Strammer Max Sandwich Recipe: German Open-Faced Classic 2026

This Strammer Max sandwich is a traditional German recipe loved for how easy it is to make and for its simple, everyday ingredients. It layers buttered rye bread with serrano ham and a fried egg on top, giving you a hearty open-faced sandwich that comes together in about ten minutes. Its curious name, Strammer Max, roughly translates to "strong Max," a popular expression that hints at just how filling this dish really is.

The other ingredients you need for this German recipe are butter to spread on the bread, which helps balance the salty flavor of the serrano ham, and a fried egg crowning the sandwich. The original version doesn't call for toasting the bread, though you can toast it if you prefer, since it only changes the temperature, not the final flavor. It's the kind of homemade fast food that fits perfectly into a full breakfast or even a quick dinner.

Ingredients for Strammer Max Sandwich

This recipe makes 1 serving.

• 1 thick slice of rye bread
• 1 teaspoon butter
• 2 slices serrano ham
• 1 teaspoon olive oil
• 1 egg
• Salt
• Ground black pepper
• Chopped chives (optional)

How to Make Strammer Max Sandwich Step by Step

1. Butter the bread

Spread 1 thick slice of rye bread with 1 teaspoon of butter, covering it evenly all the way to the edges.

2. Cover with serrano ham

Arrange 2 slices of serrano ham on top of the buttered bread, letting them drape over the surface.

3. Fry the egg

Heat a skillet with 1 teaspoon of olive oil and fry 1 egg, cooking it for 2 minutes with the pan covered.

4. Top with the egg and season

Place the fried egg on top of the ham, season with salt and pepper, and serve, scattering a little chopped chives over the top if you like.

5. Serve right away

Serve this delicious German sandwich fresh from the pan so you can enjoy it at its very best.

Tips for the Best Strammer Max Sandwich

Toast the bread if you like

The original recipe doesn't toast the bread, but toasting it works just as well and only changes the temperature, not the flavor. It comes down to personal preference.

Try easy variations

You can adapt this traditional recipe with other additions, such as cheese or pickled gherkins, among other possible ingredients.

Make the chives optional

The chives add a fresh touch when scattered over the egg, but they are completely optional. This dish works great for a full breakfast or a quick dinner since it's delicious and very easy to make.

30 Top Recipes I Keep Coming Back to at Home

Like a lot of home cooks, I like having a go-to lineup that covers cozy classics, dishes from around the world, and sweets that make everyone happy.

When a rich, indulgent craving hits, my picks are usually this La Viña Molten Cheesecake recipe, this elegant Original French Crème Brûlée recipe, or a decadent Chocolate Mousse Cake recipe. And whenever something fruity and comforting sounds good, this classic French Tarte Tatin recipe is the one I reach for.

Some mornings I want an easy breakfast or a lighter plate, so I'll whip up these fluffy Oatmeal and Banana Pancakes recipe, a satisfying Stuffed Sweet Potato recipe, or these fresh Eggs Stuffed with Avocado and Salmon recipe. And for a gluten-free staple to keep in the pantry, this simple Gluten-Free Rice Flour recipe is one I rely on.

For tapas nights and Mediterranean flavors, I bounce between this bold Basque Tuna with Tomato recipe, crispy Patatas Bravas Air Fryer recipe, creamy Tirokafteri Greek Dip Sauce recipe, and refreshing Burrata Salad with Tomato and Pesto recipe. This crisp Italian Vitello Tonnato recipe also comes out whenever I want to serve something a bit more special.

For filling lunches and cozy dinners, my recommendations are this comforting Meatballs in Spanish Sauce recipe, traditional Meatballs in Almond Sauce recipe, rich Italian Bolognese Sauce recipe, and creamy Chicken Croquettes in Thermomix recipe. When I'm after something heartier, I'll bake this Greek Pastitsio Pie recipe, rustic Potatoes and Squid Stew recipe, or the ultra-comforting French Boeuf Bourguignon recipe.

Anytime I'm in the mood for street food or party-style plates, I'll usually make this juicy Homemade Chicken Doner Kebab recipe, crispy Salchipapas recipe, flavorful Mexican Pork Carnitas recipe, or these crunchy Korean Hobak Jeon recipe. These easy Air Fryer Zucchini Rings recipe also work great as a laid-back appetizer or snack.

And when I'm hosting guests with drinks and a full spread, dinner often gets paired with this refreshing Original Cuban Mojito recipe, this bold Long Island Iced Tea recipe, or a pitcher of this fruity Bleeding Spanish Sangria recipe. To fill out the table, I like adding this tangy French Remoulade Sauce recipe on the side or finishing with this striking Mediterranean Black Rice with Squid recipe.

Even More Tasty Recipes to Cook for the Family

After years of testing and tweaking recipes in my own kitchen, I've come to believe the best dishes are built on simplicity, dependable techniques, and big flavor.

Every recipe in this collection is one I genuinely come back to time and time again—whether it's a fast meal just for me or something special for friends and family.

For dessert, the rich and silky Orange Chocolate Mousse Recipe is a go-to when I want something elegant yet effortless. Another sweet favorite is the caramelized Trdelnik Slavic Pastry Recipe, inspired by the famous Central European chimney cake. If you enjoy baking, knowing how to make syrup for better texture in desserts is useful, and my Inverted Sugar Recipe explains exactly how I prepare it in my own kitchen.

When something fresh and simple is what I'm after, I usually reach for the classic Italian Caprese Salad Recipe or a perfectly cooked Simple Poached Egg Recipe. For heartier comfort meals, I often point people to the satisfying Meatball Sandwich Recipe, the creamy Russian Stroganoff Beef Recipe, and the quick weeknight favorite One Pot Pasta Recipe.

Traditional dishes from around the world are another thing I love to share, including the authentic Sorropotún de Bonito Fish Stew Recipe, crispy Chilean Pumpkin Sopaipillas Recipe, and the classic Spanish Cochifrito Segovian Fried Pig Recipe.

Air fryer recipes are another category I cook often, since they save time while still delivering great texture. My go-to options include Air Fryer Pork Ribs Recipe, Air Fryer Chicken Thighs Recipe, Air Fryer Sweet Potatoes Recipe, Air Fryer Baked Potatoes Recipe, Air Fryer Peppers Recipe, Air Fryer Mixed Sandwich Recipe, Air Fryer Toasted Bread Recipe, and Air Fryer Hard-Boiled Eggs Recipe.

And for anyone steering clear of wheat, my comforting Gluten-Free Lasagna Recipe shows that classic baked pasta can still be rich, cheesy, and completely satisfying without gluten.

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