The Perfect Cheeses To Pair With Honey Ham

Honey ham is a versatile ingredient that can be paired with a variety of cheeses to create delicious sandwiches, appetizers, and more. From the classic cheddar, Swiss, and Emmentaler trio to more adventurous combinations like Havarti, Camembert, and Fontina, the salty-sweet flavour of honey ham provides a perfect base to experiment with different cheeses. Whether you're looking for a simple grilled cheese or an elaborate gourmet sandwich, the right cheese pairing can elevate your honey ham creation to the next level.

Honey ham and cheese sandwich combinations

Honey ham and cheese is a classic sandwich combination, but there are endless ways to elevate this simple sandwich and transform it into a gourmet experience. Here are some mouth-watering honey ham and cheese sandwich combinations to try:

The Classic

Honey ham pairs well with the tried-and-true cheeses of Swiss, cheddar, and provolone. This combination is reliable and satisfying, but if you're looking for something a little more adventurous, there are plenty of other options to explore.

Extra Sharp Cheddar

For a more opulent take on the classic, opt for extra sharp cheddar. Its rich, tangy notes and crumbly texture create a perfect contrast with the sweet and salty dimensions of honey ham. Take this sandwich to the next level by adding apple slices and a generous squirt of mustard. For an even more indulgent twist, layer on some fig slices and peppery arugula.

Smoked Gouda

Buttery, nutty, and smooth, smoked Gouda is a cheese that will truly enhance your honey ham sandwich. The subtle smokiness of this cheese adds a flavour reminiscent of bacon, intertwining effortlessly with the savoury essence of the ham. Create a culinary delight by layering smoked Gouda with ham, baby spinach leaves, and honey mustard on crusty artisan bread. For a fancier option, pair smoked Gouda with ham, frisée, and caramelized onions on country white or sourdough bread.

Havarti

Havarti, a creamy, semi-soft cheese from Denmark, will elevate your honey ham sandwich into a gourmet experience. Young Havarti tends to be bland, but after three months, it matures into a tangy, slightly acidic masterpiece with hints of hazelnut. This sweet tanginess makes Havarti an ideal partner for honey ham. Try topping Hawaiian rolls with ham, Havarti, and mayonnaise, and cover with a sauce made of mustard, onion, poppy seeds, and Worcestershire sauce before baking. For a more traditional grilled cheese sandwich, slather homemade focaccia bread with apricot jam and honey, then layer on Havarti and ham before grilling to perfection.

Brie

Originating from northern France, Brie is a soft, creamy cheese with a mild, nutty flavour and a characteristic bloomy rind. The combination of Brie and honey ham creates a satisfying contrast between the chewy fleshiness of the ham and the velvety texture of the cheese. For an unforgettable sandwich, add slices of Granny Smith apple, a handful of arugula, and mustard aioli to a baguette. Alternatively, indulge in the timeless combination of Brie, pear, honey mustard, and salted butter, transporting your taste buds to a charming Parisian cafe.

Red Leicester

Hailing from Leicestershire, England, Red Leicester is a distinctive cheese with a deep russet-red hue. Its texture is flaky and moist, and it offers a mild nutty flavour that caramelizes as it ages. Red Leicester's savory, nutty notes align perfectly with the saltiness of honey ham, creating a flavour profile that's sure to excite your taste buds. Layer this cheese on a rustic roll or incorporate it into a grilled panini, and consider adding caramelized onions, pickles, or a mild mustard for an enhanced flavour experience.

Pepper Jack

If you're craving a spicy kick, pepper jack cheese is the ideal choice for your honey ham sandwich. The infusion of spicy jalapeño bits within the cheese adds heat to your sandwich while complementing the saltiness of the ham. For a refreshing contrast to the pepper jack's spice, add crisp lettuce, succulent tomato, and creamy avocado to your creation. Opt for a sturdy bread like ciabatta or a rustic loaf to stand up to the bold flavours in this sandwich.

Best cheese for a honey ham sandwich

Honey ham sandwiches are a delicious treat, and there are many types of cheese that can take them to the next level. Here are some options to consider, along with serving suggestions and tips to elevate your sandwich-making game.

Extra Sharp Cheddar

Extra sharp cheddar is a classic choice for a ham sandwich, and its tangy, rich flavour and crumbly texture pair beautifully with the sweet and salty notes of honey ham. To elevate this combination, consider adding some fruitiness to the sandwich. Apple slices, fig slices, and peppery arugula can all complement the flavours of the cheese and ham. A generous squirt of mustard can also enhance the overall taste experience.

