The Perfect Cheese Pairing For Ham

There are many types of cheese that go well with ham, and the best option for you will depend on your personal preferences and the type of dish you are preparing. For a classic ham and cheese sandwich, cheddar is the most popular choice, but other options include Swiss, Gruyere, Red Leicester, provolone, mozzarella, and American cheese. If you're looking for something a little more indulgent, consider extra sharp cheddar, smoked Gouda, Havarti, Brie, Camembert, or blue cheese. For a glazed, spiral-cut ham, in addition to cheddar and Swiss, you could try goat cheese, Manchego, or Fontina.

Swiss cheese: its buttery, nutty richness and slight tartness offset the salty-sweetness of honey-glazed ham

Swiss cheese is a classic pairing with ham. Its buttery, nutty richness and slight tartness make it the perfect partner for a salty-sweet honey-glazed ham.

The original aged, semi-hard Emmentaler or young, buttery Baby Swiss are the most common Swiss cheeses. Both have a buttery, nutty flavour and slight tartness that offsets the salty-sweetness of the ham. The sharpness of Swiss cheese also helps to balance the saltiness and sweetness of the ham.

Swiss cheese is a very meltable cheese, which makes it ideal for grilled cheese sandwiches or quiches. Its smooth, creamy texture when melted ensures the cheese doesn't lose its flavour. This makes it an excellent choice for a ham toastie or grilled sandwich, where the cheese can envelop the ham, enhancing its taste and creating a harmonious blend of flavours.

The classic ham and Swiss sandwich is a tried and tested combination, but there are many variations to keep things interesting. For example, try a ham and Swiss on a pretzel roll or pretzel bun. The salty pretzel flavour adds a unique twist to the classic combination. Or, for a more indulgent option, try a hot sandwich with brioche, Swiss cheese and black forest ham.

For a lighter option, a ham and Swiss works well on a crusty baguette or in a wrap with some spinach leaves and honey mustard. Swiss cheese also works well with pineapple, so you could add some tropical fruit to your sandwich for a sweet and savoury flavour combination.

Cheddar: the sharpness of cheddar cuts through the sweetness of the ham's glaze

Cheddar is the classic choice for a ham and cheese sandwich, and for good reason. The sharpness of cheddar cuts through the sweetness of the ham's glaze, creating a flavourful contrast. The saltiness of the ham is also balanced by the sharpness of the cheddar. For the best flavour, opt for a mature or extra sharp cheddar. Its strong, tangy notes will tantalize your taste buds and create a bold flavour profile.

When preparing a ham and cheddar sandwich, it is best to slice the cheese thinly. This can be done by shaving or grating the cheese. Thin slices will ensure the cheese doesn't fall out of the sandwich and will create a more even texture. In terms of bread, wholemeal seeded bread works well. The extra texture and flavour complement the simplicity of the sandwich.

For condiments, a combination of butter and mayonnaise is a popular choice, though some prefer just butter or just mayonnaise. A very thin spread of dijon mustard can also be added for a gentle background flavour. Finally, a pinch of cracked black pepper can enhance the sandwich's overall flavour.

If you're feeling adventurous, you can experiment with adding other ingredients such as lettuce, tomato, or onion. However, keeping it classic is usually the best option.

For a toasted sandwich, simply spread the butter or mayonnaise on the outside of the sandwich and fry in a pan until the bread is crisp and the cheese is melted. A toastie machine can also be used.

Gruyère: its nutty, slightly sweet flavour and earthiness contrast the saltiness and savouriness of the ham

When it comes to cheese, Gruyère is a perfect match for ham. Its nutty, slightly sweet flavour and hint of earthiness contrast the saltiness and savouriness of the meat. Hailing from the Swiss town of Gruyères, this semi-hard cheese is crafted from whole cow's milk and is distinguished by its modest scattering of small holes. Its texture is firm, and its complexion is a pale shade of yellow.

