Kamil Perry
Ham and cheese melt is a sandwich made by layering ham and cheese between slices of bread. The sandwich is then cooked in a skillet or frying pan until the cheese melts and the bread turns golden brown. The bread can be buttered on the outside to give it a crispy texture. The type of bread, cheese, and ham used can vary according to preference. Some variations include using croissants, honey mustard, mayonnaise, and arugula.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Bread | White, brown, whole wheat, whole grain, croissant, homemade, or store-bought |
| Butter | Butter, garlic butter, or mayonnaise |
| Cheese | Swiss, American, cheddar, provolone, pepperjack, havarti, gruyere, or parmesan |
| Ham | Black forest, smoked, or shaved |
| Condiments | Mustard, honey mustard, or spicy brown coarse ground mustard |
| Cooking Method | Skillet, frying pan, or oven |
| Cooking Time | 2-6 minutes on a skillet, 25-30 minutes in an oven |
| Temperature | Medium-high heat on a skillet, 350 degrees in an oven |
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What You'll Learn
Ham and cheese melt sandwich recipes
A ham and cheese melt is a type of sandwich. There are many different ways to make a ham and cheese melt sandwich, and here are some recipes for you to try.
Recipe 1: Killer Ham and Cheese Melt
This recipe uses croissants instead of bread and is a simpler spin on the classic croque monsieur. Spread mustard and mayonnaise on the croissant, and layer the bottom half with ham, Parmesan and Swiss cheese. Sprinkle more Swiss cheese on the top half of the croissant, and place the whole thing under a grill for 2-3 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Reassemble the croissant into a sandwich and serve.
Recipe 2: Christy's Awesome Hot Ham and Cheese
This recipe uses whole grain bread, Swiss cheese and deli ham. You can also add mustard and mayonnaise. Grill the sandwich until the cheese is melted.
Recipe 3: Carolina Ham and Cheese Melt
This recipe uses French or sourdough bread, and the sandwiches are wrapped in foil and baked in the oven. Spread a mixture (it is not specified what this is) on the bread, and layer with ham and grated cheese. Put the tops on the sandwiches and wrap them in foil. Bake for 25-30 minutes at 350 degrees, or until the cheese is melted.
Recipe 4: Ham and Cheese Melt
This recipe uses honey mustard, American cheese, and ham. Spread honey mustard on bread, and layer with ham and cheese. Brush butter on the outside of the sandwich and cook in a skillet over medium-high heat until golden brown.
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Ham and cheese melt as a spin on the croque monsieur
The ham and cheese melt is a simpler spin on the classic French sandwich, the croque monsieur. The croque monsieur is a hot, grilled ham and cheese sandwich, made with gruyere, parmesan, and baked or boiled ham. The sandwich is topped with grated cheese and baked in an oven or fried in a pan. The traditional recipe also includes a béchamel sauce, made with butter, flour, and milk, nutmeg, and pepper. The béchamel sauce is spread on slices of bread, which are then topped with ham, gruyere, and parmesan. The sandwich is then grilled until the cheese is oozing.
The ham and cheese melt simplifies this classic recipe by using everyday ingredients that most people love. The melt is made by spreading mustard and mayonnaise on a split croissant, which is then layered with ham, parmesan, and Swiss cheese. The croissant is then placed under a broiler for 2-3 minutes, until the cheese starts to turn brown and bubbly. The croissant is then reassembled into a sandwich and served.
The croque monsieur has many variations, including the croque madame, which is served with a poached or lightly fried egg on top. The croque-à-cheval, another variation, is served with a fried egg on top in parts of Normandy. The croque-mademoiselle is a lighter, vegetarian version, made with the same bread and ordinary melting cheese, accompanied by chives, cucumber, and lettuce. In the United States, a popular variation is the Monte Cristo, a ham and cheese sandwich often dipped in egg and fried.
The ham and cheese melt can be made in less than 10 minutes and is a perfect, quick meal for those who love sandwiches and croissants.
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Variations of ham and cheese melt sandwiches
A ham and cheese melt is a sandwich that typically consists of ham and cheese, often with butter, mayonnaise, and/or mustard. The sandwich is then toasted, grilled, or cooked in a skillet until the cheese melts and the bread is toasted.
There are numerous variations of the ham and cheese melt sandwich. The type of cheese used is one of the most important considerations when making this sandwich. While some prefer American cheese, others opt for a cheese with a bolder, tangier flavour such as Swiss cheese, Gruyère, Cheddar, or Red Leicester. The choice of bread is also significant. To achieve even toasting, it is recommended to use bread slices with a flat surface area so that the bread comes into direct contact with the skillet. However, some people prefer to use croissants, rolls, or baguettes for their sandwiches.
