⚓ Cheesy Hammy Eggy – Royal Navy Comfort Food, reimagined in the Air Fryer

“Make way for the Admiral of all Toasties”

Ah, the mighty Cheesy Hammy Eggy. A name that echoes through mess decks, submarines, and now… your air fryer. Once a staple of Royal Navy supper menus, this iconic dish has stood the test of time—and we've given it a 21st-century twist without losing an ounce of salty soul.

Whether you're a veteran of the high seas or just a hungry landlubber with an air fryer, here's how to bring this nautical legend to life in your own galley.

🧂 Ingredients (per person):

• 2 slices white bread (thick-cut for structural integrity)

• 2 slices cooked ham (or Spam if you want the authentic naval nostalgia)

• A hearty handful of grated cheddar cheese

• 1 large egg

• Butter or margarine (to spread on the toast)

• A dash of English mustard or Worcestershire sauce (optional)

• Spray oil or a dab of neutral oil (for frying the egg, if needed)

🔧 Air Fryer Method

1. Toast the Deck

Preheat your air fryer to 180°C (350°F) for 2 minutes.Butter one side of each slice of bread.Place the slices butter-side up into the basket and cook for 2–3 minutes—just enough to lightly crisp the surface.

2. Build the Beast

Remove the toast and layer as follows:

• Ham on the crispy side

• Cheese piled generously on top

• A slick of mustard under the ham if you're feeling brave

Return to the air fryer at 180°C for 4–5 minutes until the cheese is melted, golden and ready for action.

3. Fry the Egg

While the toast is cheesing, fry your egg:

• Either in a silicone muffin cup or ramekin inside the air fryer at 160°C (320°F) for 6–8 minutes, or

• The old-fashioned way in a pan like a proper Royal Navy cook. Fry until the white is set and the yolk is still runny (or however you like it).

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4. Deploy the Egg

Remove the toast from the air fryer and crown each cheesy slice with a freshly cooked egg.A dash of pepper, a splash of Worcestershire sauce, and you’re in business.

🧑‍✈️ Serving Suggestions

• Best served with a mug of strong tea—the colour of creosote.

• Add baked beans on the side if you’re feeling generous.

• Wrap it in paper and eat standing in the garden for full nostalgia effect.

⚓ A Dish with History

Cheesy Hammy Eggy isn't just a snack—it’s a piece of Royal Navy heritage. Sailors from the 1960s to today have relied on it for warmth, morale, and melted cheese-based happiness. Originally served as a late-night treat during “Stand Easy,” it’s become a beloved symbol of life at sea. Now, it’s getting a revival in the homes of hungry veterans and curious foodies alike.

👨‍🍳 Final Thought from the Galley

This isn't just cheese on toast. This is a battle-hardened morale booster wrapped in golden cheddar and salty ham, saluting you from the mess decks of HMS Nostalgia.

Next time you're short on time but long on hunger, report to your air fryer, whip this up, and remind yourself:You don’t need a ship to eat like a sailor.

Want a printable version? A “Commander’s Cut” with bacon? A plant-based version for shore leave? Let me know in the comments below, or message me directly.

Fair winds and full toasters.

—John Nickolls Veteran Toast Tactician | Air Fryer Admiral | Chief Cheese Strategist www.johnsdrones.net