Why You’ll Love Gerber Sandwich with Provel Cheese Recipe
This Gerber Sandwich is incredibly easy to prepare while still delivering big, satisfying flavors. Garlic butter soaks into the French bread as it bakes, creating crisp edges and a rich, savory base for the ham and melted Provel cheese.
It is also an excellent recipe for feeding a crowd. One loaf makes 16 servings, and everything can be assembled on a single baking sheet. With only a handful of ingredients and about 20 minutes from start to finish, it is ideal when you need something quick and filling.
Provel cheese gives the sandwich its signature creamy, melty texture, while a sprinkle of paprika or red pepper adds color and just enough extra flavor to balance the richness.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- ½ cup butter, melted
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder or minced garlic
- 1 loaf French bread, halved
- 12 slices ham, thinly sliced
- 6 slices Provel cheese, thinly sliced
- ½ teaspoon paprika or red pepper
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F.
- Line a baking sheet and place both French bread halves on it with the cut sides facing upward.
- Combine the melted butter and garlic powder or minced garlic in a measuring cup or small bowl.
- Spread the garlic butter evenly over the cut surfaces of the French bread, making sure to cover the bread all the way to the edges.
- Arrange the thinly sliced ham evenly over both pieces of bread.
- Place the Provel cheese slices over the ham. Arrange them so that as much of the sandwich as possible is covered with cheese.
- Lightly sprinkle paprika or red pepper over the cheese.
- Bake for about 15 minutes, or until the bread is golden around the edges and the cheese is completely melted and gooey.
- Remove from the oven and allow the sandwiches to cool briefly before slicing into individual portions and serving warm.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes approximately 16 servings.
Preparation time: 5 minutes
Cooking time: 15 minutes
Total time: 20 minutes
Servings: 16
The exact number of servings can vary depending on how large you cut each sandwich. For a main meal, cut the bread into larger portions. Smaller pieces work especially well when serving the Gerber Sandwich as an appetizer or party snack.
Variations
Mozzarella Cheese: If you cannot find Provel cheese, mozzarella is an easy substitute. It provides a mild flavor and plenty of the stretchy, melted texture that makes this sandwich so appealing.
Provolone Cheese: Try sliced provolone for a slightly sharper flavor. You can also combine provolone and mozzarella to create a flavorful, extra-melty topping.
Spicy Gerber Sandwich: Replace the paprika with crushed red pepper flakes or add sliced hot peppers before baking for more heat.
Extra-Garlic Version: Increase the garlic slightly or use freshly minced garlic in the melted butter for a stronger garlic flavor.
Turkey Gerber Sandwich: Substitute thinly sliced turkey for the ham for a lighter variation while keeping the same garlic-butter and cheese combination.
Extra-Cheesy Sandwich: Add another layer of Provel cheese over the ham if you prefer a thicker, gooier cheese topping.
Herb and Garlic: Add a small amount of dried oregano, parsley, or Italian seasoning to the garlic butter before spreading it over the bread.
Storage/Reheating
Allow leftover Gerber Sandwich pieces to cool completely before storing them. Place them in an airtight container or wrap them securely and refrigerate for up to 3 to 4 days.
For the best texture, reheat leftovers in a 350°F oven for approximately 8 to 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the sandwich is heated through. An air fryer also works well and can help restore the bread’s crisp texture.
You can use a microwave when you need a faster option, but the bread will become softer rather than crisp. Heat individual portions in short intervals until warmed through.
For make-ahead preparation, you can slice the bread and prepare the garlic butter in advance. For the best results, wait to assemble and bake the sandwiches until shortly before serving so the bread does not become soggy.
FAQs
What is a Gerber Sandwich?
A Gerber Sandwich is an open-faced hot sandwich traditionally made with Italian or French-style bread, garlic butter, ham, and melted cheese. It is particularly associated with St. Louis and is known for its rich, cheesy topping.
What is Provel cheese?
Provel is a processed cheese associated especially with St. Louis cuisine. It is known for its smooth melting qualities and distinctive creamy, slightly tangy flavor, making it particularly well suited to hot sandwiches and pizza.
What can I substitute for Provel cheese?
Mozzarella is one of the easiest substitutes because it melts beautifully and has a mild flavor. Provolone can also be used, or you can combine mozzarella and provolone for a richer flavor.
Can I make Gerber Sandwiches ahead of time?
You can prepare the components ahead of time, but it is best to assemble and bake the sandwiches shortly before serving. This helps keep the French bread from absorbing too much moisture and becoming soggy.
Can I use a different type of bread?
Yes. Italian bread, a baguette, or another sturdy crusty loaf can work well. Choose bread that is firm enough to support the butter, ham, and melted cheese without becoming too soft.
How do I know when the Gerber Sandwich is finished baking?
The sandwich is ready when the cheese has melted completely and the exposed edges of the bread are lightly golden and crisp. This usually takes about 15 minutes at 350°F.
Can I make this sandwich spicy?
Yes. Sprinkle crushed red pepper flakes over the cheese, use red pepper instead of paprika, or add sliced hot peppers. You can adjust the amount according to your preferred heat level.
Can I make individual Gerber Sandwiches instead of using a whole loaf?
Absolutely. Slice the French bread into individual portions before adding the toppings. Keep an eye on smaller pieces while baking because their edges may become crisp more quickly.
What should I serve with Gerber Sandwiches?
These sandwiches pair nicely with a green salad, tomato soup, potato salad, coleslaw, pickles, or roasted vegetables. When cut into smaller portions, they can also be served alongside other appetizers.
How can I keep the bread from getting soggy?
Use a sturdy loaf of French bread and avoid assembling the sandwiches too far in advance. Baking them immediately after adding the garlic butter, ham, and cheese helps create a crisp exterior while keeping the center pleasantly tender.
Conclusion
This Gerber Sandwich with Provel Cheese proves that a short ingredient list can still produce plenty of flavor. Crispy French bread, rich garlic butter, thinly sliced ham, and gooey melted Provel come together in a warm and satisfying sandwich that requires only a few minutes of hands-on preparation.
With 16 servings and a total preparation and cooking time of just 20 minutes, it is especially convenient for gatherings, parties, quick lunches, and casual family meals. Serve it fresh from the oven while the bread is golden and the cheese is wonderfully melted for the best texture and flavor.
Gerber Sandwich with Provel Cheese
This classic Gerber Sandwich layers buttery garlic French bread with thin-sliced ham and gooey Provel cheese, then bakes until golden and melty.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 16 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Calorie
Ingredients
- ½ cup butter (melted)
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder (or minced garlic)
- 1 loaf french bread (halved)
- 12 slices ham (sliced thin)
- 6 slices provel cheese (sliced thin – can substitute mozzarella or provel)
- ½ teaspoon paprika (or red pepper)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Place the French bread halves on a lined baking sheet.
- In a measuring cup, mix the melted butter and garlic. Spread evenly over the French bread.
- Top the bread with the sliced ham and Provel cheese.
- Sprinkle lightly with paprika or red pepper.
- Bake for 15 minutes, until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted and gooey.
Notes
- Mozzarella can be substituted if Provel cheese is unavailable.
- Use paprika for mild flavor or red pepper for a little extra heat.
- Slice the baked sandwich into portions and serve warm.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 210 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 520 mg
- Fat: 13 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 14 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 9 g
- Cholesterol: 38 mg
