Best Cheeses To Compliment Your Cold Ham Sandwich

There are many types of cheese that go well with a cold ham sandwich, including cheddar, Swiss, Gruyère, provolone, and Red Leicester. For a classic ham and cheese sandwich, mature cheddar is the most common choice, with its sharpness balancing out the saltiness and sweetness of the ham. However, other cheeses like Gruyère, a Swiss cheese with a slightly sweet and nutty flavour, can add a different dimension to the sandwich. Provolone, with its creamy texture, can also be a good pairing with ham.

Extra sharp cheddar with apple slices and mustard

Extra sharp cheddar, apple slices, and mustard is a unique and delicious combination for a cold ham sandwich. Here's a detailed guide on how to make this sandwich:

Ingredients:

• Extra sharp cheddar cheese: The sharpness of cheddar pairs well with the saltiness and sweetness of the ham. Shaving the cheese with a peeler gives even slices and prevents it from falling out of the sandwich.
• Apple slices: A crisp, sweet apple variety like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith adds a nice crunch and a tangy-sweet flavour to the sandwich.
• Mustard: A thin layer of Dijon mustard adds a gentle background flavour without overpowering the other ingredients. You can adjust the amount to your taste preference.
• Ham: Go for wafer-thin slices of good-quality ham to avoid overpowering saltiness.
• Bread: Whole wheat or multi-grain bread adds texture and flavour to the sandwich.
• Optional: You can also add butter, mayonnaise, and/or cracked black pepper to enhance the flavours and texture.

Assembly:

• Spread a thin layer of butter and/or mayonnaise on one slice of bread.
• Spread a very thin layer of Dijon mustard on another slice of bread.
• Layer shaved extra sharp cheddar cheese on the bread.
• Add 2-3 slices of wafer-thin ham, folding them to add height to the sandwich.
• Sprinkle cracked black pepper on the ham, if desired.
• Place the apple slices on the ham.
• Close the sandwich with the mustard-spread slice of bread.
• Cut the sandwich in half and enjoy!

This sandwich is a delightful combination of sweet, tangy, and savoury flavours, with a nice textural contrast from the crisp apple and the soft bread. It's a unique and tasty twist on the classic ham and cheese sandwich.

Smoked gouda with honey mustard

Smoked gouda is a great choice of cheese for a cold ham sandwich. Its smokiness adds depth of flavour, and its softness means it melts beautifully.

For a delicious cold ham and smoked gouda sandwich, try combining the cheese with honey mustard. The sweetness of the honey will complement the smokiness of the gouda, while the sharpness of the mustard will cut through the richness of the cheese.

For a simple sandwich, spread a layer of honey mustard on one slice of bread, and layer on some shaved smoked gouda. Top with thin slices of ham, and season with a pinch of cracked black pepper. Close the sandwich with another slice of bread, and enjoy!

If you want to take it to the next level, try toasting the sandwich. Spread the outsides of the sandwich with butter, and toast in a pan or sandwich press until the bread is golden and the cheese is melted.

For a more substantial meal, add some sliced tomato, romaine lettuce, and a drizzle of olive oil. You could even add a fried egg and some arugula to make a hearty breakfast sandwich.

Experiment with different types of bread, such as wholemeal seeded bread, sourdough, or an English muffin, to find your favourite combination.

The key to a great ham and cheese sandwich is to use good-quality ingredients and to slice the ham and cheese thinly to ensure the perfect bite.

Swiss cheese, especially Gruyère

When it comes to crafting a ham and Swiss cheese sandwich, the possibilities are endless. You can simply layer slices of Swiss cheese with ham on your preferred type of bread. For something more indulgent, try adding sliced tomato, romaine lettuce, and a generous spread of honey mustard. If you're feeling adventurous, sprinkle some Parmesan on the outside of the bread before grilling for a super-crispy, cheesy crust.

If you're looking to elevate your Swiss cheese and ham sandwich even further, consider using Gruyère. Its subtle flavour and creamy texture make it a perfect match for ham. When assembling your sandwich, try spreading a thin layer of Dijon mustard on one slice of bread, followed by a liberal spread of mayonnaise. Layer on some shaved Gruyère, then add the ham, and top it off with cracked black pepper. This combination will result in a sophisticated sandwich with a perfect balance of flavours.

Whether you choose Swiss cheese or Gruyère for your cold ham sandwich, the key is to use a generous amount of cheese and experiment with different ingredients to find your perfect combination.

Red Leicester with caramelised onions

For the cheese and onion sandwich filler, you'll need a 50/50 mix of cheddar and Red Leicester, red onion, spring onion, whole egg mayonnaise, and black pepper. Finely dice the onions and mix all the ingredients together in a bowl.

When it comes to making the sandwich, use seeded or wholemeal bread, or white bread if that's all you have. Spread butter on the bread—it adds a mild flavour and prevents the mayo from seeping into the bread. Divide the filling among your slices, top with another slice of buttered bread, and cut diagonally.

If you're making a cold ham and cheese sandwich, it's best to use thin slices of ham, as thicker slices can be overpowering. You can use a variety of cheeses, including Red Leicester, which is a great option for adding colour and flavour to your sandwich.

Provolone with pesto mayo

A classic cold ham sandwich is a delight, but adding some cheese and a special sauce can take it to the next level. Provolone cheese with pesto mayo is an excellent choice for a flavourful and satisfying sandwich. Here's why, along with a recipe and some tips to make it even better.

Provolone is a versatile Italian cheese with a mild, slightly nutty flavour. It pairs beautifully with the salty ham and enhances the overall taste of the sandwich. Its creamy texture also adds a nice contrast to the ham.

Pesto mayo is a delicious spread that brings a zesty, fresh flavour to the sandwich. The combination of basil, garlic, and olive oil in pesto blends perfectly with the creamy mayonnaise. This spread adds a unique twist to the traditional ham and cheese sandwich.

Recipe for a Grilled Pesto Ham and Provolone Sandwich

For a mouthwatering Italian-style sandwich, try this recipe:

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
• 4 teaspoons prepared pesto
• 8 slices of sourdough bread
• 8 ounces thinly sliced deli ham
• 1/2 cup loosely packed basil leaves or lettuce
• 4 sweet peppers, chopped
• 1 plum tomato, thinly sliced
• 3/4 cup shredded provolone cheese
• 2 tablespoons softened butter

Instructions:

• Mix the mayonnaise and pesto in a small bowl.
• Spread the pesto mayo on four slices of bread.
• Layer the ham, basil or lettuce, peppers, tomato, and cheese on top.
• Top with the remaining bread slices.
• Spread butter on the outside of the sandwiches.
• Toast the sandwiches in a panini maker or on a griddle over medium heat for 2-3 minutes on each side, until golden brown and the cheese is melted.

Tips:

• For a lighter option, use fat-free or low-fat mayonnaise.
• If you want a stronger basil flavour, you can add more basil leaves to the sandwich.
• Toasted sandwiches are always a treat, but if you prefer a cold sandwich, simply skip the toasting step and enjoy it as is!

Frequently asked questions