The Perfect Beer Pairings For Ham And Cheese Delights

Ham and cheese is a classic combination, but what about adding beer to the mix? Beer and cheese are a much better match than most might think, and beer can also be a great addition to a ham dish. In Spain, for example, more and more people are pairing Iberico ham with beer. The acids in the beer combine well with the ham, and in the summer, a cold lager is a great choice. When it comes to cheese, the carbonation in beer cuts through the density and richness of most varieties, and the sweet, slightly caramelized taste of some beers goes well with heavier, riper cheeses. So, what beer should you choose to accompany your ham and cheese?

Ham and cheese beer bread

Ingredients

• Oil, for greasing pans
• 1 cup lager beer
• 1 cup ham, cut into strips or small cubes
• 1 cup Gruyère, coarsely grated
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup flat-leaf parsley leaves, chopped
• 1 tbsp thyme leaves, chopped
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
• 2 cups flour
• 1 tbsp baking powder
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tbsp honey

Method

• Preheat the oven to 350°F. Lightly oil 3 mini loaf pans (each about 6 inches by 3 inches).
• In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
• Add the beer, ham, Gruyère, Parmesan, parsley, honey, and thyme. Stir with a rubber spatula to combine (the batter will be thick).
• Divide the batter evenly among the prepared loaf pans (about 1 1/3 cups each) and drizzle each with melted butter.
• Place the pans on a rimmed baking sheet and bake for 43 to 46 minutes, or until golden brown. A wooden pick inserted into the center should come out mostly clean.
• Let the bread cool in the pans for 15 minutes, then turn out and serve warm, or let cool completely on a wire rack.

Tips

• This bread can be made ahead and frozen for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw the whole loaf in the refrigerator overnight, then slice and reheat each portion in a toaster oven until warmed through, about 4 minutes. Alternatively, reheat frozen slices directly on a rack in a 350°F oven, still wrapped in foil, for 15 minutes, or 5 minutes unwrapped in a toaster oven.
• For a stronger beer flavour, try using a stout or an IPA.
• If you're serving this bread with a cheese platter, consider pairing it with a hoppy lager or India Pale Ale to complement the cheese.

Ham cooked in beer

Ingredients

The main ingredients are ham and beer, but you can also add other ingredients to enhance the flavour, such as pineapple, brown sugar, maple syrup, or spices like cloves. The type of ham and beer you choose can vary depending on your preference. For the ham, you can opt for a bone-in or boneless variety, and for the beer, you can experiment with different styles like lager, IPA, stout, or wheat beer.

Cooking Methods

There are a few different ways to cook ham in beer. One method is to bake it in the oven. Preheat your oven to a temperature between 325-350 degrees Fahrenheit. Place the ham in a roasting pan, with the fattier side up. You can secure pineapple rings on the ham with toothpicks and pour the beer over it. Cover the pan and bake for several hours until the ham is cooked through.

Another method is to use a slow cooker. First, boil the ham in water for about 10 minutes to reduce its saltiness, then drain and transfer it to the slow cooker. Add the beer and any other desired ingredients, and cook on high for 7-8 hours or on low for 10-12 hours, until the meat is tender.

Serving Suggestions

Tips

If you're using pineapple, you can use the juice to baste the ham during cooking for added moisture and flavour. Additionally, if you want to avoid the taste of beer, you can opt for a milder beer or use non-alcoholic beer, as the cooking process will evaporate most of the alcohol.

Ham and beer cheese soup

Ingredients:

• 4 tablespoons butter
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1/2 cup white whole wheat flour (or all-purpose flour or gluten-free flour)
• 3/4 teaspoon dry mustard
• 1 bottle of your favourite beer (preferably a wheat beer)
• 2 cups low-sodium chicken stock
• 2 cups 2% milk (anything but skim)
• 6 ounces sharp white cheddar, freshly grated
• 6 ounces yellow cheddar, freshly grated
• 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
• 2 cups diced ham, warmed
• Bacon, green onions, or additional shredded cheese for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

• Heat a large stockpot over medium heat and add the butter. Melt it completely.
• Add the onion and garlic, sautéing for about 5 minutes or until softened and slightly golden.
• Whisk in the flour, salt, pepper, and dry mustard. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the flour is nutty and golden.
• Add the beer and cook, stirring constantly, for about 2 minutes or until the mixture thickens.
• Pour in the chicken stock and milk, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a boil, then immediately reduce the heat to a simmer. Cook for 5-10 minutes or until the soup thickens.
• Remove from heat and stir in the shredded cheese and Worcestershire sauce.
• Garnish with ham, bacon, green onions, or additional shredded cheese as desired. Serve immediately.