Smoked Gouda

Buttery, nutty, and smooth, smoked gouda is a delightful choice for a honey ham sandwich. The subtle smokiness of the cheese adds a flavour reminiscent of bacon, creating an irresistible combination. For a delectable option, layer smoked gouda with ham, baby spinach leaves, and honey mustard on crusty artisan bread. For a fancier twist, pair smoked gouda with ham, frisée, and caramelized onions on country white or sourdough bread.

Havarti

Havarti, a creamy, semi-soft cheese from Denmark, will elevate your honey ham sandwich into a gourmet experience. Young Havarti tends to be bland, but with maturation, it develops a tangy, slightly acidic flavour with hints of hazelnut. This sweet tanginess makes Havarti an ideal match for honey ham. For a unique sandwich, try topping Hawaiian rolls with ham, Havarti, and mayonnaise, and then bake them with a sauce made of mustard, onion, poppy seeds, and Worcestershire sauce. Alternatively, spread apricot jam and honey on homemade focaccia bread, layer with Havarti and ham, and grill until the cheese melts.

Brie

Brie, a soft, creamy cheese from northern France, is another excellent choice for a honey ham sandwich. Its mild, nutty flavour and characteristic bloomy rind give Brie a distinctive mushroomy essence. The velvety texture of Brie creates a satisfying contrast with the chewy texture of the ham. To create an unforgettable sandwich, add slices of Granny Smith apple, arugula, and mustard aioli to a baguette. Alternatively, indulge in the classic combination of Brie, pear, honey mustard, and salted butter, transporting your taste buds to a charming Parisian café. For an extra touch of decadence, grill the sandwich until the bread is golden brown and the Brie oozes from the sides.

Other Notable Mentions

While the above cheeses shine with honey ham, there are several other varieties worth considering:

• Roquefort: This French blue cheese has bold, tangy, and slightly spicy flavours that complement the saltiness of ham. Its creamy, moist rind and crumbly interior provide a unique texture combination that enhances the overall mouthfeel.
• Gruyère: This Swiss cheese is a classic choice for ham and cheese sandwiches, known for its subtle flavour and creamy texture. It melts exceptionally well, making it ideal for paninis.
• Comté: With its nutty, earthy, and fruity notes, Comté pairs beautifully with honey ham. Its melting capacity adds a creamy dimension to the sandwich, making it perfect for paninis.
• Red Leicester: This English cheese has a distinctive deep russet-red hue and a flaky, moist texture. Its nutty flavour and crumbly texture make it a luxurious addition to a honey ham sandwich.
• Camembert: This French cheese has a high butterfat content, a bloomy rind, and a runny texture, making it an ideal choice for a touch of luxury. Its earthy and tangy flavours complement the salty depth of the ham.
• Emmental: This Swiss cheese is aged for at least four months, giving it more pronounced nutty and fruity flavours that pair well with salty ham. Its large holes add visual appeal to the sandwich.
• Fontina: This Italian semi-hard cow's milk cheese has a flavour profile ranging from mild and nutty to robust and mushroomy. It complements the smokiness of ham beautifully, creating a lasting taste experience.

Best bread for a honey ham and cheese sandwich

When making a honey ham and cheese sandwich, the type of bread you use is important. While some people prefer a simple sandwich with white bread, others may opt for a more artisanal loaf or a croissant. Here are some options to consider:

Artisan Bread or Sourdough

Artisan or sourdough bread can take your sandwich to the next level. The slight tang of sourdough pairs well with the sweetness of honey ham, creating a delightful contrast of flavours. It also has a chewy texture that adds a satisfying bite to your sandwich.

Seeded Bread

Seeded bread, such as wholemeal or multi-grain, can add texture and flavour to your sandwich. The seeds provide a crunchy bite and a nutty taste that complements the salty-sweet combination of honey ham and cheese.

Potato Bread

Potato bread is a soft and fluffy option that can be a delicious choice for your sandwich. It has a mild flavour that won't overpower the other ingredients, while its texture can provide a nice contrast to the ham and cheese.

Croissant

For a more indulgent option, consider using a croissant as your bread. The flaky, buttery layers of a croissant add a rich and crispy texture to your sandwich. It's a perfect choice if you're looking for something a little more special.

Brioche

Brioche bread has a rich, buttery flavour and a soft, fluffy texture. It can add a touch of sweetness and a delicate texture to your sandwich, creating a truly indulgent eating experience.

