Frederic Melton
The 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 the sandwich, and while cheddar is the most classic option, there are many other varieties that can elevate your sandwich. Whether you're making a cold sandwich or a grilled toastie, the cheese you choose can add a touch of luxury, a dash of excitement, or a comforting melt-in-your-mouth experience.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cheese | Cheddar, Swiss, Gruyere, Red Leicester, Provolone, American, Mozzarella, Goat Cheese, Havarti, Brie, Camembert, Smoked Gouda |
| Condiments | Butter, Mayo, Mustard, Olive Oil |
| Bread | Wholemeal Seeded, White, Sourdough, Ciabatta, Brioche Bun, Baguette, Croissant, Whole Grain |
| Add-ons | Lettuce, Tomatoes, Onions, Black Pepper, Salt, Spinach, Arugula, Roasted Peppers, Olives, Artichokes, Salsa, Pickles, Pineapple Slices |
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What You'll Learn
Classic cheddar, provolone, and Swiss
The classic trio of cheddar, provolone, and Swiss are all excellent choices for a ham sandwich. Each has its own distinct qualities that complement the ham in a slightly different way.
Cheddar is the most classic option for a ham and cheese sandwich. A mature or extra sharp cheddar will add a bold, tangy flavour that balances out the saltiness and sweetness of the ham. It's best shaved, sliced, or grated to ensure even coverage and to prevent it from falling out of the sandwich.
Provolone is a popular choice for those who want something a little different from cheddar. It's best sliced thin and fresh, as this is the only way to do it in some people's opinion. It also melts nicely, making it a good option for a hot ham and cheese sandwich.
Swiss cheese is another classic choice for a ham sandwich. It has a tangy, savoury flavour and a melt-in-your-mouth texture that pairs well with the ham. It can be shaved, sliced, or grated, and is a good option for those who want a sandwich that's both hot and melty or cold.
When making a ham and cheese sandwich with any of these cheeses, you can add butter, mayonnaise, mustard, and/or pickles to taste. Some people also like to add vegetables like lettuce, tomatoes, and onions, or even fruit like apples or figs. The type of bread is also important—a sturdy bread like sourdough, ciabatta, or a baguette will hold up well to the cheese and ham, and toasting or grilling it can add a nice crunch.
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Toastie with American or mozzarella
A ham and cheese sandwich is a classic, and there are many different cheeses that work well with ham, including Gruyere, Swiss, Red Leicester, and cheddar. Cheddar is the most classic option, and a mature cheddar can add flavour and balance out the saltiness and sweetness of the ham.
If you're making a toastie, you might want to opt for a cheese that melts well, such as American cheese or mozzarella. American cheese is a popular choice for grilled cheese sandwiches, and it melts nicely. It can be paired with another cheese to add flavour, such as vintage cheddar or Gruyere. Mozzarella is also a good option for toasties because of its stretchiness and non-greasy melting qualities. It can be paired with a flavoured cheese, as it has a very mild flavour.
When making a ham and cheese toastie, you can spread butter or mayonnaise on the outside of the sandwich and add it to a non-stick pan over medium heat. Fry both sides until crisp, with the cheese melted in the centre. You can also use a toastie machine or a sandwich toaster.
For the bread, a sturdy option like sourdough, ciabatta, or a brioche bun holds up well to melting cheese and juicy ham. If you want to add some vegetables to your toastie, shredded lettuce, sliced tomatoes, and pickles are good options.
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Extras: mustard, mayo, pickles, or tomatoes
When it comes to extras, you can add a variety of condiments and vegetables to enhance the flavour of your ham and cheese sandwich. Here are some ideas for extras, including mustard, mayo, pickles, and tomatoes:
Mustard
A thin layer of mustard can add a tangy kick to your sandwich. Dijon mustard is a popular choice, but you can also experiment with other varieties like English or wholegrain mustard. Just be careful not to overpower the other ingredients.
Mayo
Mayonnaise is a classic condiment for sandwiches, and it pairs well with both ham and cheese. You can spread it on the inside of the bread or, for a toasted sandwich, spread it on the outside to get a crispy, golden crust.
Pickles
Pickles, especially sweet pickles, can add a crunchy and tangy contrast to the sandwich. For a grilled ham and cheese sandwich, try adding 3-4 pickles along with the ham and cheese.