Beer Pairings:

When choosing a beer to pair with this soup, consider a wheat beer or a low-hop beer. Wheat beers, such as lager, complement the flavours of the ham and cheese. Lighter and milder beers like pale ales may be a better choice than hoppier IPAs, which can become ultra-bitter when cooked. If you want to avoid bitterness altogether, opt for a low-hop beer or a non-alcoholic beer.

Beer and cheese pairings

Beer and cheese are a much better match than most might think. Beer's complex taste and refreshing carbonation make it perfect for serving with a cheese platter. The carbonation works well with cheese as it cuts through the density and richness of most cheeses. Many beers also have a sweet, slightly caramelized taste that goes well with heavier and riper cheeses.

When pairing beer with cheese, it is important to remember that mild cheeses go well with mild beers. A beer should never stifle the cheese with alcohol, strong flavors, or a lot of hops. Riper and richer cheeses can handle a stronger beer and a higher alcohol percentage. A full-bodied, matured cheese often goes well with heavier beer types, like pale lager, brown ales, or even stouts.

Sharp blue cheeses can handle a heavy black stout, which can otherwise easily smother other flavors. Heavy, fruity beers also go well with blue cheese. Hoppy beers tend to take the edge off blue cheese and bring out their floral notes and acidity.

Fruity beers, in general, go well with cheese. Belgian cherry beer and other beers with prominent fruitiness will be appreciated by your cheese and beer-loving guests.

Many beers are spiced with hops, which add bitter and fruity notes to the beer. Hops go particularly well with cheese, where the bitterness and floral notes can lift the cheese to new heights. Serve a hoppy lager or India Pale Ale paired with blue cheese and experience the floral notes as they unfold. Or try a sharp cheddar with a hoppy lager, which highlights the acidity in the cheese. The right hops can also bring out flavors in a creamy blue cheese reminiscent of elderflower.

An aged gouda, with its sweetness and caramel notes, also makes an interesting complement to a hoppy beer. A hops-rich lager can make gouda taste of spring as well as bringing out the acidity in the otherwise rich cheese.

A relatively simple pale lager from just about any brewery goes well with many cheeses. Soft cheeses, like brie or other Double Crème cheeses, will bring out the caramel notes in a pale lager. And in aged cheeses – both hard cheeses and semi-soft cheeses – a classic pale lager really brings out the caramel notes and the sharpness.

Ham, beer, and wine pairings

Ham and cheese is a classic combination, but what about drinks? When it comes to beverages, beer is often considered a better match than wine for cheese, thanks to its freshness, carbonation, and complex taste notes. However, wine can also be a great pairing with ham, especially when it comes to offsetting the saltiness of the meat. So, what are some specific beer and wine pairings to consider when enjoying your next ham and cheese platter?

Beer Pairings

When pairing beer with cheese, it's important to remember that mild cheeses go well with mild beers. You don't want the beer to overwhelm the cheese with strong flavors, alcohol, or too many hops. Soft cheeses like brie or other double crème cheeses pair well with the caramel notes of a classic pale lager.

For riper and richer cheeses, you can go for a stronger beer with a higher alcohol percentage. Full-bodied, matured cheeses are a good match for heavier beer types like pale lager, brown ales, or even stouts. Sharp blue cheeses can stand up to a heavy black stout, and the bitterness and floral notes of a hoppy lager or India Pale Ale can complement the acidity in blue cheese.

If you're looking for a specific beer to pair with your ham and cheese, a German wheat beer like Schneider Weisse Original is a great choice. Or, if you want something a little stronger, try a Belgian specialty beer like Tripel Karmeliet.

Wine Pairings

When it comes to wine, beverage expert Tom Greguska recommends a white that is off-dry to semi-sweet to offset the saltiness of the ham. His specific recommendations include the Loosen Riesling and Montfort, while the Deaux Chardonnay is drier but has a rich texture and body that work well with ham.

For red wine lovers, Greguska suggests lighter-bodied and fruity styles like the Willamette Valley Pinot Noir from WillaKenzie Estate or the Vinsobres les Cornuds from Famille Perrin. These wines won't overpower the flavors of the ham.

So, whether you're a beer or wine drinker, there are plenty of options to choose from when it comes to pairing your favorite beverage with ham and cheese. Remember to experiment and find what suits your personal taste, as everyone's preferences may vary.

Frequently asked questions