Randy Chandler
Grilled ham and cheese sandwiches are a classic, comforting meal, perfect for a quick lunch or dinner. While the traditional sandwich is delicious, there are many ways to spice it up and make it even more mouth-watering. From different types of bread, cheese, and ham, to additions like butter, mustard, and mayonnaise, there are endless combinations to try. You can also experiment with cooking techniques to achieve the perfect level of crispiness and gooeyness. Whether you're a foodie looking for new flavours or a home cook seeking to elevate your grilled sandwich game, there are plenty of tips and tricks to spice up your grilled ham and cheese sandwich.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Bread | White, brown, whole wheat, sourdough, artisanal, Dutch oven, or seeded grain bread |
| Butter | Butter one side of the bread, or use mayonnaise or a combination of both |
| Cheese | Cheddar, Swiss, provolone, pepperjack, Gruyère, havarti, or American cheese |
| Ham | Honey ham, smoked Virginia ham, peppered ham, spiral ham, shaved black forest ham, or smoked shaved ham |
| Seasoning | Salt, pepper, mustard (French, spicy brown coarse ground, or Dijon), or Parmesan |
| Cooking | Fry slowly on medium heat, flipping once, until crisp and golden brown, about 3 minutes per side |
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What You'll Learn
- Choose your bread: white, brown, whole wheat, sourdough, or seeded
- Select a cheese: cheddar, Swiss, provolone, pepperjack, or havarti
- Pick a ham: honey, smoked, peppered, spiral, or black forest
- Add condiments: butter, mayonnaise, mustard, or French mustard
- Cooking tips: fry slowly, cover the pan, and flip carefully
Choose your bread: white, brown, whole wheat, sourdough, or seeded
Choosing the right bread is essential for a spectacular grilled ham and cheese sandwich. The bread forms the golden, crispy exterior and the fluffy, buttery interior, complementing the gooey cheese and savoury ham.
White bread is a classic choice for grilled cheese sandwiches. It toasts up nicely, achieving the desired golden-brown crust. White bread also has a neutral flavour that lets the other ingredients shine.
Brown bread, on the other hand, adds a touch of nutty flavour to the sandwich. It pairs well with sharper cheeses like cheddar and gives the sandwich a more robust texture.
Whole wheat bread is another healthy option that adds extra flavour and nutrients to your sandwich. It has a nutty, slightly sweet taste that goes well with a variety of cheeses and hams.
If you want to get fancy, try using sourdough bread. Sourdough has a unique, tangy flavour and a chewy texture that can take your grilled ham and cheese to the next level. It's a great choice if you're looking for something a little more sophisticated.
Lastly, seeded bread can add a nice crunch and extra flavour to your sandwich. Look for a multi-grain loaf with seeds like sesame, poppy, or flax for added texture and nutrition.
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Select a cheese: cheddar, Swiss, provolone, pepperjack, or havarti
When it comes to grilled ham and cheese sandwiches, the cheese you choose can make a big difference. Here are some options to consider:
Cheddar: Cheddar is a classic choice for a grilled cheese sandwich. If you're using sharp cheddar, its tanginess will balance out the salty ham. Cheddar melts well, creating a gooey texture and adding a crispy crust to the sandwich.
Swiss: Swiss cheese, such as Gruyère, is another excellent option. It has a slightly sweet and nutty flavor that pairs well with ham. Gruyère is an especially great melting cheese, adding a creamy texture to the sandwich. Swiss cheese is also a classic choice for grilled ham and cheese sandwiches.
Provolone: Provolone offers a mild and creamy flavor that can complement the ham without overwhelming it. It melts well, contributing to the gooey texture of the sandwich.
Pepperjack: If you're looking for a spicy kick, pepperjack is a great choice. It adds a bold flavor to the sandwich and melts well, creating a creamy and spicy texture.
Havarti: Havarti is a semi-soft cheese with a buttery flavor. It melts smoothly and adds a creamy texture to the sandwich. If you choose jalapeño havarti, it will bring a spicy twist to your grilled ham and cheese.
Each of these cheeses can elevate your grilled ham and cheese sandwich, offering unique flavors, textures, and melting properties. Feel free to experiment with different options to find your favorite combination!
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Pick a ham: honey, smoked, peppered, spiral, or black forest
When it comes to grilled ham and cheese sandwiches, the ham you choose can make a big difference in taste and texture. Here are some options to consider:
Honey Ham: This type of ham adds a subtle sweetness to the sandwich without being overpowering. It can balance out the saltiness of the cheese and create a unique flavour profile.
