Patrick Oconnell
There are many ways to reheat a grilled ham and cheese sandwich, but the best method to prevent sogginess is to use a Panini maker or frying pan. If you don't mind your sandwich being less crispy, you can heat it in the oven for 15-20 minutes, or cut it into fingers and dip it into hot tomato soup. If you're looking for speed, a microwave will also do the trick, but be careful not to overheat the sandwich, as it can quickly become dry and mushy.
How to Reheat a Grilled Ham and Cheese
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Oven temperature | 325°F |
| Baking time | 10-15 minutes |
| Baking tray | Baking sheet or pan |
| Baking preparation | Cover with foil |
| Baking preparation | Add a splash of water or broth to the pan |
| Frying pan | Use a cast-iron pan |
| Frying pan temperature | Medium-low heat |
| Frying pan preparation | Add a teaspoon of water or broth to the pan |
| Microwave | Cover with a paper towel or vented plastic wrap |
| Microwave temperature | High |
| Microwave time | 30 seconds to 1 minute per slice |
| Air fryer temperature | 325°F |
| Air fryer time | 6 to 8 minutes |
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What You'll Learn
Reheating ham in the oven
Reheating ham slices in the oven is a good way to ensure you maintain the juiciness of the meat. It is recommended to reheat ham in the oven at a low temperature, slowly.
Firstly, arrange the ham slices in a single layer on a greased baking pan. Add a couple of tablespoons of broth or water and cover the pan with foil. Place the pan in an oven preheated to 325ºF and bake for about 10 minutes or until heated through, turning the slices once. If you prefer crispy ham, you can set the oven temperature to 350/360°F.
Alternatively, you can place the ham slices in an oven-safe bag and submerge the bag in a pot of hot water. Let the ham sit in the water for 15 minutes, then replace the water with fresh hot water. Repeat this process every 30 minutes for 2 hours, until the ham reaches a warm temperature. Finally, remove the ham from the bag, place it in a roasting pan, and put it in the oven at 400°F for 30-45 minutes, until the glaze is to your liking.
If you are reheating a whole ham, rather than slices, it is recommended to heat it in the oven for about 10 minutes per pound, or to an internal temperature of 140°F. If the ham is labelled "cook before eating", heat the oven to no lower than 325°F and heat the ham to an internal temperature of at least 145°F.
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Reheating cheese in a panini maker or frying pan
Reheating a grilled ham and cheese sandwich in a panini maker or frying pan is a quick and easy way to retain the sandwich's crispy texture.
If you're using a panini maker, first preheat the grill/panini press. Butter one side of each slice of bread, and add condiments like mayo or dijon mustard to the bread. Place the bread, butter side down, on the panini maker. Build the sandwich on the grill by adding sliced cheese, tomato or avocado, ham, and another slice of cheese. Top it off with the second slice of bread, ensuring the buttered side is facing up. Close the press and cook according to the machine's instructions, which is usually around 2 to 5 minutes.
If you don't have a panini maker, you can use a frying pan to reheat your grilled ham and cheese sandwich. Heat a frying pan over medium heat and melt a small amount of butter or heat up a spoonful of oil. Once the pan is nice and hot, place the sandwich in the pan. Flip the sandwich every minute until it's hot again, which should take around 4 to 6 minutes, depending on how cold the sandwich is.
For an even crispier texture, wrap the sandwich in foil and place it in a warm oven for about 15 to 20 minutes. This method ensures the sandwich reheats evenly without needing a panini press.
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Storing ham in the fridge or freezer
If you have leftover ham, it can be stored in the fridge or freezer to maintain its freshness and quality. The method of storage depends on whether the ham is cooked or uncooked, and whether it is sliced or on the bone.
For uncooked ham, it is best to keep it refrigerated at all times. Unopened, whole hams can be kept in their original packaging in the fridge. If the ham is too big for your refrigerator, you can store it in a cooler with ice packs, changing the ice packs regularly to keep the ham cool. It is recommended to use a thermometer to monitor the temperature and ensure it does not exceed 40°F.
For leftover cooked ham, it is best to slice it off the bone and divide it into smaller portions. Wrap each portion in foil, followed by cling film, and place it in a freezer bag or sealable container. Label and date the container before placing it in the freezer. Cooked ham stored this way can last up to four months in the freezer but should be used as soon as possible after defrosting.
Alternatively, cooked ham slices can be stored in an airtight plastic container with paper towels to absorb any excess moisture. Place the container in the fridge, ensuring it is stored in the coolest part, usually the bottom. Cooked ham stored this way will typically last for 3 to 5 days in the fridge.
Another method for storing ham on the bone is to use a calico ham bag, pillowcase, or large tea towel. Mix four cups of water with two tablespoons of white vinegar and soak the bag or towel in this solution. Wring it out slightly, place the ham inside, and store it in the coolest part of the fridge.
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Reheating in the microwave
Reheating a grilled ham and cheese sandwich in the microwave is a quick and easy option. It is also a low-effort method that still delivers a delicious sandwich. However, it is worth noting that a microwaved grilled cheese sandwich will have a softer texture compared to one reheated on a stovetop.
To reheat your grilled ham and cheese sandwich in the microwave, first, wrap the sandwich in a paper towel and place it on a microwave-safe plate. Then, depending on the power of your microwave, heat the sandwich for 20-30 seconds or until the cheese is melted. If you are reheating a sandwich that has been stored in the fridge, you should toast the bread first for about two minutes. However, if the bread has been kept on the counter, toasting for one minute will suffice.
To enhance the flavour of your grilled ham and cheese sandwich, you can spread butter on the outside of the bread slices before putting the two halves together. This adds an extra bite of richness to your sandwich. Additionally, serving your sandwich with a side of roasted tomato soup or chicken noodle soup is highly recommended.
While the microwave is a convenient option for reheating your grilled ham and cheese sandwich, it is important to be mindful of the potential change in texture. The sandwich may become slightly softer upon reheating, so if you prefer a crispier texture, you might consider alternative reheating methods such as using a panini maker or a frying pan.
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Reheating in an air fryer
Reheating a grilled ham and cheese sandwich in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to retain its original glory. The circulating heat of an air fryer ensures even cooking and crispiness, while avoiding the sogginess that microwaving can cause.
To reheat your grilled ham and cheese sandwich in an air fryer, first, preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) for 3-5 minutes. If you have the time, let the sandwich sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before reheating to ensure even reheating. Then, place the sandwich in the air fryer basket, ensuring it lies flat for even exposure to the hot air. If your air fryer is small, you may need to reheat the sandwich in halves or batches. Set the air fryer to 350°F and cook for 3-5 minutes, flipping the sandwich halfway through. Check on the sandwich halfway through to ensure it is not burning. The goal is to achieve crispy bread and melty cheese.
You can also reheat a grilled ham and cheese sandwich in an air fryer at a lower temperature of 325°F. At this temperature, the sandwich will take 2-4 minutes to reheat.
If you are reheating a frozen sandwich, it is best to thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating to ensure even cooking.
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Frequently asked questions
The oven is a good way to reheat your sandwich without it getting soggy. Wrap the sandwich in foil and place it in a warm oven for 15-20 minutes. You can also use a frying pan, Panini maker, or air fryer to crisp it up.
The key is to reheat ham gently and with a little liquid. Bake ham slices covered with foil and add a splash of water, juice, stock, or even ginger ale to the pan. You can also brush the ham with honey, maple syrup, or brown sugar before reheating to add moisture.
Avoid using the microwave as this will make your sandwich soggy. Instead, use a Panini maker, frying pan, or oven to reheat your grilled cheese sandwich.
