Recipe: “Strammer Max” – theinbetweenismine

Today I am going to share a German recipe with you… something that my Mom sometimes would make as a quick lunch, but which also perfectly works as a hearty brunch item (especially here in the US, where hot sandwiches are much more common on the menu).

“Strammer Max” means ‘hard’ or ‘tight’ Max which is Saxon slang and means exactly what you probably think it means. I swear, I never made any sexual connection to this dish until I read the Wikipedia description last weekend. Am I, as a woman, even allowed to eat it?
I seriously thought that the name of this dish was a reference to ‘giving energy and strength’ to the person who eats it. Innocent me. (But I asked my Mom and she also had no clue where this phrase originally came from, so..).

Traditionally a “strammer Max” is a butter fried slice of bread with ham and (a) fried egg(s). I served this for brunch last weekend for the first time and J loved it.

It’s really filling and so quick and easy to make. You need:

1-2 thick slices of whole wheat or mixed bread (toast doesn’t really do it here)
2 slices of ham (I prefer the natural ham of the bone, but other ham or even prosciutto works too.)
1-2 eggs over easy (my favorite – but you can also do over-medium, over-hard, or sunny side up).

Heat some butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add bread slices and cook, turning once, until golden brown. Transfer bread to a plate and top with 2 slices of ham. Add eggs to the skillet and cook to taste. Top the sandwich with the egg(s) and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Serve hot and enjoy!

10 thoughts on “Recipe: “Strammer Max””

I used to looove Strammer Max as a child but I am not sure our relationship can be as innocent as before. I had NO clue…I always thought the same thing as you about giving energy etc…wow I need some time to process this!

Sounds like a yummy, protein-heavy meal – great (and tasty!) way to start the day.

Lol :) das wusste ich auch nicht. Danke für die Aufklärung:)

Uuuh, I had no idea! We had it just yesterday for dinner… Eeek!

Mmmmmmm! Looks very delicious!

The French equiv is egg over a drilled ham & cheese sandwich! : ) Looks yum. And… um… Wikipedia can be edited by anyone. I call wrong information? lol.