Hot Ham And Cheese: Oven Cooking Time

Hot ham and cheese sandwiches are a delicious, quick and easy meal to make at home. The cooking time depends on the type of bread and cheese used, but generally, they are ready in under 20 minutes. The sandwiches are made by layering ham and cheese inside a bun, which is then baked in the oven until the cheese is melted.

Oven temperature and cooking time

If you are making an open sandwich, you can place it under a preheated grill for a few minutes until the cheese is melted.

If you are making a closed sandwich, most recipes recommend baking in the oven for 10–15 minutes at around 350–425°F (177–218°C). However, one source recommends baking at 325°F (163°C) for 12–15 minutes, and another suggests a lower temperature of 250°F (121°C) for 15–20 minutes.

Therefore, the ideal temperature and cooking time for hot ham and cheese sandwiches is between 250–425°F (121–218°C) for 10–15 minutes, depending on your preference and the type of bread and cheese you are using.

For example, a softer bread may require a shorter cooking time to avoid burning, and a harder cheese may need a higher temperature or longer cooking time to melt.

Preparing the buns

Choosing the Right Buns:

Start by selecting the type of bun you prefer. You can use hamburger buns, brioche buns, Hawaiian rolls, or any other variety of soft, crusty, or fluffy bread. Consider the texture and flavour that will complement the ham and cheese filling.

Preheat your oven to a temperature between 325-425° F (163-218° C). The exact temperature depends on your oven and the type of buns you've chosen. Line a baking sheet or tray with parchment paper, if desired, for easier cleanup. Place the buns on the prepared baking sheet, opening them up and arranging them with the insides facing up. This will allow you to add toppings and fillings more easily.

Buttering the Buns:

In a small bowl, mix softened butter with your choice of seasonings and flavour enhancers. You can simply use salted or garlic butter, or create a more complex mixture. Try combining butter with Dijon mustard, horseradish mustard, mayonnaise, minced garlic, poppy seeds, dill seeds, dried oregano, dried basil, or minced onions. Spread this mixture generously onto the insides of the buns. This step adds flavour and helps the buns toast evenly and attain a golden colour.

Toasting the Buns:

Place the buttered buns in the preheated oven and toast them for 1-2 minutes. Keep a close eye on them to ensure they don't burn. You're aiming for a light golden colour. Once toasted, remove them from the oven and set them aside while you prepare the rest of the sandwich.

Assembling the Sandwiches:

Now it's time to layer the ham and cheese onto the buns. Add your desired amount of ham slices, followed by a slice of cheese. Repeat this layering process if you want a heartier sandwich. You can use thin or thick slices of ham, depending on your preference. For the cheese, options like Swiss, provolone, mozzarella, cheddar, or Monterey Jack are all excellent choices.

Baking the Sandwiches:

Once your sandwiches are assembled, place them back in the oven and bake for 7-10 minutes at 350-375° F (177-191° C). This final baking step ensures the cheese melts and the flavours meld together. Keep an eye on the sandwiches to avoid over-baking.

Your hot ham and cheese sandwiches are now ready to be devoured! Serve them as-is or with a side of your favourite condiments, such as dijonnaise (a mixture of mayonnaise and Dijon mustard). Enjoy the fruits of your labour and feel free to experiment with different bun varieties and toppings in the future!

Layering the ham and cheese

The key to a good hot ham and cheese sandwich is the layering of the ham and cheese. Here are some tips and variations to achieve the perfect combination:

Types of ham and cheese

You can use thick or thin ham, whichever you prefer. If you're using sliced ham, layer a few pieces of ham, then a slice of cheese. Repeat these layers to create a hearty sandwich. You can also use shaved or thinly shaved ham for a more delicate sandwich. Deli ham is a great option, and you can choose from a variety of flavours like honey ham or black forest ham.

For the cheese, Swiss cheese is the classic go-to option, but you can also use mozzarella, cheddar, Monterey Jack, or provolone. If you're feeling adventurous, try smoked Gouda or brie with sliced apples.

Layering technique

When layering the ham and cheese, it's important to create a balanced ratio between the two. Start by placing a layer of ham on the bottom half of the bun or bread. Then, add a slice of cheese. Repeat these layers until you've reached your desired thickness. If you're using a whole block of cheese, grate or slice it evenly to ensure consistent coverage.

For an extra flavour boost, try adding a spread or sauce between the layers. This could be a simple spread of butter or mayonnaise, or something more adventurous like a dijonnaise sauce (a mixture of mayonnaise and Dijon mustard), horseradish mustard, or a combination of butter, Worcestershire sauce, poppy seeds, and sesame seeds.

