Andy Montoya
Ham and cheese sandwiches are a classic, but which cheese should you use? There are several options, including Swiss cheese, Gruyère, cheddar, provolone, American cheese, mozzarella, and Parmesan. The best choice depends on your personal preference and the specific ingredients used in the sandwich. For example, Swiss cheese or Gruyère, which has a bold flavour and melts well, pairs well with the sweet and salty ham. Cheddar, especially a mature cheddar, can also work nicely, providing a sharp flavour that balances out the saltiness and sweetness of the ham. If you're looking for a melt, a creamy havarti could be a good option. It's important to consider the texture as well – thin slices of cheese are recommended for better melting and easier layering in the sandwich.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cheese type | Swiss cheese, Gruyère, Cheddar, Parmigiano-Reggiano, Provolone, Mozzarella, American cheese |
| Cheese texture | Thinly sliced, melts easily |
| Bread type | Whole grain, Whole wheat, Wholemeal seeded, Rustic round boule, Baguette, Ciabatta roll, Sourdough |
| Condiments | Mayonnaise, Mustard, Butter |
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What You'll Learn
Swiss cheese, Gruyère, and cheddar are popular choices
Swiss cheese is a classic choice to pair with ham. It has a bold flavour, so thin slices deliver a big impact, and it also melts well. Gruyère, a type of Swiss cheese, is an especially great melting cheese with a slightly sweet and nutty flavour that is typically stronger than other Swiss varieties. It has a bold flavour, so a little goes a long way.
Cheddar also works nicely in a ham and cheese sandwich, especially if purchased thinly sliced from a deli. If you're using a block of cheddar, try shaving it into thin slices with a peeler. A mature cheddar is recommended to pack in the flavour and balance out the saltiness and sweetness of the ham.
When making a ham and cheese sandwich, it's important to use cheese that melts easily, so dry, crumbly cheeses are not ideal. The most important feature to look for when choosing bread is slices with a flat surface area so that the bread will have direct contact with the skillet for even toasting.
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Thinly sliced cheese is best
When making a ham and cheese sandwich, it is best to use thinly sliced cheese. This is because thin slices of cheese deliver a big effect, especially when using a bold-flavoured cheese like Gruyère. Thinly sliced cheese also melts better, which is important when making a grilled ham and cheese sandwich.
There are many types of cheese that work well with ham, including Swiss cheese, Gruyère, Red Leicester, and cheddar. If you want to use cheddar, it is best to purchase it thinly sliced from the deli, as it can be difficult to shave thin slices off a block of cheddar yourself.
If you are making a grilled ham and cheese sandwich, it is important to use a cheese that melts easily. Dry and crumbly cheeses should be avoided. In addition to the type of cheese, the thickness of the bread slices is also important. Slices should be about 1/2-inch thick. Thicker slices will be too chewy and distracting from the filling.
When making a cold ham and cheese sandwich, thinly sliced cheese is still the best option. This is because thin slices of cheese are less likely to fall out of the sandwich. You can use any type of cheese you like, such as cheddar, Swiss cheese, or mozzarella, but it is important to slice it thinly.
Overall, thinly sliced cheese is the best option for a ham and cheese sandwich, whether it is grilled or cold. Thin slices of cheese deliver a big impact in terms of flavour and texture, and they are also more practical, as they melt better and are less likely to fall out of the sandwich.
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Use a bread with a flat surface area
When making a ham and cheese sandwich, it's important to consider the type of bread you use. While you can use any type of bread, from wholemeal seeded bread to sourdough, the most important characteristic is that it has a flat surface area. This ensures that the bread comes into direct contact with the skillet for even toasting.
Using slices of bread that are about 1/2-inch thick is ideal. Thicker slices can be too chewy and distracting from the filling. If you're using a sub roll or baguette, which tend to be longer, you can cut them into two pieces to create a sandwich.
For a ham and cheese sandwich, it's best to avoid rolls or baguettes altogether and opt for slices of bread with flat surfaces. This way, you can create a grilled cheese sandwich with a crispy exterior and melted cheese inside.
If you're using a skillet, place one slice of bread butter-side down and top it with cheese and ham. Spread mayonnaise and mustard on the unbuttered side of the second slice of bread and place it butter-side up on the sandwich.
Cook the sandwich in the skillet until it's golden brown and the cheese is melted, which usually takes about 3 minutes per side. You can also use a toastie machine or a non-stick pan over medium heat to achieve the desired result.
By using bread with a flat surface area and following these simple steps, you can create a delicious ham and cheese sandwich with the perfect balance of textures and flavours.
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Mayo or butter on the outside of the sandwich
When making a ham and cheese sandwich, you can use either mayonnaise or butter on the outside of the sandwich. Some sources suggest using both.
Mayonnaise can be spread on the inside and outside of a sandwich to add flavour and act as a "glue" to keep the sandwich together while cooking. It is also suggested that mayonnaise is better than butter for toasting sandwiches in a skillet, as it achieves the same golden toasted effect and has a tangy flavour.
On the other hand, butter is a popular choice for grilled cheese sandwiches. Butter is often spread on the inside of the sandwich, acting as a base for other ingredients such as mustard and cheese. Butter is also used on the outside of the sandwich, where it adds flavour and crispness to the exterior.
Ultimately, the choice between mayonnaise or butter on the outside of a ham and cheese sandwich is a matter of personal preference. Both options will result in a toasted sandwich with a golden exterior.
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Add-ons: mustard, pickles, spinach, tomatoes, etc
When it comes to add-ons for your ham and cheese sandwich, there are many options to choose from. The most popular choice seems to be mustard, with many people recommending Dijon mustard specifically. You can also experiment with different types of mustard, such as English or wholegrain, to find your preferred taste. If you're not a fan of mustard, you can simply leave it out.
Pickles are another popular choice, especially crisp dill pickle slices, which add a tangy and crunchy element to the sandwich. If you're feeling adventurous, you can even add some Branston pickle for an extra punch of flavour.
If you want to include some greens, spinach, arugula, and lettuce are all great options. These vegetables add a fresh and healthy touch to your sandwich. You can also add some sliced tomatoes, but make sure to slice them thinly so they don't overwhelm the other ingredients.
For a more unique flavour profile, consider adding some roasted peppers, chopped olives, artichokes, or even a spoonful of salsa. These ingredients will give your sandwich a Mediterranean twist.
Lastly, don't forget to season your vegetables with salt and pepper, and maybe even a drizzle of olive oil, to bring all the flavours together.
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Frequently asked questions
Swiss cheese, Gruyère, cheddar, provolone, mozzarella, and American cheese are all popular options.
Most sources recommend a wholewheat or whole-grain bread, but sourdough, sub rolls, baguettes, ciabatta rolls, and crusty boules are also good options.
Many people like to spread mayonnaise, mustard, or butter on the bread. You can also add vegetables like lettuce, spinach, tomato, and pickles.