Younger Gruyère is known for its nutty notes, while older Gruyère takes on a more complex flavour profile as it ages. In both cases, the cheese's flavour profile enhances the richness of the ham without overwhelming it. Another advantage of Gruyère is its exceptional melting capability, attributable to its high water-to-oil ratio. This makes it ideal for dishes like grilled ham and cheese sandwiches or quiches, where the cheese can envelop the ham, enhancing its taste and creating a harmonious blend of flavours.

When it comes to a classic ham and cheese sandwich, the cheese can be shaved, sliced, or grated. Shaving the cheese with a peeler results in more even slices and reduces the likelihood of the cheese falling out of the sandwich. Gruyère is also an excellent choice for a grilled cheese sandwich or a toastie, as its melting properties allow it to become smooth and creamy without losing its flavour.

In addition to its versatility in sandwiches, Gruyère is a popular choice for dishes like chicken cordon bleu, fondue, French onion soup, and the classic French Croque Monsieur. Its ability to elevate ham and cheese pairings makes it an ideal ingredient for creating luxurious and indulgent flavour combinations.

Blue-veined cheeses: the pungency of these cheeses plays off the sweet flavours of the ham

Blue-veined cheeses, such as Roquefort, Stilton, or Gorgonzola, are excellent accompaniments to ham. These cheeses can range from soft and creamy to salty and crumbly, but all have a pungent bite that plays off the sweet flavours of the ham remarkably well. The pronounced, tangy flavour of blue-veined cheeses is a perfect counterpoint to the salty-sweet dimensions of ham. The saltiness of the ham is balanced by the creamy texture and slight earthiness of the blue-veined cheeses.

When serving blue-veined cheese with ham, it is recommended to opt for a creamy variety, as opposed to a salty one. This is because the creaminess of the cheese will complement the saltiness of the ham, creating a harmonious blend of flavours. Additionally, the pronounced flavour of blue-veined cheeses can stand up to the sweetness of a ham glaze, making them an ideal pairing.

For an extra touch of indulgence, consider drizzling a little honey over the blue-veined cheese. The sweetness of the honey will balance out the pungency of the cheese, creating a delightful contrast of flavours that will elevate your dining experience.

Whether served as a separate course or alongside the ham, blue-veined cheeses are an excellent choice to elevate your meal and create a sophisticated flavour profile.

Smoked gouda: the smokiness of the cheese is reminiscent of bacon, intertwining effortlessly with the savoury essence of ham

Smoked gouda is a superb choice of cheese to accompany ham. The smokiness of the cheese is reminiscent of bacon, intertwining effortlessly with the savoury essence of ham. The subtle smokiness of smoked gouda adds a depth of flavour to a ham sandwich, creating a legendary combination.

When crafting a smoked gouda and ham sandwich, there are endless possibilities. For instance, smoked gouda can be layered with ham, baby spinach leaves, and honey mustard on crusty artisan bread. Alternatively, smoked gouda can be paired with ham, frisée, and caramelised onions, and served on country white or sourdough bread. The sweet, savoury, and nutty flavours of this combination create a delightful culinary experience.

In addition to its flavour, smoked gouda is also a good melting cheese, making it ideal for grilled cheese sandwiches or paninis. Its smooth, buttery notes and smoky notes make it a unique and indulgent choice for a ham sandwich.

For a truly indulgent experience, consider adding a few extra toppings or ingredients to your sandwich. For example, a squirt of honey mustard or a smear of fig jam can enhance the flavours of the smoked gouda and ham. If you're feeling adventurous, try adding some fresh arugula or spinach leaves for a touch of peppery flavour.

When it comes to bread, crusty artisan bread, country white, or sourdough are all excellent choices to complement the flavours of smoked gouda and ham. However, don't be afraid to experiment with different types of bread to find your perfect combination.

Whether you're a grilled cheese enthusiast or a cold sandwich lover, smoked gouda and ham is a match made in heaven. The smokiness of the cheese elevates the savoury ham, creating a flavour profile that's simply irresistible.

Frequently asked questions