The Ham Gruyere Melt first watch displayed prominently, highlighting its stylish features and craftsmanship in a refined setting.

First Watch Ham and Gruyere Melt Price & Calories 2026

Have you ever ordered a brunch sandwich that looked delicious on the menu of first watch restaurant but left you feeling too heavy, greasy and a bit regretful? Many breakfast lovers run in to the same problem like heavy on fat, light on taste and no real balance.

The First watch Ham and Gruyere Melt is not your average diner. It’s made with smoky ham, creamy Gruyere cheese and fresh tomato layered on toasted sourdough bread on first watch restaurant. The taste is fancy but still comforting. First Watch Ham and Gruyere Melt contains 890 calories in just for $12.79. Explore what’s inside?, nutrition facts and tasty customization options in 2026.

First Watch Ham and Gruyere Melt

3723.76 kJ | 890 kcal

The First Watch Ham and Gruyere Melt is all about quality and taste. It’s made with fresh artisan bread, smoky ham, and rich Gruyere cheese melted to perfection. Every bite is warm, cheesy, and crispy.
Because it’s a perfect mix of comfort and flavor, simple, hearty, and always satisfying.

Ham and Gruyere: $12.79 Order Now

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Nutrition Facts in Ham and Gruyere Melt First Watch

Counting calories before brunch? Many diners worry a cheesy melt will blow their daily budget. The truth is, the First Watch Ham and Gruyere Melt is lighter than you might expect. Here is the breakdown of Nutrition fact.

View Nutrition Summary

890 kcal

calories

53.0g

fat

17.0g

saturated fat

0g

trans fat

15.0g

sugars

2375mg

salt/sodium

44.0g

protein

58.0g

carbs

5.0g

fiber

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Macronutrient calorie breakdown

  • Fat: 54%
  • Carbs: 26%
  • Protein: 20%

Ingredients Breakdown

The ingredients are simple but high-quality, no frozen fillers, no shortcuts. Here’s what you are really eating when you order the First Watch Ham and Gruyere Melt.

  • Sourdough bread, crisp, golden, artisan-style.
  • Smoked ham lean, sliced, lightly salty.
  • Gruyere cheese imported, nutty, and melts perfectly.
  • Tomato fresh, sliced for acidity.
  • Dijon mustard tangy kick, French-inspired.
  • Butter used for grilling.

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Allergens

If you have food allergies or dietary restrictions, you’ll want to check the allergens list before ordering the First watch Ham and Gruyere Melt. Here is the Ham and Gruyere Melt allergies breakdown:

  • Egg
  • Milk
  • Soy
  • Wheat
  • Celery
  • Gluten
  • Mustard

What is the Ham and Gruyere Melt at First Watch?

The First Watch Ham and Gruyere Melt is a signature hot sandwich served during breakfast and brunch. It includes:

  • Smoked ham
  • Melted Gruyere cheese
  • Sliced tomato
  • Dijon mustard
  • Grilled artisan sourdough bread

It usually comes with a light side, such as mixed greens or seasonal fruit at first watch only. What really sets it apart is the Gruyere cheese; unlike Swiss or cheddar, it has a rich, nutty taste that’s a classic in French cooking. Balance the fresh tomato and mustard,d keep it from feeling heavy.

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Is it Ham and Gruyere Melt First Watch gluten-free?

The First Watch Ham and Gruyere Melt at the restaurant is not gluten-free because it’s made with artisan sourdough bread, which contains gluten, but First Watch does offer a gluten-free bread substitute. If you ask for this option, your sandwich can be made gluten-free. Still, because it’s cooked in the same kitchen so cross contact is possible. So it’s the safer choice for those people with gluten sensitivity. But those people with celiac disease should be extra cautious.

  • Regular version is Not gluten-free
  • With gluten-free bread Can be made gluten-friendly, but not 100% guaranteed safe for Celiac.

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Taste & Experience

If you’ve ever had a melt that felt greasy after two bites, you’ll appreciate the difference here.

