The Perfect Cheeses To Pair With Honey Ham

Honey ham is a versatile dish that can be served in a variety of ways, from fancy appetisers to the classic sandwich. But what cheese goes best with honey ham?

There are several options to choose from, depending on your preference. The classic choice is cheddar, with its sharpness cutting through the sweet honey glaze and balancing the saltiness of the ham. For something more indulgent, extra sharp cheddar adds a bolder flavour profile and a crunchier texture. Another popular option is Swiss cheese, with its buttery, nutty richness and slight tartness that offsets the salty-sweetness of honey-glazed ham. Similar options include Gruyere and Jarlsberg, which offer a nutty and slightly sweet flavour with a hint of earthiness.

If you're looking for a softer, creamier option, Brie and Camembert are excellent choices. These cheeses have a mild, nutty flavour and a characteristic bloomy rind, adding a touch of sophistication to your dish. For those who enjoy blue cheese, Gorgonzola, Roquefort, and Stilton are excellent choices, with their pungent bite playing off the sweet flavours of the honey ham.

Swiss cheese

When it comes to creating a cheese plate to accompany honey ham, variety is key. Aim for a range of textures and flavours, including aged hard cheeses and soft, melty ones. Swiss cheese is a great choice for this, as it can stand on its own, but also pairs well with other cheeses, such as Gruyère and Jarlsberg.

For a unique twist on the classic combination, try using a pretzel roll or pretzel bun for your sandwich. The salty pretzel flavour adds a new dimension to the traditional ham and Swiss.

Cheddar cheese

Cheddar is the go-to cheese for a classic ham and cheese sandwich, but it also works well as part of a plate with ham. For a grilled ham and cheese sandwich, layer slices of cheddar with ham in between two slices of bread. Butter the outer sides of the bread and grill in a pan until the cheese is melted and the bread is toasted. For a more indulgent sandwich, add a slice of tomato and a drizzle of honey, or serve with a honey mustard sauce for dipping.

Cheddar is a versatile cheese that can be paired with ham in a variety of dishes. It is a popular choice for its ability to balance the sweet and salty flavours of honey ham.

Blue cheese

For a memorable blue cheese and ham sandwich, consider adding some sweet and tangy elements like sliced figs or a drizzle of honey to balance the robust flavours. You can also experiment with different types of bread, such as crusty baguettes or rustic rolls, to enhance the overall experience.

Additionally, blue cheese melts beautifully, making it a perfect choice for grilled ham sandwiches or paninis. Its high-water content ratio allows it to melt smoothly, enveloping the ham in a creamy texture. This creates a harmonious blend of flavours and a delightful mouthfeel.

When choosing a blue cheese to pair with honey ham, consider the different varieties available. For example, Roquefort, a renowned French blue cheese, offers a bold, tangy, and slightly spicy flavour profile that complements the saltiness of the ham. Its creamy rind and crumbly interior also introduce an intriguing textural contrast.

Brie

For an unforgettable pairing, consider adding slices of Granny Smith apple, a handful of arugula, and mustard aioli to a baguette. Alternatively, opt for the timeless combination of Brie, pear, honey mustard, and salted butter. Both combinations are delicious as they are, but if you want to take your pairing to the next level, try grilling it until the bread turns a rich golden brown and the Brie gracefully oozes from the sides.

If you're looking for a more substantial meal, layer thinly sliced ham and creamy Brie on a baguette or crusty bread. Add some arugula and a drizzle of honey for a touch of sweetness. This combination is a delightful way to enjoy the interplay of flavors and textures between Brie and honey ham.

When it comes to wine pairings, a pinot noir or a merlot would be excellent choices to accompany a meal of honey ham and Brie. The cherry fruit notes of a pinot noir complement the honey glaze, while the acidity cuts through the fat. A merlot, on the other hand, will provide a fruity counterpart to the savory and sweet elements of the dish.

Gruyère

Ham and Gruyère cheese are often paired together. They have a nice flavour balance. Gruyère cheese has a distinct nutty and slightly sweet flavour with a hint of earthiness. The saltiness and savoury taste of ham provide a nice contrast to the richness of Gruyère. Additionally, Gruyère melts beautifully, becoming smooth and creamy without losing its flavour. This makes it an ideal cheese to pair with ham in dishes like grilled sandwiches or quiches, where the cheese can envelop the ham, enhancing its taste and creating a harmonious blend of flavours.

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