Toasting the buns

Toasting the buns is optional, but it can add a nice crunchy texture to your sandwich. If you prefer a softer bun, skip this step. To toast the buns, simply butter them and place them under the broiler for about 2 minutes before assembling the sandwiches.

Layering variations

If you want to get creative, you can add some extra ingredients to your layers. Try adding caramelised onions, lettuce, banana peppers, or red onions. You can also experiment with different types of bread, such as Hawaiian rolls, pretzel rolls, or ciabatta bread.

For a more grown-up sandwich, try a combination of smoked ham and Gruyere cheese on a crusty French baguette. Or, for a fun twist, use sweet Hawaiian rolls and create a butter mixture with Worcestershire sauce, poppy seeds, and sesame seeds to brush on the bun tops before baking.

Optional ingredients and toppings

The great thing about hot ham and cheese sandwiches is that you can adapt them to your taste preferences. You can use thick or thin ham, whichever you like. Deli ham is a popular choice, but you can also use leftover thick-cut ham.

When it comes to cheese, the world is your oyster. You can use Swiss, cheddar, mozzarella, Monterey Jack, American, Colby jack, pepper jack, or provolone cheese. If you're feeling adventurous, you can even try gruyere.

If you want to add some extra flavour to your sandwich, consider making a compound butter by mixing softened butter with ingredients like minced shallots, chopped parsley, mustard, poppy seeds, Worcestershire sauce, or sesame seeds. Spread this mixture on your buns before baking.

For those who like it spicy, slather the inside of your buns with spicy mustard, or sprinkle the ham with chopped pickled jalapeños. You can also add sliced dill pickles for a sweet and acidic touch.

If you're a condiment lover, try spreading some dijonnaise (a mixture of mayonnaise and spicy or Dijon mustard), ranch dressing, or jalapeno ranch dressing on your sandwich.

Want to add some extra toppings? Go for it! Try caramelized onions, lettuce, banana peppers, or red onions.

And if you're feeling really creative, you can even experiment with different types of buns. Brioche buns, Hawaiian rolls, gluten-free buns, homemade buns, or even a jalapeno cheddar bagel can take your sandwich to the next level.

So, get creative, experiment with different ingredients, and find your perfect hot ham and cheese combination!

Reheating and storing

Hot ham and cheese sandwiches are a great option for a quick meal, and they're even perfect for casual entertaining or a relaxing supper at home. But what do you do if you have leftovers or want to prepare them in advance? Here are some tips for reheating and storing your sandwiches to ensure they stay tasty and safe to eat:

Reheating:

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 325-375°F. If your sandwiches are already assembled, place them on a baking sheet and reheat for 7-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the sandwiches are heated through.
• Microwave: Arrange the sandwiches in a single layer on a plate. If possible, add 1 tablespoon of broth or water to the dish. Cover the sandwiches with a damp paper towel and microwave for 30-60 seconds, or until heated through.
• Stovetop: Using a skillet over medium-high heat, reheat your sandwiches for a few minutes on each side until they're hot and the cheese is melted. You can add a little butter or oil to the pan to prevent sticking and give the sandwiches a nice sear.
• Air Fryer: Wrap each sandwich in aluminum foil and preheat your air fryer to 325°F. Place the wrapped sandwiches in the air fryer basket and heat for 6-8 minutes, or until heated through. For crispy sandwiches, increase the temperature to 350-360°F, and air fry for 3-4 minutes, turning them after 2 minutes.

Storing:

• Room Temperature: If you plan to serve the sandwiches soon after preparing them, you can keep them at room temperature for up to 2 hours. However, if the temperature is above 90°F, the USDA recommends discarding perishable foods, including sandwiches, that have been left out for more than 1 hour.
• Refrigerator: To store your sandwiches for later, place them in an airtight container or wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or foil. They will stay fresh in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
• Freezer: For longer storage, you can freeze your sandwiches. Again, ensure they are properly wrapped to prevent freezer burn. They will keep well in the freezer for 1-2 months.

Reheating frozen sandwiches:

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F and wrap the frozen sandwich in foil. Heat for 20-25 minutes, or until heated through.
• Microwave: Remove the wrapping and place the frozen sandwich on a microwave-safe plate. Cover with a damp paper towel and microwave for 2-3 minutes on high power, or until heated through.

Remember, when reheating, always ensure that the sandwiches reach a safe internal temperature of at least 165°F. Enjoy your hot ham and cheese sandwiches!

Frequently asked questions