Kamil Perry
Ham and cheese is a classic combination, but which cheese pairs best with ham? There are several options, depending on your preferences. For a sandwich, Swiss cheese is a popular choice, with its salty, buttery flavour. Provolone, American cheese, mozzarella, and regular cheddar are also good options for a ham sandwich. However, if you want to elevate your sandwich, try extra sharp cheddar, which has a bolder flavour profile and a crunchier, crumblier texture. Smoked gouda is another excellent choice, with its subtle smokiness reminiscent of bacon. For a more gourmet experience, Havarti, with its creamy, semi-soft texture, is a great option. And if you're looking for a memorable sandwich, consider using Roquefort and adding slices of fig to your baguette or ciabatta.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cheese for a classic ham sandwich | Swiss cheese |
| Cheese for a ham sandwich with added depth of flavor | Smoked gouda |
| Cheese for a memorable ham sandwich | Roquefort |
| Cheese for a luxurious ham sandwich | Gruyère |
| Cheese for a creamy ham sandwich | Havarti |
| Cheese for a ham sandwich with a crunchier and crumblier texture | Extra sharp cheddar |
| Cheese for a warm and melty ham sandwich | Provolone |
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What You'll Learn
Swiss cheese is a classic pairing
A popular way to enjoy this pairing is in a sandwich. A simple yet delicious option is a ham and Swiss sandwich on a pretzel roll or pretzel bun. The salty pretzel flavour adds a unique twist to the classic combination. For a more indulgent take, try a grilled Swiss cheese and ham sandwich on sourdough, with the addition of pineapple slices and a dipping sauce made of equal parts mayonnaise and mustard.
For a more substantial meal, Swiss cheese and ham can be combined in a variety of dishes. One option is to create a "flight" of several cheeses, served as a separate course before dessert. This allows for the exploration of different varieties of Swiss cheese, each with its own unique characteristics. Another option is to incorporate Swiss cheese into a baked dish, such as macaroni and cheese, and serve it alongside ham.
When it comes to selecting the perfect Swiss cheese for your pairing, consider the younger, milder varieties. These cheeses have a subtler flavour that won't overpower the ham. Look for a cheese with a smooth, buttery texture and small irregular openings known as "eyes." This type of Swiss cheese will complement the ham without overwhelming its delicate flavour profile.
Swiss cheese and ham is a timeless combination that offers a delightful interplay of flavours and textures. By experimenting with different serving styles and varieties of Swiss cheese, you can create a range of enjoyable dining experiences, from casual sandwiches to more sophisticated cheese flights or baked dishes.
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Cheddar, especially extra sharp, is a tasty alternative
While Swiss cheese is a classic pairing with ham, and smoked gouda and havarti are also popular choices, cheddar, especially extra sharp, is a tasty alternative.
Cheddar cheese is a trusty companion to ham, with its creamy texture and mild flavour. However, extra sharp cheddar, which has been aged for up to two years, takes on a bolder flavour profile, with rich, tangy notes and a crunchier, crumblier texture. This makes it a perfect counterpoint to the sweet and salty dimensions of ham. The flavours of aged cheddar are particularly enhanced by pairing the sandwich with a fruity side, such as apple slices, or a fruity wine.
Extra sharp cheddar is also a good choice for a grilled cheese sandwich, as it melts well and holds the sandwich together. The tanginess of the cheese also helps to cut through the fattiness of the ham.
When choosing a cheddar for your ham sandwich, it's important to select a block of cheese and slice it thinly, to ensure the best flavour and texture. This will also help to ensure the cheese melts evenly if you're grilling the sandwich.
So, while Swiss cheese may be the traditional choice for a ham sandwich, don't be afraid to branch out and try something new – extra sharp cheddar could be the perfect way to add a crunchy, tangy twist to your favourite ham sandwich recipe.
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Smoked gouda adds depth of flavour
When it comes to cheese, ham's best friend is often considered to be Swiss cheese. The salty, savoury notes of ham are complemented by Swiss cheese's creamy, buttery texture and slightly earthy flavour. However, smoked gouda adds depth of flavour.
Buttery, nutty, and smooth, smoked gouda is a cheese that will truly transform your ham sandwich. The smooth, buttery notes are already a winning combination, but what truly sets this cheese apart is its subtle smokiness — a flavour reminiscent of the irresistible allure of bacon. The smokiness of the cheese intertwines with the savoury essence of the ham, creating an irresistible sandwich combination.
