Black Forest Ham's Perfect Cheesy Pairings

Black Forest ham is a type of ham that is marinated in a mix of spices and herbs, including cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg, giving it a distinctive sweet flavour. It is often paired with cheese in sandwiches or pasta dishes, but with so many cheeses to choose from, which is the best match?

Swiss cheese

For example, Swiss cheese can be used in sandwiches with Black Forest ham and vegetables. It can also be melted on top of the ham and served on a pretzel bun with shredded lettuce, sliced tomatoes, and honey mustard dressing. This combination of Swiss cheese and Black Forest ham is a classic pairing that is both delicious and nutritious.

When choosing Swiss cheese to pair with Black Forest ham, consider the type of dish you are preparing and select a cheese with a flavour and consistency that will complement the other ingredients. For instance, if you are making a grilled cheese sandwich, you might prefer a Swiss cheese that is more creamy and meltable, while for a salad or pasta dish, a firmer variety may be preferable.

Additionally, consider the quality and freshness of the Swiss cheese to ensure the best flavour and texture. It is also important to store the cheese properly to maintain its quality. When stored properly, Swiss cheese can be a delicious and nutritious addition to your meals.

In conclusion, Swiss cheese is an excellent choice to pair with Black Forest ham due to its versatility, flavour, and texture. Its ability to enhance the flavour of the ham while also providing a nutritious component to the dish makes it a popular and tasty option for sandwiches, salads, or pasta dishes.

Gruyère cheese

Gruyère is a popular choice to pair with Black Forest ham, a type of ham that is marinated in a special mix of spices and herbs, including cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg, and is known for its sweetness. The saltiness of Gruyère cheese complements the sweetness of the ham.

Gruyère has a strong aroma and flavour, which pairs well with the Black Forest ham. It is a good melting cheese, making it suitable for grilled cheese sandwiches. When fully aged (cured for five months to a year), Gruyère tends to have small cracks that impart a slightly grainy texture. The cheese is sweet but slightly salty, with a flavour that varies with age. When young, it is often described as creamy and nutty, becoming more earthy and complex as it matures.

A popular way to enjoy Black Forest ham and Gruyère cheese is in a sandwich. La Brea Bakery offers a Black Forest ham and Gruyère sandwich that includes sliced red onion, Dijon mustard, and mayonnaise, served on a ciabatta roll.

Cheddar cheese

A grilled cheese sandwich with Black Forest ham is a popular choice. One recipe suggests using sliced sourdough bread, sharp white cheddar with habanero, mashed avocado, dijon mustard, red onion, pepperoncinis, and romaine lettuce. The avocado is a healthier alternative to mayonnaise, and the pepperoncinis add a kick of heat. Another option is to use a pretzel bun, which adds flavour and texture to the sandwich.

Cheddar also works well with Black Forest ham in other dishes, such as a loaded grilled cheese sandwich with bacon, sliced tomatoes, avocado, red onion, pepperoncinis, and lettuce. This sandwich can be served with tomato soup, broccoli cheddar soup, or a Caesar salad.

Parmesan cheese

Parmesan is typically served with pasta and baked dishes, and it goes well with the ham when melted. For example, you could make Black Forest Ham and Parmesan Palmiers, which also feature puff pastry, Dijon mustard, and Gruyere cheese.

If you're making a sandwich, you could try adding some fried egg, avocado, and citrus salad, or even some raspberry jam to complement the Parmesan and ham.

Parmesan is a good choice for a Black Forest ham pairing, as it is strong enough to stand up to the unique flavour of the ham without being overpowered.

Provolone cheese

To make a delicious Black Forest ham sandwich, spread mayonnaise on a hoagie roll, then layer on slices of Black Forest ham, creating folds in the meat instead of laying it flat. Next, add two slices of provolone cheese, followed by iceberg lettuce, sliced tomatoes, and pepperoncinis. Season with salt and pepper, then put on the top piece of bread. You can also spread mustard on the bread or add dijon mustard for extra flavour.

So, if you're looking for a cheese to pair with Black Forest ham, provolone is a fantastic option that will result in a tasty sandwich or slider.

Frequently asked questions