The Perfect Ham Sandwich: Cheesy Delights

A ham and cheese sandwich is a classic, and there are endless ways to make it your own. The cheese you choose can make or break this simple sandwich, so it's worth taking the time to select the right one. The most popular options are cheddar, Swiss, and provolone, but there are many other varieties to choose from. For instance, you could try Gruyère, Red Leicester, or Havarti. If you're feeling adventurous, why not experiment with extra sharp cheddar, smoked Gouda, or even pepper jack? Each cheese will bring its own unique flavour and texture to the sandwich, so the options are endless.

Extra sharp cheddar with apple slices and mustard

Extra sharp cheddar, apple slices, and mustard are a classic combination for a ham sandwich. The sharpness of the cheddar balances the saltiness and sweetness of the ham, while the apple slices add a sweet and tangy crunch. The mustard adds a gentle background flavour and a subtle kick.

To elevate your sandwich, try using a crisp type of apple, such as Honeycrisp, Gala, or Granny Smith. You can also add a drizzle of honey to your mustard for an even more extravagant twist.

For the bread, opt for a sturdy type such as artisan bread, sourdough, or a baguette. If you're feeling indulgent, try a crusty baguette or a soft sub roll.

When preparing your sandwich, remember to slice the cheese and apple thinly to ensure they complement the ham without overwhelming it. You can also try shaving the cheese with a peeler for more even slices.

Finally, if you're feeling adventurous, you can turn your sandwich into a toastie by spreading butter or mayonnaise on the outside and toasting it in a pan or toastie machine.

Now you're ready to create a luxurious and indulgent ham and cheese sandwich that's sure to impress!

Smoked gouda with honey mustard and baby spinach

Smoked gouda is a buttery, nutty, and smooth cheese that will truly transform your ham sandwich. The subtle smokiness of the cheese adds a flavour reminiscent of bacon, intertwining with the savoury essence of the ham to create an irresistible depth of flavour.

When crafting a ham and smoked gouda sandwich, one option is to layer slices of smoked gouda with ham, baby spinach leaves, and a generous amount of honey mustard on crusty artisan bread. This combination brings together sweet, savoury, and nutty flavours.

For a fancier option, smoked gouda can be matched with ham, frisée, and caramelized onions. This ensemble can be paired with country white or sourdough bread for a culinary delight.

To make a grilled version of this sandwich, butter can be spread on the outside of the bread, and the sandwich can be grilled in a pan or toasted in a sandwich maker until the cheese melts.

For a breakfast option, smoked gouda can be combined with deli ham, a fried egg, tomato, and arugula. This sandwich can be grilled in a pan, ensuring the cheese is melted and the bread is golden.

The key to a great ham and cheese sandwich is to use thin slices of ham and cheese, ensuring the perfect ratio of ingredients and allowing the flavours to intertwine.

Brie with arugula, apple slices and mustard aioli

A ham and cheese sandwich is a classic, and there are many types of cheese that work well with ham. However, if you're looking for something a little more luxurious, you might want to try a combination of Brie, arugula, apple slices, and mustard aioli. Here's how to make it:

Firstly, gather your ingredients. You'll need some prime fresh smoked ham, a French baguette, creamy Brie, garlic cloves, mayonnaise, mustard, honey, salt, and pepper. You'll also want to decide whether to include some apple slices—Granny Smith apples are a great choice—for a touch of sweetness to balance out the saltiness of the ham.

Start by slicing the Brie into 8 pieces and letting it sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes to soften. In a small bowl, make the mustard aioli by combining mayonnaise, mustard, honey, finely minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Whisk everything together and set it aside.

Cut the baguette in half, and then cut each half lengthwise. Spread the mustard aioli generously on the bottom half of the baguette. Layer on 4 slices of ham, allowing them to overlap. Add 4 pieces of Brie and season with salt and pepper, if desired. Top with arugula—about half a cup should be enough. Cover with the top half of the baguette. Repeat the process for the other half of the baguette, and your sandwich is ready to serve!

This sandwich is a delicious combination of flavours and textures. The creamy Brie and the salty ham are complemented by the peppery arugula and the tangy mustard aioli. The addition of apple slices adds a refreshing sweetness to the sandwich. This indulgent twist on a classic is sure to impress and satisfy your taste buds.

Gruyère with frisée and caramelized onions

Gruyère is a semi-hard, yellow Swiss cheese with a slightly nutty flavour and excellent melting capabilities. It is a classic choice for a ham sandwich, and its subtle flavour and creamy texture make it a perfect pairing with the salty, sweet, and savoury dimensions of ham.

For a luxurious sandwich, try combining Gruyère with frisée and caramelized onions. Frisée is a type of bitter green lettuce with a spiky leaf, and its texture and taste will complement the sweetness of the caramelized onions.

To make the caramelized onions, you will need:

• Butter
• Olive oil
• Onions
• Salt and pepper
• White wine vinegar or vinegar of your choice

Slice the onions thinly and cook them in butter and olive oil over medium heat for around 30-35 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent burning. You can add a little water if they start to burn. Once they have reached a deep golden brown colour, add the vinegar and stir for another minute or two. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

For the sandwich, you will need:

• Bread (sourdough or country white are good options)
• Gruyère cheese
• Frisée
• Optional: mustard, pickles

Spread butter on the bread slices and toast them lightly. If you like, spread a thin layer of mustard on the bread as well. Pile the Gruyère, frisée, and caramelized onions on top of the bread. Close the sandwich and grill it over low heat until the bread is toasted and the cheese is melted, which should take about 10 minutes. Serve immediately.

This sandwich is a delicious and indulgent option for lunch or a quick snack, and the combination of Gruyère, frisée, and caramelized onions is sure to impress.

Red Leicester with caramelized onions and mild mustard

Red Leicester is a distinctive, deep-russet-red cheese that hails from the heart of Leicestershire, England. Its unique colour is derived from the addition of annatto, a natural pigment from the seeds of the achiote tree in Central and South America. This colouring dates back to a time when a deep orange hue was revered as an indicator of high-quality, rich, creamy milk.

Red Leicester's texture is flaky and moist—a notable difference from cheddar cheese, which it is often confused with. Its flavour is nutty and mild, and it caramelises as it ages. These savoury, nutty notes pair beautifully with the saltiness of the ham, creating a balance of flavours that excite the taste buds. The crumbly texture adds an intriguing layer to the mouthfeel, enhancing the overall eating experience.

To elevate this sandwich, consider adding caramelised onions. Their sweet, savoury flavour will complement the nutty notes of the cheese, creating a symphony of flavours that will leave a lasting impression on your taste buds. A mild mustard can also be added to enhance the flavour profile and provide a gentle background taste.

When constructing the sandwich, it is recommended to use wholemeal seeded bread, which adds texture and flavour to the overall experience. For the cheese, shaving or grating it will ensure even slices and prevent it from falling out of the sandwich. A thin layer of Dijon mustard on one slice of bread, topped with a more liberal spread of mayonnaise, will provide the perfect balance of flavours. Finally, add wafer-thin slices of ham, folding them to create more height in the sandwich, and sprinkle with black pepper to taste.

For an indulgent twist, you can transform this sandwich into a grilled cheese by spreading butter or mayonnaise on the outside and frying it in a pan until the bread is crisp and the cheese is melted.

Frequently asked questions