  • Bread perfectly grilled with a crunchy bite.
  • Cheese creamy, nutty, and melted into every layer.
  • Ham smoky and savory.
  • Tomato & mustard fresh and tangy, balancing richness.

This balance makes the First watch Ham and Gruyere Melt feel indulgent but not heavy. Customers often call it comfort food with class.

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Is It Healthy or Just Tasty?

Here’s the million-dollar brunch question is the First watch Ham and Gruyere Melt a healthy choice, or just comfort food?

Why it’s healthy

  • 44g protein keeps you full for hours.
  • Tomatoes add antioxidants.
  • Portion is balanced compared to diner melts.

Why to be cautious

  • High sodium (2,375 mg).
  • Almost 53g fat, mostly from cheese and butter.

Customization Options

Customization grid featuring a ham and Gruyere melt first watch sandwich with options for toppings and bread types

One of the best parts about eating at First Watch is flexibility. You don’t have to take the sandwich exactly as it comes you can adjust it to fit your taste or health needs. Here are the most popular ways diners customize their First watch Ham and Gruyere Melt.

CustomizationHow to Do It
Swap BreadAsk for multigrain, sourdough, or gluten-free bread instead of the default.
Cheese SubstituteReplace Gruyere with Monterey Jack, Cheddar, or skip cheese completely.
No DijonnaiseOrder it plain or request regular mayo as an alternative.
Add-OnsEnhance flavor with avocado, fried egg, arugula, or bacon (extra charge applies).
Make It LighterRequest less cheese or no butter on the grilled brioche for a lighter version.

Alternatives on the First Watch Menu

Not sure if the First watch Ham and Gruyere Melt is right for you? Here are some close competitors:

Menu ItemCaloriesWhy Choose It?
B.L.T.E. Sandwich1070Adds egg for protein, still light
Bacon Avocado Egg Sandwich750Healthier fats, fresh avocado
Veggie Melt740No meat, balanced veggies
Classic Club Sandwich1020Bigger portion, hearty

Ordering Tips to Make It Better

A poster displaying step-by-step instructions for ordering Ham and Gruyere Melt first watch enhancing food flavor and presentation.

Want to enjoy your melt without guilt? Here are insider tricks:

  • Swap sides Fresh fruit instead of seasoned potatoes cuts 240 calories.
  • Go half Split with a friend; portion size is generous.
  • Extra tomato Adds freshness without adding calories.
  • Skip butter grill Ask for light butter to reduce fat.

Conclusion

The First watch Ham and Gruyere Melt restaurant is not just another brunch sandwich. It’s a combination of rich flavor, protein ,and gourmet touch that makes it feel special. Yes, It’s higher in sodium, containing 2375 mg and fat 53 g, compared to lighter menu options but you can balance it out with smart choices like real and fresh fruit sides or lighter cheese can make it more balanced. 

If you are looking for a sandwich that feels rich and satisfying without being overly greasy. This melt is a better option. It’s comfort food made better with quality of ingredients and a little French flair. Whether you order it as is or customize it to fit your diet. It’s one of the best and memorable sandwiches on the first watch.

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FAQs

The First watch Ham and Gruyere Melt has contains 890 calories as serving of per sandwich only not including sides. If you add potatoes or extra cheese the calories count will be higher while in swapping in fruit or greens can make it lighter.

This melt offers you 44 g of protein, fresh real tomato & satisfying sourdough bread making it more balanced that most diner melts of first watch. It’s high in sodium 2375 mg and fat 53 g. So that why it’s a best choice with lighter customization.

Yes, the first watch offer a gluten free options on request but keep in mind there’s a chance of cross contact little bit in the kitchen. By default it’s served on artisan sourdough bread which contains gluten. 

Gruyere has a nutty, creamy, and slightly sweet flavor that melts beautifully at first watch. It’s fresh than Swiss cheese but smoother than cheddar making it the star ingredient of this sandwich.

If you want balance real fresh fruit or small salad works best to cut through the richness of ham and cheese. For something heartier, potatoes or soup make it a more filling.