Patrick Oconnell
The hot ham and cheese sandwich is a classic, comforting dish that has been a staple in the American lunchbox for decades. While it may seem like a simple sandwich, there are a few tricks to elevate it from good to great. The key is in the ingredients and their ratios—the right bread, cheese, and add-ons can make all the difference. This guide will take you through the process of creating the ultimate hot ham and cheese sandwich, from choosing the perfect ingredients to assembling and cooking it to perfection.
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What You'll Learn
Choosing the right bread
Firstly, consider the type of bread. While classic white sandwich bread is a popular choice, especially for a traditional American ham and cheese sandwich, you might want to opt for something with more flavour and texture. Whole grain bread with seeds, such as a 9-grain bread, can add a nice nutty taste and a satisfying bite to your sandwich. Alternatively, crusty French or Italian bread, with a soft interior, can provide a good base for the sandwich. This type of bread also toasts well in the oven, resulting in a crispy exterior. If you're looking for something different, pretzel rolls or ciabatta bread are unique options that can add a special touch to your sandwich.
The size and thickness of the bread are also important considerations. If you're using sliced bread, choose a thickness that can accommodate your desired filling-to-bread ratio. You don't want the bread to overpower the fillings, nor do you want it to be overwhelmed by them. For a more substantial sandwich, you can use a large Italian or French-style loaf, splitting it in half lengthwise to create a hearty base. Alternatively, you can use individual-sized slices from the bread aisle or even bake your own.
Finally, think about the texture and freshness of the bread. For a hot ham and cheese sandwich, you want bread that can withstand the heat and melting cheese without becoming soggy or falling apart. A crusty exterior and soft interior can provide a nice contrast in texture. Freshly baked bread from a bakery or grocery store can be a great option, but you can also use pre-sliced bread for convenience. Just ensure that it's not too thin or flavourless, as you want the bread to hold up to the other ingredients in both taste and texture.
Remember, the bread you choose should complement the ham, cheese, and any additional toppings or spreads you decide to include. Don't be afraid to experiment with different types of bread to find your perfect combination.
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Selecting the best cheese
When it comes to selecting the cheese for your hot ham and cheese sandwich, there are a few factors to consider to ensure you achieve the perfect melt and flavour combination.
Firstly, you'll want a cheese that melts well. A classic choice to pair with ham is Swiss cheese, which has a mild, slightly sweet and nutty flavour. Gruyère, a variety of Swiss cheese, is an excellent melting cheese with a stronger flavour. Provolone is another cheese that melts beautifully and is a popular choice for hot sandwiches.
If you're looking for a more robust flavour profile, consider using a sharp cheddar. The tanginess of sharp cheddar can balance out the salty ham perfectly. For a more subtle tang, opt for a tangy Swiss cheese, such as the one mentioned above.
For those who enjoy a creamy texture and flavour, a specialty horseradish-Dijon mayonnaise can be spread on the bread or used as a dip for the sandwich. This adds a unique twist to the classic combination.
Lastly, the amount of cheese you use is important. Depending on your preference, you may want a more generous amount of cheese for a gooey, indulgent bite. However, some may prefer a thinner layer to let the other ingredients shine through.
Remember, the key to a great hot ham and cheese sandwich is finding the right balance of flavours and textures, so choose a cheese that complements the other ingredients and suits your personal taste.
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Preparing the ham
Firstly, select the right type of ham. Go for thinly shaved or sliced ham, which will ensure that it melts in your mouth. You can choose from a variety of hams, such as brown sugar deli ham or mesquite smoked shaved ham. If you want to avoid the ham being too sweet, stay away from the brown sugar variety. For a more savoury option, opt for the smoked ham. You can also choose between thick or thin ham slices, depending on your preference.
Next, consider the amount of ham you will use. A generous mound of ham will make the sandwich heartier and more satisfying. You don't want to skimp on the ham, so make sure there is enough to create a good ratio with the other ingredients.
Before assembling the sandwich, prepare the ham by layering it with other ingredients. Start by drizzling olive oil and red wine vinegar on the bread, followed by dried or fresh oregano and basil. You can also sprinkle some spices on the ham itself, such as black pepper or paprika, to give it an extra kick.
When layering the sandwich, place the ham on the bottom half of the bun or bread. If you are using a bun, you can layer the ham and cheese twice for an extra indulgent sandwich. Alternatively, if using bread, a single layer of ham and cheese is usually sufficient.
Lastly, don't be afraid to experiment with different types of ham. Try a variety of deli hams or ask your local butcher for recommendations. You can also try different curing and smoking methods to find the one that best suits your taste. Remember, the quality of the ham will greatly impact the overall flavour of the sandwich.
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Adding extra ingredients
When making a hot ham and cheese sandwich, you can add extra ingredients to elevate the flavour and make it even more delicious. Here are some ideas for extra ingredients to include:
Vegetables
Include some vegetables to add a fresh, crunchy texture and a burst of flavour. Some options are spinach, arugula, sliced tomatoes, roasted peppers, chopped olives, artichokes, sliced pickles, or a spoonful of salsa.
Herbs and Spices
Adding herbs and spices can enhance the flavour of your sandwich. Try using dried or fresh oregano and basil, poppy seeds, dill seeds or dill weed, chopped onions, or green onions. These ingredients will add a punch of flavour and aroma to your sandwich.
Condiments
Experiment with different condiments to add moisture and tanginess to your sandwich. You can mix and match condiments such as mayonnaise, mustard (spicy brown coarse ground), Dijon, or regular, horseradish, apricot preserves, or a creamy dijonnaise sauce. These condiments will elevate the flavour profile of your sandwich and make it more indulgent.
Bread
The type of bread you use can also be considered an "extra ingredient" that enhances the sandwich experience. While you can use classic white sandwich bread, you might want to try whole grain bread with seeds, crusty on the outside and soft on the inside, French bread, ciabatta, pretzel rolls, or even hamburger buns.
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Cooking methods
There are several ways to cook a hot ham and cheese sandwich, each with its own unique results. Here are some popular methods:
Oven-baked: Preheat your oven to a temperature between 350°F and 425°F. Start by slicing open your bread and drizzling olive oil and red wine vinegar on the interior pieces. You can also sprinkle dried or fresh oregano and basil for extra flavour. Layer thinly shaved ham and cheese, such as provolone or Swiss cheese. Close the sandwiches, place them on a baking sheet, and bake for 7 to 25 minutes, depending on the size of your sandwiches, until the cheese is melted and the exterior is golden brown.
Skillet-cooked: Heat a skillet over medium-low heat. Butter one side of each slice of bread. Place one slice butter-side down in the hot skillet. Top with cheese, such as Swiss or Gruyère, and ham. Spread the unbuttered side of the second slice of bread with mayonnaise and mustard, then place it butter-side up on the sandwich. Cook for about 3 minutes per side until golden brown and the cheese is melted.
Grilled: Assemble your sandwiches by layering ham and cheese between slices of bread. Wrap the sandwiches in foil and place them on a grill over medium heat. Grill for a few minutes until the cheese is melted and the exterior is golden brown.
Broiled: Preheat your oven's broiler to high. Split open your buns and place them on a large baking sheet. Coat the buns evenly with butter and toast under the broiler for 1-2 minutes until golden. Switch off the broiler and preheat the oven to 350°F to 375°F. Layer ham and cheese slices, repeating twice for a hearty sandwich. Bake for 7 to 20 minutes until the cheese is melted.
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