Tomatoes
Fresh, ripe tomatoes can add a juicy twist to your sandwich. For a grilled option, try a combination of tomatoes, shredded cheese, and ham between slices of toasted sourdough bread.
Feel free to mix and match these extras to create your perfect ham and cheese sandwich. You can also experiment with other vegetables like lettuce, onions, and peppers to add more texture and flavour.
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For luxury: smoked Gouda, Camembert, or extra sharp cheddar
If you're looking to elevate your ham sandwich and indulge in a luxurious treat, consider using smoked Gouda, Camembert, or extra sharp cheddar. These cheeses offer a rich and indulgent experience that will take your sandwich to the next level.
Smoked Gouda, with its smoky flavour and creamy texture, pairs beautifully with the saltiness of ham. To make a mouthwatering Gouda and ham melt, spread a layer of mayonnaise on two slices of bread, and layer the cheese and ham on one slice. Top it off with the other slice, mayonnaise side down, and grill it to perfection. The key to this sandwich is using premium ingredients, such as good-quality bread, ham, and cheese.
For a truly decadent experience, Camembert is an excellent choice. This creamy, buttery cheese has a rich, earthy flavour that complements the savoury notes of ham. Camembert melts beautifully, creating a gooey and indulgent sandwich. To enhance the flavour, consider grilling your sandwich or adding a touch of butter or mayonnaise.
Extra sharp cheddar is a classic choice for a ham sandwich, and for a good reason. The sharpness of the cheddar balances out the saltiness and sweetness of the ham, creating a flavourful combination. Opt for a mature cheddar to pack in the most flavour. Shave, slice, or grate the cheese to your preferred texture, and consider adding a pinch of cracked black pepper and a thin spread of Dijon mustard to elevate your sandwich even further.
Whether you choose smoked Gouda, Camembert, or extra sharp cheddar, these luxurious cheeses will elevate your ham sandwich into something truly special. Indulge in the simple pleasure of a well-crafted sandwich and enjoy the perfect blend of flavours and textures that these cheeses offer.
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Bread: wholemeal, sourdough, ciabatta, or brioche
When it comes to bread, there are several options that pair well with ham and cheese. Here are some suggestions:
Wholemeal Bread
Wholemeal seeded bread is a popular choice for ham and cheese sandwiches. The extra texture and flavour from the seeds add interest to the sandwich. This type of bread can also hold up well to the weight of the fillings and provides a nice contrast to the smoothness of the cheese and ham.
Sourdough
Sourdough is another excellent option for ham and cheese sandwiches. It has a unique tangy flavour and a chewy texture that can add depth to the sandwich. Sourdough is a sturdy bread that can withstand the weight of the fillings and stands up well to melting cheese and juicy ham. Toasting or grilling sourdough can also add a nice crunch to the sandwich.
Ciabatta
Ciabatta is a type of Italian bread that is known for its airy texture and crisp crust. It makes a great choice for ham and cheese sandwiches as its light and fluffy interior can balance out the heartiness of the fillings. Ciabatta rolls can also be used for a more portable sandwich option.
Brioche
Brioche is a rich, buttery bread that can add a touch of sweetness to the ham and cheese sandwich. Its soft and fluffy texture can provide a nice contrast to the savouriness of the fillings. Brioche buns are also a good option, especially if you want a more compact sandwich.
Ultimately, the choice of bread depends on your personal preference and the specific cheeses and toppings you choose to include in your ham and cheese sandwich. Experimenting with different types of bread can be a fun way to find your favourite combination.
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Frequently asked questions
The best cheese for a ham sandwich depends on your personal preference. Some popular options include Swiss cheese, Gruyère, Red Leicester, cheddar, provolone, mozzarella, and Parmesan.
Most ham and cheese sandwiches use wholemeal seeded bread. However, you can also use white sandwich bread, 9-grain bread, sourdough, ciabatta, or a baguette.
Some people like to add vegetables to their ham and cheese sandwiches, such as lettuce, tomatoes, spinach, arugula, roasted peppers, olives, or pickles. You can also add condiments such as mayonnaise, mustard, or olive oil.
That is up to you! You can make a ham and cheese sandwich cold, grilled, or toasted.