For a simple yet effective sandwich, layer slices of smoked gouda with ham, baby spinach leaves, and a generous squirt of honey mustard on crusty artisan bread. For a more complex flavour profile, try matching smoked gouda with ham, frisée, and caramelized onions. The sweetness of the caramelized onions will complement the smokiness of the cheese, while the frisée adds a touch of bitterness to cut through the richness of the other ingredients.
If you're looking for a more indulgent option, consider using extra sharp cheddar. During its maturation process, extra sharp cheddar develops rich, tangy notes and a crunchier, crumblier texture thanks to the formation of calcium lactate crystals. These flavours and textures are the perfect counterpoint to the sweet and salty dimensions of ham. When pairing extra sharp cheddar with ham, consider adding a fruity element such as apple slices or a drizzle of honey to elevate the flavours even further.
When crafting your ham and cheese sandwich, don't forget the importance of bread and toppings. Sourdough, baguette, and ciabatta are all popular choices for bread, providing a crunchy exterior and a soft interior. To take your sandwich to the next level, consider toasting the bread lightly in a buttered frying pan to achieve the perfect balance of crunch and melt. In terms of toppings, pickles, romaine lettuce, tomatoes, and mustard are all classic choices that will enhance the flavours of the ham and cheese.
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Blue-veined cheeses like Roquefort are excellent with ham
Roquefort is a memorable pairing with ham, and the addition of a few slices of fig to a baguette or ciabatta can help to counterbalance the robust flavours of the other ingredients, infusing your sandwich with a touch of freshness.
Blue-veined cheeses are not the only option for those looking to pair cheese with ham. Swiss cheese is a classic pairing, and is often used in a ham and Swiss sandwich, or a ham and Swiss pretzel roll. For those who are feeling more adventurous, smoked gouda, cheddar, and Gruyère are also excellent pairings with ham.
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For a melt, Havarti is a good choice
When it comes to crafting the perfect ham sandwich, there are endless delightful possibilities. For a melt, Havarti is a good choice. Originating from Denmark, Havarti is a creamy, semi-soft cheese poised to elevate your everyday ham sandwich into a gourmet experience. It is recognizable by its springy texture and small, irregular openings known as "eyes". While young Havarti tends to be a bit bland, its tiny holes provide a captivating textural dimension.
Havarti is a good choice for a melt because of its creamy and semi-soft texture. When melted, Havarti becomes even creamier, creating a rich and indulgent texture that complements the saltiness of ham. Its mild flavour also means it won't overpower the taste of the ham, allowing the ham's flavour to shine through.
To take your Havarti melt to the next level, consider adding some additional ingredients. For example, you could layer slices of Havarti with ham, baby spinach leaves, and a generous squirt of honey mustard on crusty artisan bread. The sweetness of the honey mustard will balance out the savouriness of the ham and cheese. Alternatively, try matching Havarti with ham, frisée, and caramelized onions on country white or sourdough bread. The caramelized onions will add a depth of flavour and a touch of sweetness to the sandwich.
When preparing your Havarti melt, it's important to consider the thickness of your cheese slices. Thinly sliced cheese will melt more easily and evenly, creating a smoother and more cohesive texture in your sandwich. Experiment with different types of bread and additional toppings to create a unique and mouthwatering Havarti melt.
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Frequently asked questions
A classic ham and cheese sandwich can be made with Swiss cheese, mustard, and pickles. For a more indulgent option, try layering smoked Gouda with ham, baby spinach leaves, and honey mustard on crusty bread. Other cheese options include cheddar, provolone, mozzarella, and American cheese.
It is important to use thinly sliced ham and cheese. The bread should also be of good quality, such as a baguette, ciabatta, or sourdough. To add flavour, season vegetables such as lettuce, tomatoes, and pickles with salt, pepper, and olive oil. Mayonnaise and mustard can also be spread on the bread to help the sandwich hold together.
Ham and cheese can be served as a separate course between the entrée and dessert, known as a "flight". This could include a variety of cheeses such as Swiss, French Brie, Roquefort, or Stilton. These cheeses pair well with sides such as caramelized onions or fig jam.