Smoked Ham: Adding smoked ham, such as Smoked Virginia Ham, brings a smoky flavour to your sandwich. This variety adds a delicious savoury taste and a ton of flavour to your grilled sandwich.
Peppered Ham: If you like a little kick, peppered ham is a great option. It has a spicy touch and a rich flavour that can enhance the overall taste of your sandwich.
Spiral Ham: Spiral ham is a fantastic choice if you have leftovers from a holiday dinner or any other special occasion. It can make your sandwich feel a little more special and elegant.
Black Forest Ham: Black Forest ham is a delicious, classic choice for your sandwich. It is often sold shaved, which creates a tender bite and more surface area for the flavours to meld together.
Each of these ham options can elevate your grilled ham and cheese sandwich and give it a unique twist. Whether you prefer sweet, smoky, spicy, or classic, choosing the right ham can make your sandwich even more enjoyable and memorable.
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Add condiments: butter, mayonnaise, mustard, or French mustard
Butter is a key ingredient in a grilled ham and cheese sandwich, providing a rich flavour and a crispy crust. You can spread it on the outside of the bread to create a golden, toasted crust, or spread it on the inside of the sandwich for a richer flavour. Buttering the bread also helps the sandwich to crisp up and turn golden brown in the pan.
Mayonnaise is another popular condiment for grilled ham and cheese sandwiches. It can be spread on the inside of the sandwich, or brushed on the outside of the bread before grilling for a different texture. Mayonnaise can also be used as a substitute for butter.
Mustard is a great way to add a kick of flavour to your grilled ham and cheese sandwich. You can use a variety of mustards, such as French mustard, spicy brown coarse-ground mustard, or Dijon mustard. Spread it on the inside of the sandwich, or mix it with other ingredients like preserves or grated cheese, to create a more complex flavour profile.
French mustard, in particular, is a great way to elevate your grilled ham and cheese sandwich. A simple substitution of French mustard can turn an ordinary sandwich into something extraordinary.
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Cooking tips: fry slowly, cover the pan, and flip carefully
To make the perfect grilled ham and cheese sandwich, there are a few key cooking tips to keep in mind. Firstly, frying slowly is essential. By cooking the sandwich over medium-low heat, you allow the cheese to melt gradually without burning the bread. This ensures that the heat warms up the sandwich properly, creating the desired meltiness and avoiding any sogginess. Taking the cheese out of the fridge about 10 minutes beforehand will also help it melt more evenly.
Secondly, covering the pan is an important step. Placing a lid on the frying pan for a few minutes helps trap heat, encouraging the cheese to melt faster and giving it a gooey, delicious texture. This step is especially useful if you're using a thicker slice of cheese or a type of cheese that doesn't melt as easily.
Finally, flipping the sandwich carefully is crucial. Once the bottom slice of bread is golden brown and crispy, it's time to flip. This step requires caution, as you don't want to tear the bread or lose any of your delicious fillings. It's best to use a spatula and flip the sandwich gently but confidently.
In addition to these tips, choosing the right ingredients is vital. Selecting a bread that toasts well and can withstand the weight of the fillings is key—options like Dutch Oven Bread, whole wheat bread, or a 9-grain bread with seeds work well. When it comes to cheese, classic choices like sharp cheddar or Swiss are popular, but feel free to experiment with provolone, pepperjack, or spicy havarti for a kick. As for ham, shaved ham from your local butcher will create a tender bite and more surface area for flavours to blend.
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Frequently asked questions
The best type of cheese to use is a matter of personal preference, but some popular options include Swiss, cheddar, Gruyère, provolone, pepperjack, and havarti.
You can use any type of ham you like for your sandwich. Some popular options include honey ham, smoked ham, peppered ham, and black forest ham. Shaved ham is recommended as it keeps the sandwich tender and creates more surface area for the flavours to blend.
You can add condiments such as mayonnaise, mustard, or even both mixed together. You can also add sliced pickles or spread the outside of the bread with butter and sprinkle it with Parmesan cheese to create a super-crisp, cheesy crust.
To cook your sandwich, start by buttering one side of a slice of bread and placing it butter-side down in a hot skillet or frying pan. Add your cheese and ham, then top with another slice of bread, mustard-side down. Cook over medium or medium-high heat for about 3 minutes per side, or until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted.
