Frederic Melton
A grilled ham and cheese sandwich is a classic comfort food. It's a simple yet satisfying combination of salty ham, buttery toasted bread, and melted cheese. The key to a great grilled cheese sandwich is achieving a golden brown crust with gooey insides. To accomplish this, the sandwich should be cooked over medium-low heat, and the pan can be covered to trap the heat and ensure the cheese melts. The choice of bread and cheese is also important, with popular options including white sandwich bread, whole wheat bread, and sharp cheddar cheese.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Bread | White sandwich bread, brown, whole wheat, sesame bakery bread, artisanal bread, gluten-free bread, homemade bread, or any bread that can be toasted |
| Cheese | Cheddar, Swiss, provolone, pepperjack, gouda, gruyere, havarti, gouda, gruyere, white cheddar, American, or any other cheese that melts well |
| Ham | Shaved, thinly sliced, honey ham, black forest ham, smoked ham, or any other variety of ham |
| Butter | Salted butter, preferably, but unsalted butter works too |
| Other ingredients | Mayonnaise, mustard, apricot preserves, pickles, spinach, arugula, tomatoes, roasted peppers, chopped olives, artichokes, salsa |
| Cooking method | Melt butter in a pan on medium heat, toast one side of the sandwich, flip, add a few drops of water to the pan, put a lid on it, grill slowly |
| Storage | Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to three days, or freeze for up to three months |
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What You'll Learn
Choosing the right bread
There are several types of bread that can be used for a grilled ham and cheese sandwich. A classic option is white sandwich bread, which is versatile and easily available. If you prefer a nuttier flavour and a denser texture, whole wheat bread is a good choice. For a more artisanal touch, consider using a loaf of sourdough or another specialty bread from a local bakery.
The thickness of the bread slices is also important. Thicker slices of bread can accommodate more fillings and create a heartier sandwich. However, thinner slices can be preferable if you want a lighter, crispier sandwich.
Another factor to consider is the crust. Some people prefer a softer crust, while others enjoy the added texture and flavour of a crusty loaf. Ultimately, the choice of bread depends on personal preference and the desired outcome.
Experimenting with different types of bread can be enjoyable, and you may discover new combinations that elevate your grilled ham and cheese sandwich to the next level.
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Layering the ingredients
Butter the Bread
Start by spreading butter on one side of a slice of bread. You can use salted butter for a classic grilled ham and cheese sandwich. Place the bread, butter-side down, in the pan.
Layer the Ham and Cheese
Add half of the cheese pieces, spreading them evenly over the bread. You can grate the cheese yourself for a fresh and even melt, or use sliced or grated cheese from your local deli. Loosely fold and layer the ham slices on top of the cheese, aiming for maximum coverage. You can use thinly sliced or shaved ham, and choose a variety that is smoked, honey-glazed, or plain. Finally, add the remaining cheese pieces over the ham.
Top the Sandwich
Butter the second slice of bread with butter, and place it butter-side up on top of the sandwich. You can also spread mayonnaise on the bread instead of butter, or on the outside of the sandwich for a unique twist.
Optional Extras
At this point, you can add some extra ingredients to elevate your sandwich. Try adding a slice of tomato, spinach, arugula, roasted peppers, or a spoonful of salsa. You can also experiment with different types of cheese and bread. For a classic grilled cheese flavour, sharp chedder is a good choice, but if you want something different, Swiss, provolone, pepper jack, or spicy havarti are excellent options.
Grill it Up
Once your sandwich is layered with delicious ingredients, it's time to grill it. Place the sandwich in a pan on medium-low heat to allow the cheese to melt without burning the bread. Keep an eye on it, and when the bottom slice is golden brown and crispy, carefully flip the sandwich.
By following these steps and layering the ingredients carefully, you'll create a grilled ham and cheese sandwich that is golden, crispy, and oozing with cheesy goodness.
