The Perfect Condiment Pairing For A Ham And Cheese Sandwich

There are many condiments that can elevate the classic ham and cheese sandwich. While some prefer to keep it simple with butter, others like to add a tangy kick with mustard. If you're looking for something more adventurous, you could try a Calabrian chilli pepper aioli, or even a sweet and savoury honey mustard sauce. For those who like their sandwiches with a bit of crunch, pickles are a great addition.

Honey mustard sauce

When making a ham and cheese sandwich with honey mustard sauce, it is recommended to use high-quality ham, such as black forest, honey, smoked Virginia, or leftover spiral ham. For the cheese, cheddar, Swiss, provolone, or white cheddar are excellent choices. Slicing the cheese beforehand and allowing it to come to room temperature will ensure a smoother melt.

Artisan bread or sourdough bread pairs well with the honey mustard sauce, but any type of bread can be used. Buttering the outside of the sandwich and cooking it in a skillet or panini press until golden brown will create a delicious grilled ham and cheese sandwich.

The honey mustard sauce can also be customised to your taste preferences. For a more pungent and spicy sauce, add more dijon mustard or hot sauce. If you prefer a sweeter sauce, increase the amount of honey. You can even add poppy seeds to the sauce for extra texture and flavour.

The versatility of the honey mustard sauce makes it a perfect condiment for ham and cheese sandwiches. It adds a tangy and slightly sweet flavour that complements the salty ham and creamy cheese. The sauce can be adjusted to suit your taste preferences, ensuring a delicious and satisfying sandwich every time.

Butter

For a more indulgent option, garlic butter is a great choice for ham and cheese sandwiches. This can be made by combining melted butter with minced garlic, fresh chopped parsley, and Worcestershire sauce. The garlic butter is then brushed over the tops of the rolls, creating deliciously crispy edges as the sandwiches bake.

For a classic French take on the ham and cheese sandwich, try a Jambon-Beurre. This simple sandwich is made with a baguette, good-quality ham, and European-style butter. The sweet and creamy butter complements the salty ham perfectly, and the crunch of the baguette adds a satisfying texture.

Mayo

The amount of mayo used in a ham and cheese sandwich is a matter of personal preference. Some people prefer a liberal spread, while others opt for a thinner layer. It can also be used as a dipping sauce for grilled ham and cheese sandwiches.

When choosing mayo for a ham and cheese sandwich, regular mayo is the most common choice. However, some people prefer to use mayonnaise-based sauces, such as honey mustard sauce, which can be made by mixing mayo with mustard and honey. This sauce adds a tangy and slightly sweet flavour to the sandwich.

In conclusion, mayo is a versatile and popular condiment for ham and cheese sandwiches. It can be used as a spread, mixed with other ingredients, or as a dipping sauce. The amount and type of mayo used depend on personal preference and the desired flavour profile of the sandwich.

Dijon mustard

For a simple ham and cheese sandwich, start by spreading a thin layer of Dijon mustard on one slice of wholemeal seeded bread. Top the mustard with a liberal spread of mayonnaise, followed by shaved mature cheddar cheese and wafer-thin ham. Sprinkle the ham with cracked black pepper to taste, then add the second slice of bread on top. This sandwich can be served cold or toasted, and pairs well with salt and vinegar crisps on the side.

For a more indulgent option, try a baked ham and cheese sandwich. Assemble the ham and Swiss cheese on a hamburger bun, then set aside. In a small saucepan, combine poppy seeds, margarine, onion, Worcestershire sauce, and Dijon mustard. Warm the ingredients over medium heat until the margarine is melted, then spread the mixture onto each bun. Wrap the buns in aluminium foil and bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 15 minutes. These sandwiches can also be frozen and baked at 300 degrees Fahrenheit for 30 minutes when desired.

If you're looking for a more sophisticated option, try a French ham sandwich inspired by Luke Mangan. Slice a baguette into three sections, then cut each section in half horizontally. Layer each sandwich with French or American ham, buffalo mozzarella, romaine lettuce, tomatoes, and Dijon mustard. Plate the sandwiches on a large dish and serve with French fries.

Whether you're looking for a simple lunch or a more indulgent option, Dijon mustard is a great condiment to elevate your ham and cheese sandwich. Just remember to use a light hand when spreading, as a little goes a long way!

Spinach, arugula, tomatoes, roasted peppers, olives, artichokes, or salsa

Adding vegetables to your ham and cheese sandwich can be a great way to elevate it and add some extra flavour and texture. Spinach, arugula, tomatoes, roasted peppers, olives, artichokes, and salsa are all tasty options that can complement the classic combination of ham and cheese.

Spinach and arugula are both leafy greens that can add a nice freshness to your sandwich. They have slightly different flavours, with spinach being milder and arugula having a peppery taste, so choose whichever you prefer or a combination of the two. Tomatoes are another popular addition, offering a burst of sweetness and juiciness. If you're using fresh tomatoes, be sure to slice them thinly so they don't make your sandwich soggy.

Roasted peppers can add a lovely smoky flavour to your sandwich. You can roast them yourself or buy them in a jar. If you're roasting them at home, simply place whole peppers under a hot grill until the skin is charred, then place them in a bowl covered with a plate or plastic wrap to cool. Once cool, the skins should slip off easily, and you can slice the peppers and add them to your sandwich.

Olives can also be a tasty addition, providing a salty, savoury element. Use pitted olives, and chop them roughly or slice them, depending on your preference. Artichokes are another option, offering a unique flavour and meaty texture. You can use marinated artichoke hearts, drained and chopped, or artichoke antipasto.

Finally, a spoonful of salsa can add a nice kick of spice and flavour. Choose a salsa that suits your taste, whether it's mild, medium, or hot. Adding any of these ingredients to your ham and cheese sandwich is a great way to mix things up and create a more substantial meal.

You can also experiment with different types of bread, cheese, and condiments to find your perfect combination. Enjoy creating your ideal ham and cheese sandwich!

Frequently asked questions