Harrison Ford’s 4-Ingredient Sandwich Is His Chef Son’s Favorite Dish
When he isn’t piloting the Millennium Falcon or cracking a whip as Indiana Jones, Harrison Ford has a surprisingly simple “specialty” in the kitchen. According to his son, professional chef Ben Ford, the legendary actor’s go-to meal is a unique four-ingredient grilled cheese that has become a nostalgic family favorite.
While Ben Ford is a world-class chef known for complex wood-fired cooking, he admits that this humble sandwich is the dish he loves most from his father.
The Recipe: Harrison Ford’s Signature Grilled Cheese
This isn’t your standard white-bread-and-American-cheese combo. Ford’s version leans into deep, savory flavors that mimic the profile of a British Welsh Rarebit.
Ingredients
- Whole Wheat Bread: Provides a nutty, hearty base that holds up to the moisture of the fillings.
- Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Use the highest quality sharp cheddar you can find for that essential “bite.”
- Sliced Tomato: Adds a fresh acidity that cuts through the richness of the cheese.
- Worcestershire Sauce: The “secret weapon” that adds an intense umami and savory kick.
Note: You will also need a small amount of butter or ghee for toasting.
Preparation Instructions
1. Prep the Bread
Butter one side of each slice of whole wheat bread. For an extra-crispy exterior, some modern variations suggest using a thin layer of mayonnaise instead of butter.
2. Layer the Flavors
Place one slice of bread, buttered side down, in a cold non-stick pan. Layer on a generous amount of sharp cheddar. Top the cheese with 2–3 thick slices of fresh tomato.
3. The Secret Splash
Before closing the sandwich, shake several dashes of Worcestershire sauce directly onto the tomatoes. Don’t be shy—the sauce is what transforms the sandwich from standard to “Harrison Ford style.”
4. The Slow Melt
Place the second slice of bread on top (buttered side up). Turn the heat to medium-low. The key is to cook it slowly so the hearty whole wheat crisps up and the sharp cheddar melts completely without burning the bread.
5. Flip and Finish
Once the bottom is golden brown (about 3–4 minutes), carefully flip the sandwich. Press down slightly with a spatula to marry the ingredients. Cook for another 2–3 minutes until the cheese is gooey and dripping.
Why It Works
According to Chef Ben Ford, the addition of Worcestershire sauce is a game-changer. “It’s not his most complex dish,” Ben told Mashed, “but I’m nostalgic for it. I just want to put this thing on a menu somewhere.”
The combination works because the vinegar and tamarind in the Worcestershire sauce balance the fatty richness of the cheddar, while the tomato provides a “built-in” version of the classic grilled cheese and tomato soup pairing.