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The best cheese to use
The cheese is the star of the show in a grilled cheese and ham sandwich, so it's important to choose a good one. While some people prefer the simplicity of a classic grilled cheese made with sharp cheddar, others like to experiment with different cheeses. Swiss cheese is a popular choice, as is American cheese, which has a creamy texture when melted. If you're feeling adventurous, you could try using provolone, pepper jack, gouda, gruyere, or spicy havarti. For an extra indulgent touch, sprinkle some grated Parmigiano-Reggiano on the outside of the sandwich before grilling. This will give the sandwich a crispy, cheesy crust.
When choosing your cheese, it's best to opt for fresh cheese that has been sliced from a block at your local deli. You can also buy a block of cheese and grate it yourself at home. Grated cheese tends to melt more easily and consistently than sliced cheese, resulting in the perfect gooey texture.
To elevate your grilled cheese and ham sandwich even further, consider experimenting with different types of bread and meats. Artisanal bread or whole grain bread can add a nice touch, and shaved ham or prosciutto can provide a tender texture and more surface area for the flavors to blend. Don't be afraid to get creative and find the combination that suits your taste buds!
No matter which cheese you choose, the key to a great grilled cheese and ham sandwich is to cook it slowly over medium-low heat. This will ensure that the bread becomes golden brown and crispy without burning, and that the cheese melts into gooey perfection.
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How to grill it
First, choose your bread. White sandwich bread is a classic choice for grilled cheese and ham, but you can use any bread you like, such as brown, whole wheat, gluten-free, or artisanal bread.
Next, prepare your ham. Thinly sliced ham is best for grilled cheese sandwiches. You can use honey ham, black forest ham, or any other variety of your favourite shaved ham.
Now, select your cheese. Classic choices include sharp cheddar or American cheese, but you can also use Swiss, provolone, pepper jack, gouda, gruyere, or spicy havarti. Freshly grate your cheese from a block for the best results.
Butter is essential for a deliciously rich flavour and a crispy crust. Spread salted butter on one side of each slice of bread. You can also try using mayonnaise instead of butter for a different flavour.
Finally, it's time to grill your sandwich. Warm a skillet to medium heat and place your sandwich in the pan, buttered-side down. Grill slowly over medium-low heat to allow the cheese to melt without burning the bread. Once the bottom slice is golden brown and crispy, carefully flip the sandwich. Continue grilling until the outside is golden-crisp and the inside is melted, about 3 minutes.
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Condiments and toppings
One popular option is to spread a condiment on the inside of the sandwich. Mustard is a common choice, with options such as spicy brown coarse-ground mustard or Dijon mustard adding a tangy kick to the sandwich. Apricot preserves can be mixed with mustard to add a complementary sweetness to the sandwich. Mayonnaise is another popular condiment that can be spread on the outside of the sandwich, creating a crispy, golden crust when grilled.
If you're feeling adventurous, you can also experiment with other toppings and ingredients. Pickles, especially crisp dill pickle slices, add a tangy crunch to the sandwich. Grated Parmesan cheese can be sprinkled on the outside of the sandwich, pressed into the butter for an extra cheesy bite. Spinach, arugula, tomatoes, roasted peppers, chopped olives, artichokes, or a spoonful of salsa can also be added to the sandwich, depending on your preference and what you have on hand.
When it comes to cheese, the choices are endless. Classic options include sharp cheddar, American cheddar, or Swiss cheese. For a more adventurous flavour profile, you can choose Swiss, provolone, pepper jack, spicy havarti, or gouda. The key is to choose a high-quality cheese that is freshly sliced or grated for the best melting and flavour.
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Frequently asked questions
For a classic grilled cheese, opt for a good quality white sandwich bread. However, almost any bread will work, including brown, whole wheat, gluten-free, or artisanal bread.
Classic options include American cheese or sharp cheddar. For something more adventurous, try Swiss, provolone, pepper jack, gouda, gruyere, or spicy havarti.
Condiments such as mayonnaise, mustard, or apricot preserves can add a complementary sweetness to your sandwich. You can also add toppings such as pickles or spinach.
Start by spreading butter or mayonnaise on one side of each slice of bread. For the filling, layer the cheese, ham, and any desired toppings. Grill slowly over medium-low heat until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted.
