These Ham, Cheese & Mustard Pickle sandwiches are a nostalgic favourite—especially in Australia! Thinly sliced ham and mild, creamy Colby cheese are elevated to new heights with the addition of tangy, sweet mustard pickle. It’s a flavour combo that’s simple, satisfying, and surprisingly moreish.
What is Sweet Mustard Pickle?
Sweet mustard pickle is a deliciously tangy spread made with chopped cauliflower, cucumber, and onions, blended with mustard, turmeric, and warm spices. It adds a zingy contrast that pairs perfectly with the richness of ham and cheese. If you’ve never tried it before, you’re in for a treat.
A budget-friendly crowd-pleaser—no matter the occasion
Wherever you’re serving them, these Ham, Cheese & Mustard Pickle sandwiches are a reliable, delicious choice that never fails to satisfy. Even better, they’re ideal for feeding a crowd. Quick and easy to make (and perfect for prepping ahead), they’re budget-friendly and versatile. Whether stacked high on a tiered stand for a high tea or laid out on a platter for a relaxed get-together, they fit right in alongside more elaborate options—and always hold their own.
A little sea-salty truth
Now, a quick confession for my fellow afternoon tea lovers: please don’t judge the photo! From personal experience, I can confirm that in the Royal Australian Navy, they absolutely do not cut the crusts off the sandwiches. But what they do love is this classic combination—and after a day spent climbing ladders and breathing in sea air, a sandwich like this, with a hot mug of tea or coffee, tastes like pure gold.
Top Tips for Ham, Cheese & Mustard Pickle Sandwiches
Choose good quality ham and pre-sliced Colby cheese to keep the layers neat and leave room for that flavour-packed pickle.
If your sweet mustard pickle has chunky bits (especially cauliflower or cucumber), give them a quick chop before adding—they’ll still pack flavour without making the sandwiches hard to slice.
Simple, classic, and seriously good. These Ham, Cheese & Mustard Pickle sandwiches are proof that sometimes, the old-school favourites really are the best and remain popular for a reason.
Other recipes to try
Lemon Tartlets with Pistachio Meringues
Coronation Chicken Finger Sandwiches
Ingredients for Ham, Cheese & Mustard Pickle sandwiches
Thinly sliced ham -Try to buy slices without rind or fat so you don’t have to waste time trimming.
Colby cheese slices – Buy pre-sliced cheese to save time and make the process quick and easy. I like Colby because it has a nice mild flavour that complements the ham and pickles however vintage or cheddar works well too.
Sweet mustard pickles – I really like the Three threes brand.
Plus white or wholemeal bread, softened butter or margarine.
How to make
Spread bread slices with softened butter or margarine.
Top 3 slices with ham (trim to fit if necessary) followed by the cheese slices.
Place a heaped teaspoonful of sweet mustard pickle on the other 3 slices of bread then spread with the back of the spoon. Remove any large bits of cauliflower or cucumber, cut them into smaller pieces, then add them back into the sandwich. This will keep the sandwiches consistent in width and make them easier to cut.
Add the slices of bread with the mustard pickle to the ham and cheese and gently press together to seal.
Remove the crusts
Using a serrated knife / bread knife, slice off the crusts on all sides. TIP: Take your time. Slide the knife back and forth with light pressure – resist the urge to press down as you normally would otherwise you’ll squash the edge of the fingers and they’ll look uneven.
Cut into 3 equal fingers making sure to use the suggested technique above. Repeat with remaining sandwiches.
To store
Place the Ham, Cheese and Mustard Pickle sandwiches in a sealable container lined with baking paper. Wet 3 paper towels, squeeze out the excess water then cover the fingers, tucking in the ends. Add the lid then refrigerate for up to 24 hours.
To serve
Remove from the fridge 30 minutes before serving – keep in the container until you are ready to arrange them on your tiered stand, sandwich plate or platter with some other sandwich flavours. The ones below are Coronation Chicken, Cucumber, Smoked Salmon and of course Ham, Cheese & Mustard Pickle sandwiches.
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Ham, Cheese & Mustard Pickle Sandwiches
9
fingers10
minutesA delicious and budget-friendly finger sandwich perfect for large events. Easy to make and store ahead too.
Keep the screen of your device on
Ingredients
3 slices thinly sliced ham
3 slices colby cheese
3 teaspoons sweet mustard pickles
6 slices slices white or wholemeal bread
softened butter or margarine for spreading
Directions
- Spread bread slices with softened butter or margarine.
- Top 3 slices with ham (trim to fit if necessary) followed by the cheese slices.
- Place a heaped teaspoonful of sweet mustard pickle on the other 3 slices of bread then spread with the back of the spoon. Remove any large bits of cauliflower or cucumber, cut them into smaller pieces, then add them back into the sandwich. This will keep the sandwiches consistent in width and make them easier to cut.
- Add the slices of bread with the mustard pickle to the ham and cheese and gently press together to seal.
- Using a serrated knife / bread knife, slice off the crusts on all sides. TIP: Take your time. Slide the knife back and forth with light pressure – resist the urge to press down as you normally would otherwise you’ll squash the edge of the fingers and they’ll look uneven.
- Cut into 3 equal fingers making sure to use the suggested technique above. Repeat with remaining sandwiches.
- To store: Place the Ham, Cheese and Sweet Mustard Pickle finger sandwiches in a sealable container lined with baking paper. Wet 3 paper towels, squeeze out the excess water then cover the fingers, tucking in the ends. Add the lid then refrigerate for up to 24 hours.
- To serve: Remove from the fridge 30 minutes before serving – keep in the container until you are ready to arrange them on your tiered stand, sandwich plate or platter.