Ploughman’s Lunch Recipe
Looking for the best Ploughman’s Lunch recipe? This classic British cold meal is a delicious combination of mature cheddar cheese, crusty bread, ham, pork pie, crisp salad, pickles, apples, and chutney. Perfect for picnics, light lunches, or casual entertaining, this traditional pub favorite is simple to assemble, full of flavor, and ready in just 15 minutes.
❤️ Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Traditional British pub classic
No cooking required
Ready in just 15 minutes
Perfect for picnics and packed lunches
Easy to customize
Rich in protein and fresh flavors
⏱️ Prep Time
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Servings: 4
🛒 Ingredients
Main Platter
8 oz (225 g) mature cheddar cheese, sliced into thick pieces
8 oz (225 g) cooked ham, sliced
2 small pork pies, halved or quartered
1 small baguette or 8 slices of crusty bread
2 tablespoons butter
Fresh Sides
2 crisp apples, sliced
1 cup seedless grapes
2 tomatoes, cut into wedges
1 cucumber, sliced
Mixed salad leaves
Traditional Accompaniments
¼ cup Branston pickle or onion chutney
Pickled onions
Dill pickles or gherkins
Wholegrain mustard (optional)
Garnish
Fresh parsley
Cracked black pepper
👨🍳 Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
Slice the cheese, ham, apples, tomatoes, cucumber, and bread.
Arrange the salad leaves on a large serving board or platter.
Step 2: Assemble the Platter
Arrange around the board:
Mature cheddar
Ham
Pork pie
Bread
Apple slices
Grapes
Tomatoes
Cucumber
Fill small bowls with:
Branston pickle or onion chutney
Pickled onions
Gherkins
Wholegrain mustard (optional)
Step 3: Finish
Spread butter onto the bread if desired.
Garnish with fresh parsley and cracked black pepper.
Serve immediately.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
Enjoy your Ploughman’s Lunch with:
Potato crisps (chips)
Scotch eggs
Coleslaw
Celery sticks
Radishes
A refreshing sparkling apple drink or iced tea
💡 Chef’s Tips
Use a high-quality, mature cheddar for the most authentic flavor.
Let the cheese come to room temperature before serving for the best texture and taste.
Add sliced roast beef, turkey, or smoked ham for extra variety.
Mix sweet and tangy accompaniments like chutney and pickled onions for a balanced platter.
🧊 Storage
Store individual components separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Assemble just before serving to keep the bread fresh.
🥗 Nutrition (Per Serving)
Calories: 690
Protein: 33g
Carbohydrates: 42g
Fat: 42g
Saturated Fat: 18g
Fiber: 5g
Sugar: 13g
Sodium: 1,120mg
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
What is a traditional Ploughman’s Lunch?
A traditional Ploughman’s Lunch is a classic British cold meal featuring crusty bread, mature cheddar cheese, pickles, chutney, salad, and often ham or pork pie.
Can I make it vegetarian?
Yes! Omit the ham and pork pie and add extra cheeses, boiled eggs, roasted vegetables, or hummus.
What cheese is best?
Mature English cheddar is the traditional choice, but Red Leicester, Stilton, or Double Gloucester are excellent alternatives.
What can I serve with a Ploughman’s Lunch?
Potato crisps, Scotch eggs, fresh fruit, coleslaw, pickled vegetables, soup, or a simple green salad all complement this meal.