When crafting your honey ham and cheese sandwich, feel free to experiment with different types of bread to find the perfect combination that suits your taste preferences. You can also try toasting the bread for a crispy texture or grilling your sandwich to melt the cheese for a warm and comforting meal.

Best cheese to serve with spiral-cut honey ham

Spiral-cut honey ham is a delicious dish, and there are several types of cheese that can elevate it to the next level. Here are some options to consider:

Cheddar

Cheddar is a classic choice for honey ham, and for good reason. A sharp cheddar with a bold, tangy flavour and a crumbly texture can provide a nice contrast to the sweet and salty ham. Look for a high-quality cheddar, as the colour and taste can differ significantly from the more "pedestrian" variety.

Swiss

Swiss cheese is another popular option that pairs well with honey ham. It has a subtle flavour and a semi-soft texture, making it a reliable choice for sandwiches. Swiss cheese is also known for its excellent melting capabilities, so it's a great option if you're looking to create a warm, gooey dish.

Brie

If you're looking for something a little more indulgent, Brie is a soft, creamy cheese that can add a touch of luxury to your honey ham. Hailing from France, Brie has a mild, nutty flavour and a distinctive bloomy rind. Its velvety texture creates a satisfying contrast with the chewy ham, and its slight earthiness adds a sophisticated depth of flavour without overpowering the meat.

Havarti

Havarti is a semi-soft cheese that originates from Denmark. It has a springy texture and a mild, tangy flavour with hints of hazelnut. This sweet tanginess makes it an excellent partner for honey ham. Havarti is also known for its exceptional melting qualities, so it's a great choice for grilled cheese sandwiches.

Gouda

Gouda is a Dutch cheese with a buttery, nutty, and smooth flavour. What sets it apart is its subtle smokiness, reminiscent of bacon. This smoky flavour pairs incredibly well with honey ham, creating an irresistible combination. Gouda also melts beautifully, making it ideal for toasted sandwiches.

Pepper Jack

For those who like a little spice, pepper jack cheese is an excellent choice. The addition of jalapeño bits gives this cheese a fiery kick that complements the saltiness of the ham. Pepper jack has a melt-in-your-mouth texture, making it perfect for grilled or toasted sandwiches.

When choosing the best cheese to serve with spiral-cut honey ham, consider your personal preferences and the specific flavours you want to highlight. Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese and create your own perfect pairing!

Honey ham and cheese grilled sandwich recipes

Ingredients

There are many different ingredients you can use to make a grilled honey ham and cheese sandwich. Here are some ideas for the bread, cheese, and toppings:

• Bread: Artisan or sourdough bread, a croissant, or potato bread.
• Cheese: Swiss cheese, Gruyère, sharp cheddar, provolone, pepper jack, or havarti.
• Toppings: Honey mustard, apricot preserves, Dijon mustard, or sliced tomatoes.

Recipe

Once you have gathered your ingredients, follow these steps to make your grilled sandwich:

• Prep step: Bring the cheese to room temperature about 10 minutes before making the sandwich. This will help it melt more evenly.
• Step one: Cut and butter two slices of bread. This will be the bottom layer of the sandwich.
• Step two: Layer the ingredients, starting with the cheese, followed by the ham, and then more cheese. You can also add toppings like sliced tomatoes or spread honey mustard on the bread.
• Step three: Place the other slice of bread on top, buttered side up.
• Step four: Heat a skillet to medium-low heat and place the sandwich in the pan. Grill the sandwich slowly to ensure the cheese melts and the bread becomes golden brown.
• Step five: After a few minutes, carefully flip the sandwich and grill the other side. You can also cover the pan to help trap the heat and melt the cheese.
• Step six: Once the sandwich is grilled to your liking, remove it from the pan and let it settle for a minute or two before slicing and serving.

Variations

• Inside-Out Grilled Ham and Cheese: Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese on the outside of the buttered bread before grilling. This creates a super crispy, cheesy crust.
• Grilled Ham and Cheese with Honey Mustard Sauce: Make a simple honey mustard sauce by combining yellow mustard, Dijon mustard, mayonnaise, and hot sauce (optional). Spread a thin layer of the sauce on the insides of the bread before layering the cheese and ham. Serve the sandwich with extra sauce on the side for dipping.
• Honey Ham and Cheese with Fruit: Try adding some sliced apples or figs to your sandwich, along with a generous squirt of mustard. You can also spread honey mustard on your bread and layer the ham and cheese with frisée and caramelized onions.

Frequently asked questions