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The Gerber

PorkBroilerDiner-Style

Time: 15 minutes

Yield: 4 servings

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About

The Gerber is one of the prize dishes of St. Louis, first made by the local Ruma's Deli and named for one of their favorite customers and neighbors. Now you can whip up some of that home-city, neighborly feeling in your own kitchen, and you'll definitely want to: this is one sandwich you won't want to miss. This sandwich is open-faced so you can better admire the cheesy, melty, hammy topping and the golden glow of the garlic butter atop the buttery French loaf. The Gerber provides a fast, hot lunch exactly when you need it, so say goodbye to boring, old turkey sandwiches!

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Ingredients

  • 1 (16-ounce) loaf French bread
  • 8 tablespoons butter, softened
  • 2 cloves garlic, smashed
  • 1 pound ham, shaved
  • 8 ounces provolone cheese, sliced
  • 4 ounces Swiss cheese, sliced
  • 1/4 teaspoon paprika

Directions

Step 1 -Preheat the broiler on high.

Step 2 -Slice the bread longways.

Step 3 -Place the bread on a baking sheet, cut side up.

Step 4 -Cut each slice in half.

Step 5 -Add the butter and garlic to a small bowl and mix thoroughly until a smooth paste forms.

Step 6 -Spread the compound butter paste all over the cut sides of bread, applying extra to the edges.

Step 7 -Add a layer of ham slices to the sliced loaf.

Step 8 -Layer the sandwiches with the provolone and the Swiss cheese.

Step 9 -Sprinkle the paprika over the sandwich.

Step 10 -Broil the sandwiches open-faced on the top rack of the oven until the cheese melts and turns brown and crispy, about 3 minutes.

Step 11 -Serve hot.

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