The Perfect Cheese Pairing For Basil Ham

There are many types of cheese that go well with basil ham, including Swiss, Gruyère, Red Leicester, cheddar, provolone, mozzarella, and American cheese. For a classic basil ham and cheese sandwich, it is recommended to use mature cheddar, shaved or sliced thinly, to balance out the saltiness and sweetness of the ham. The sandwich can be toasted or grilled with butter, margarine, or oil, and served with toppings such as mustard, mayonnaise, avocado, lettuce, or tomato.

Swiss, Gruyere, Red Leicester, and cheddar are cheeses that go well with basil ham

Basil ham is a versatile meat that pairs well with many cheeses. Here are four types of cheese that will complement the flavour of basil ham:

Swiss Cheese

Swiss cheese is a classic choice for a ham sandwich. It has a mild, nutty flavour and melts well, making it ideal for grilled cheese sandwiches. Swiss cheese is also a good source of protein and calcium, so it can add some nutritional value to your meal.

Gruyere

Gruyere is a type of Swiss cheese with a slightly sweet and nutty flavour. It is an excellent melting cheese, which makes it a perfect choice for grilled cheese sandwiches or other hot dishes. Gruyere has a stronger flavour than other Swiss cheeses, so it will add a nice punch to your basil ham sandwich.

Red Leicester

Red Leicester is an English cheese with a firm texture and a nutty, buttery flavour. It has a slightly higher fat content than other cheeses, which makes it ideal for melting. Red Leicester is a good choice if you want to add a pop of colour to your dish, as it has a distinctive orange hue.

Cheddar

Cheddar is a classic choice for a ham and cheese sandwich. It has a sharp, tangy flavour that balances out the saltiness of the ham. Cheddar is a versatile cheese that can be shaved, sliced, or grated onto your sandwich. It also comes in different varieties, such as mature or sharp cheddar, so you can choose the level of flavour that suits your taste.

When making a basil ham and cheese sandwich, you can also experiment with different types of bread, condiments, and toppings to create your perfect combination. Some popular choices include wholemeal seeded bread, butter, mayonnaise, mustard, lettuce, tomato, and pickles.

Thinly sliced basil ham is best for sandwiches

Thinly sliced basil ham is ideal for sandwiches. Thick slices of ham can be overpowering and may ruin your sandwich. Thinly sliced ham, on the other hand, will allow the flavours of the other ingredients to shine through.

When making a sandwich with basil ham, it's important to consider the type of cheese you'll use. Many different cheeses pair well with basil ham, including Swiss, Gruyere, Red Leicester, and cheddar. If you want to stick with a classic, go for cheddar. Its sharpness will balance out the saltiness and sweetness of the ham. But if you're feeling adventurous, try Swiss, Red Leicester, or Gruyere.

The type of bread you use is also important. A good option is wholemeal seeded bread, as the extra texture and flavour will complement the simplicity of the basil ham and cheese. If you're looking for something with a bit more crunch, you could go for a baguette, ciabatta roll, or sourdough bread.

When assembling your sandwich, consider adding a spread. Butter and mayonnaise are both popular options, and some people even like to mix the two. If you're looking for something with a bit more kick, you could try a mustard spread, such as Dijon or wholegrain. Just be sure to use a thin layer so that it doesn't overpower the other flavours.

Finally, don't be afraid to get creative with your toppings. Fresh vegetables like tomatoes, green peppers, and avocado can add a burst of flavour and texture. If you're looking for something more savoury, try condiments like spicy mustard, mayonnaise, honey mustard, or horseradish. Pickles and black olives are also great options for adding a tangy twist to your sandwich.

Try a basil ham sandwich with mayonnaise, mustard, or both

Basil ham sandwiches are a versatile meal that can be made with a variety of condiments and cheeses. If you're looking to make a basil ham sandwich with mayonnaise, mustard, or both, here are some ideas to get you started:

Choosing the Right Bread

The type of bread you use can make a big difference in the taste and texture of your sandwich. For a basil ham sandwich, consider using a crusty sub roll, baguette, ciabatta roll, sourdough bread, or a type of seeded bread.

The Perfect Cheese

When it comes to cheese, the options are endless. A classic option for a ham sandwich is cheddar, specifically mature cheddar, which will add sharpness and balance out the saltiness of the ham. Other cheeses that pair well with basil ham include Swiss cheese, Gruyere, Red Leicester, provolone, mozzarella, and American cheese. If you're feeling adventurous, you could also try Alpine cheese, goat cheese, pepper jack, or spicy havarti.

