Mini Ham and Cheese Sandwich Tapas, Topped with Quail Eggs
Mini Ham and Cheese Sandwich Tapas, Topped with Quail Eggs
Deep-Fried Egg Version
Credit Alberto Conde Kitchen in the Med
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Table of Contents
What I Like About this Recipe
- This recipe is one of the most straightforward in existence.
- It is a fulfilling dish. Who doesn’t like a sandwich?
- It looks delicious. Serve it alongside other tapas or small dishes, and I guarantee the small sandwiches will disappear!
What is this recipe?
It is very straightforward: mini sandwiches with molten cheese and sweet deli ham with a small fried quail egg on top.
Where does it come from?
Honestly, I am not sure.
I think I saw them in a magazine or a TV show years ago and I more or less copied the idea.
Ingredients
Mini Ham and Cheese Sandwich Tapas, Topped with Quail Eggs
Sunny-Side Up Version
Credit Alberto Conde Kitchen in the Med
- Six slices of crustless sandwich bread
- 12 Quail eggs
- Four slices of Sandwich cheese
- Four slices of Cooked deli ham
- 40g of Softened butter
- 100 ml of Olive oil
- Salt and pepper
Mini Ham and Cheese Sandwich Tapas, Topped with Quail Eggs
Deep-Fried Egg Version
Credit Alberto Conde Kitchen in the Med
Instructions
- Spread butter on only one side of each slice of bread and place them on a tray with the buttered side facing down.
- Place a slice of cheese and a slice of deli ham on three of the bread slices and cover them with the remaining three slices, with the buttered side facing up.
- Brown the sandwiches on both sides in a hot skillet, frying pan, or griddle.
- Fry the quail eggs in a skillet sunny side up. Trim them with a small round cookie cutter. You can also deep fry them.
- You can compare the end result sunny-side up vs. deep-fried in the pictures provided in this article.
- Cut each sandwich into four squares, place an egg on each, and season with salt and freshly ground pepper.
Suggestions for Serving
Serve alongside other tapas for a varied meal. This is not a low-calorie recipe, so may I suggest veggies, salads, or other low-calorie small dishes.
Mini Ham and Cheese Sandwich Tapas, Topped with Quail Eggs
Sunny-Side up Version
Credit Alberto Conde Kitchen in the Med
Tips and ideas
- Sandwich recipes should be a small part of a nutritious and balanced diet. Add vegetables and fruits to your diet.
- Decorate with mini side salads.
- Quail eggshells are harder than normal eggshells. Be careful when you crack them. I recommend you cut the narrow top part of the eggshell carefully with a knife, leaving enough space for the egg to come out.
- Toast the bread to your liking. In my case, and as you can see from the photos, I liked them rather toasty.
Mini Ham and Cheese Sandwich Tapas, Topped with Quail Eggs
Deep-Fried Egg Version
Credit Alberto Conde Kitchen in the Med
Mini Ham and Cheese Sandwich Tapas, Topped with Quail Eggs FAQ
1. What kind of bread works best for these mini sandwiches?
Soft, crustless sandwich bread works best for this recipe as it toasts well and holds the ingredients together. You can also use brioche or whole-grain bread for added texture or flavor.
2. Can I use regular eggs instead of quail eggs?
Yes, but since quail eggs are much smaller, I do not recommend it. Using normal eggs would yield regular-sized sandwiches, defeating the whole tapa idea. Maybe substitute the quail eggs for something else.
3. How do I crack quail eggs without breaking the yolk?
Quail eggs have harder shells than chicken eggs, so it’s best to use a small knife to gently slice the top off rather than trying to crack them open traditionally. Be careful not to damage the yolk.
4. Can I make these sandwiches in advance?
You can prepare the sandwiches in advance and store them in the refrigerator, but it’s best to cook the quail eggs fresh before serving. Toast or reheat the sandwiches in a skillet to keep them crispy.
5. How do I ensure the cheese melts properly?
When toasting the sandwiches, make sure the heat is medium-low, allowing enough time for the cheese to melt without burning the bread. Covering the pan briefly helps trap heat and encourage melting.
6. What can I serve with these mini sandwiches?
Serve them with other tapas like olives, roasted peppers, or patatas bravas for a complete tapas spread. A light side salad or chips also pair well.
7. Can I customize the ingredients?
Feel free to swap the deli ham for other types of meat, such as turkey, iberico, serrano, or prosciutto, or use a different cheese, like Swiss or Gouda. You can also add vegetables like spinach or roasted peppers.
8. How do I get the sandwiches crispy without burning them?
Before adding the sandwiches, ensure the skillet or griddle is preheated to medium heat. Use softened butter to ensure an even, golden-brown crisp.
9. How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe makes 12 mini sandwiches, which is enough for about 4 servings, assuming each serving includes 3 mini sandwiches.
10. Are there any tips for serving these tapas at a party?
These mini sandwiches are best served warm and fresh. If you’re making them for a party, prepare the ingredients ahead of time and toast the sandwiches just before serving. Top each with a quail egg and garnish with fresh herbs like parsley for added presentation.
11. What are the nutritional facts per serving?
Each serving (3 mini sandwiches) contains approximately 400 calories, 5g of carbohydrates, 8g of fat, and 5g of protein. The recipe also provides notable amounts of calcium, iron, and several B vitamins.
12. How do I avoid overcooking the quail eggs?
Cook the quail eggs sunny-side up on low heat for just a few minutes, keeping the yolk runny for a delicious, rich topping. If you deeep-fry them, take them out right after the yolk starts to whiten. Using a cookie cutter, trim them into neat circles for a clean presentation. You have to be extra careful. As you can see in my pictures above, not all the eggs looked perfect, but they were still delicious.
Mini Ham and Cheese Sandwich Tapas, Topped with Quail Eggs Recipe
Hover the mouse over number of servings to get your desired amount.
Ingredients
- 6 slices Sandwich bread
- 12 Quail eggs
- 4 slices Sandwich cheese pick your favorite
- 4 slices Cooked deli ham
- 3 tbspn Softened butter about 40g
- 7 tbspn Olive oil about 100 ml
- Salt
- Pepper
Instructions
- Spread butter on only one side of each slice of bread and place them on a tray with the buttered side facing down.
- Place a slice of cheese and a slice of deli ham on three of the bread slices and cover them with the remaining three slices, with the buttered side facing up.
- Brown the sandwiches on both sides in a hot skillet, frying pan, or griddle.
- Fry the quail eggs in a skillet sunny side up. Trim them with a small round cookie cutter.
- Cut each sandwich into four squares, place an egg on each, and season with salt and freshly ground pepper.
Nutrition
