Ploughman's Lunch
A rustic English pub classic loaded with crusty bread, sharp cheddar, tangy Branston pickle, and sweet apple slices. Served cold with ham, pickled onions, and a halved boiled egg, this no-cook assembly is the ultimate leisurely lunch. Ready in minutes, it is best enjoyed with a cold pint or a strong cup of tea.
For 2 servings
- boil · ~9 min
Boil the eggs.
Place eggs in a small saucepan, cover with cold water by an inch, and bring to a rolling boil. Boil for 9 minutes, then transfer to an ice bath to cool completely before peeling and halving.
- prep · ~3 min
Prepare the fresh components.
1.Wash lettuce leaves and pat dry.2.Core the apple and slice into thin wedges.3.Drain pickled onions from their brine. - prep · ~1 min
Slice the cheese and ham.
Using a sharp knife, cut the cheddar into thick, chunky slices. Fold or arrange the ham slices neatly.
- prep · ~2 min
Slice and butter the bread.
Cut two thick slices of crusty bread per platter. Spread each generously with softened butter.
TIPBringing butter to room temperature makes for easy spreading without tearing the bread. - assemble · ~2 min
Assemble the platters.
1.Lay down a bed of lettuce on each plate.2.Arrange buttered bread, cheese slices, ham, apple wedges, and boiled egg halves artfully.3.Add pickled onions and a generous spoonful of Branston pickle.4.Season the egg halves with a tiny pinch of salt and a crack of black pepper. - serve
Serve immediately with extra pickle on the side.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Use a sharp apple like Granny Smith to cut through the richness of the cheese and ham.
- 2For perfect hard-boiled eggs, plunge them into an ice bath immediately after boiling to stop cooking and make peeling easier.
- 3Let the cheddar come to room temperature for 15 minutes before serving to maximize its flavor and creaminess.
- 4Butter the bread all the way to the edges to prevent it from soaking up pickle moisture and becoming soggy.
- 5Assemble the platter just before serving — the bread stays crisp and the apple won't brown.
Adapt it for your goals.
Vegetarian
Skip the ham and double up on the cheddar or add a thick slice of grilled halloumi for a satisfying, protein-rich vegetarian ploughman's.
low carbLow-carb
Replace the crusty bread with large lettuce cups or crunchy celery boats to cut carbs while keeping the classic platter feel.
veganVegan
Swap cheddar for a firm vegan block cheese, use plant-based ham slices, replace the egg with a pickled beetroot wedge, and spread a vegan butter.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Good Protein from Eggs & Ham
The boiled eggs and thick-cut ham provide a solid dose of high-quality protein to keep you full and satisfied through the afternoon.
Calcium from Aged Cheddar
Aged cheddar is a concentrated source of calcium, which supports bone health when eaten as part of a balanced diet.
Vitamin C from Fresh Apple
A crisp apple adds natural vitamin C and fiber, balancing the richness of the cheese and butter.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, boil and peel the eggs up to 24 hours in advance. Store them in a covered container in the fridge, and halve just before serving to keep them fresh.