Condiments: Mayonnaise and Mustard

Now, let's talk about the stars of the show—mayonnaise and mustard. For the best flavour distribution, spread your chosen condiment on both slices of bread. If you're using mayonnaise, consider making a quick aioli by mixing it with crushed Calabrian chili peppers and honey. This will add a creamy texture and a hint of sweetness to your sandwich. If you're a mustard lover, go for a thin layer of dijon mustard, or mix it with apricot preserves for a touch of sweetness.

Assembling the Sandwich

Start by spreading your chosen condiments on the bread. If you're using mayonnaise and mustard, you can either mix them together or spread them on separate slices of bread. Then, layer on the cheese, followed by the basil ham. If you have access to a deli counter, ask for the ham to be sliced as thinly as possible to ensure it doesn't overpower the other ingredients. Finally, add any desired toppings, such as crispy romaine lettuce, tomato slices, or pickles.

Toasting the Sandwich

If you prefer your sandwiches warm, you can easily turn your basil ham sandwich into a toasty treat. Simply spread butter on the outside of the sandwich and cook it in a panini press, cast-iron skillet, or frying pan over medium heat until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted. Alternatively, you can bake it in the oven or use a toastie machine.

Toasted basil ham and cheese sandwiches are a tasty alternative

When making toasted basil ham and cheese sandwiches, it is important to consider the type of bread, cheese, and additional toppings to create a delicious combination. For the bread, a crusty, artisanal loaf such as sourdough or ciabatta can add a nice texture. However, simpler options like whole wheat or white bread also work well.

For the cheese, a classic choice would be Swiss cheese, specifically Gruyère, which melts beautifully and has a slightly sweet and nutty flavour. Other options include sharp cheddar, provolone, mozzarella, or American cheese. To add a tangy twist, consider using pepper jack or spicy havarti.

When assembling the sandwich, butter or mayonnaise can be spread on the outside of the bread for that golden, crispy crust. On the inside, a thin layer of dijon mustard can provide a subtle background flavour without overwhelming the other ingredients.

To enhance the flavour of the basil ham, consider using thin slices, as this allows the salty ham to be more evenly distributed and prevents any overpowering bites. Adding a pinch of cracked black pepper can also boost the overall taste.

When cooking the sandwich, it is best to use medium-low heat to ensure the bread is toasted to a golden brown, and the cheese is melted to perfection. Covering the pan while cooking can also help trap the heat and speed up the melting process.

Toasted basil ham and cheese sandwiches are a delightful option for those seeking a warm and indulgent meal. With endless combinations of bread, cheese, and toppings, this sandwich can be tailored to satisfy any craving. So, fire up that skillet and get creative with your next toasted basil ham and cheese sandwich!

Try adding toppings like avocado, banana peppers, or pickles to your basil ham and cheese sandwich

Adding different toppings to your basil ham and cheese sandwich is a great way to experiment with new flavours and textures. Here are some ideas to try:

Avocado

Avocado is a delicious and creamy addition to any sandwich. For a simple approach, try spreading some avocado onto your sandwich alongside basil, ham, and cheese. Alternatively, you could make a California Avocado ham sandwich by combining thin-sliced ham, grilled onions, Monterey Jack cheese, and fresh avocado on sourdough bread with whole-grain mustard. This sandwich is best served hot, with the cheese melted.

Banana Peppers

If you're looking for something spicy, banana peppers are a great choice. Try making a grilled cheese sandwich with garlic butter, mozzarella cheese, bacon bits, and banana pepper rings. This combination of flavours and textures is sure to be a treat for your taste buds!

Pickles

Pickles are a classic sandwich topping and go well with a variety of ingredients. For a simple yet tasty sandwich, try combining honey roast ham, mature cheddar cheese, and Branston Original Pickle on white farmhouse bread. You could also add some spinach for an extra nutritional boost.

Other Topping Ideas

There are endless possibilities when it comes to sandwich toppings. Here are some other ideas to try with your basil ham and cheese sandwich:

• Spinach
• Arugula
• Tomatoes
• Roasted peppers
• Chopped olives
• Artichokes
• Salsa
• Mayo

Frequently asked questions