of James Martin’s Saturday Morning takes it further by adding a creamy sauce and baking the assembled sandwich in the oven, allowing the flavours to meld into a gooey, delectable filling.
James Martin’s Christmas sandwich recipe
- A round loaf of crusty bread
- 300g of sliced ham
- A sliced reblochon
- 300g of cooked chicken
- A jar of cranberry sauce
- 200g of stuffing
- 12 pigs in blankets
- 200g of cooked Brussels sprouts
- 100g of wilted spinach
- Three caramelised sliced onions
- 50g of butter
- Four tbsp of plain flour
- 550ml of full-fat milk
- Salt and pepper
A hot oven is crucial for crispy perfection, so begin by preheating your oven to 200C. Start the white sauce by melting butter in a saucepan, then quickly whisk in the flour to avoid lumps, cooking for two minutes.
Gradually add the milk, whisking continually until the mixture is bubbling. Now take the bread and cut a 20cm wide x 3cm circle lid from the top, set it aside, then hollow out the middle of the loaf, reports the Express.
Layer portions of the ham, cheese, chicken, cranberry sauce, white sauce, stuffing, pigs in blankets, and vegetables one after another until they’re gone to ensure you get a bit of everything in each bite. Season with salt and pepper between layers, and repeat until the bread is filled.
Press down, place the bread lid on, then bake in the oven for 30 to 40 minutes until golden and bubbling.