One variation of the ham and cheese melt is the "croque monsieur", a classic French sandwich. This sandwich typically includes ham, Swiss cheese (or Gruyère), and béchamel sauce. To make a "croque madame", simply add a poached or runny egg on top. Another variation is the Carolina Ham & Cheese Melt, which involves spreading a mixture on the inside of a cut roll, adding ham, a little more dressing, and grated cheese, wrapping the sandwiches individually in foil, and baking them in the oven until the cheese melts.
For those who enjoy cold sandwiches, the ham and cheese sandwich can also be made without toasting or grilling. Simply spread butter or mayonnaise on the inside of the bread, add the ham and cheese, and your favourite toppings, and you're done! Some suggested toppings include tomatoes, onion, lettuce, pickle, black pepper, and honey mustard.
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Bread options for ham and cheese melts
A ham and cheese melt is a sandwich made with ham, cheese, and bread, grilled until the cheese is melted and the bread is toasted. The bread used for a ham and cheese melt can vary depending on personal preference and the desired level of crispiness and gooeyness. Here are some bread options to consider for making delicious ham and cheese melts:
Croissants: Using croissants instead of regular bread is a popular choice for ham and cheese melts. Croissants provide a flaky and buttery texture that complements the salty ham and melted cheese. The croissant's airy layers create a crispy exterior while remaining soft and fluffy on the inside. This combination results in a sandwich that is both indulgent and satisfying.
Sourdough: Sourdough bread is a type of bread made with a sourdough starter, giving it a slightly tangy flavour and a chewy texture. It has a dense and airy crumb with a crisp crust. Sourdough bread holds up well to the weight of the ham and cheese, ensuring the sandwich stays together without becoming soggy. When using sourdough, consider flipping the sandwich halfway through cooking for even browning on both sides.
French Bread: French bread, also known as a baguette, is a long, thin loaf with a crispy crust and chewy texture. It has a light and airy interior with large holes. French bread is an excellent option for ham and cheese melts as it toasts up nicely, providing a crunchy contrast to the melted cheese. The large surface area of the bread allows for generous fillings, creating a hearty and satisfying sandwich.
White or Wheat Sandwich Bread: Classic sandwich bread, whether white or wheat, is a versatile option for ham and cheese melts. It provides a neutral flavour that allows the ham and cheese to shine. White bread tends to be softer and milder in taste, while wheat bread offers a slightly nuttier flavour and a denser texture. Both options are readily available and work well for grilled sandwiches.
Pretzel Bread: Pretzel bread offers a unique twist on traditional ham and cheese melts. It has a chewy texture and a distinctive malty flavour from being boiled in baking soda water before baking. The crust is often sprinkled with coarse salt, adding a salty contrast to the sandwich. Pretzel bread pairs particularly well with ham and cheese, enhancing the overall flavour profile of the sandwich.
When choosing the bread for your ham and cheese melt, consider the texture, flavour, and how well it will grill or toast. Experiment with different types of bread to find your preferred combination, and don't be afraid to get creative with your choices!
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Cheese options for ham and cheese melts
A ham and cheese melt is a sandwich that typically consists of ham, cheese, and some sort of condiment such as mustard, honey mustard, or mayonnaise. It is then cooked in a skillet or oven until the cheese is melted and the sandwich is golden brown.
When it comes to cheese options for ham and cheese melts, there are several varieties that pair well with ham:
- Swiss cheese: Swiss cheese is a popular choice for ham and cheese melts, as it has a mild, nutty flavour that melts well. It can be used as the main cheese or in combination with other cheeses.
- Parmesan cheese: Parmesan adds a salty, savoury flavour to the sandwich and can be used alongside other cheeses or as a topping to add a crispy texture.
- American cheese: American cheese is a classic choice for grilled cheese sandwiches and melts, as it has a mild flavour and melts easily.
- Gruyere: Gruyere is a Swiss cheese that has a slightly sweet and nutty flavour. It is a traditional choice for a Croque Monsieur sandwich, which is similar to a ham and cheese melt.
- Cheddar cheese: Cheddar is a versatile cheese that can be mild or sharp, depending on your preference. It melts well and adds a creamy texture to the sandwich.
When choosing a cheese for your ham and cheese melt, consider the flavour profile you want to achieve. Swiss cheese, for example, pairs well with mustard and honey mustard, while cheddar cheese goes well with a variety of condiments, including mayonnaise and Dijon mustard. Experiment with different combinations of cheese and condiments to find your favourite ham and cheese melt recipe.
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Frequently asked questions
A ham and cheese melt is a sandwich made with ham, cheese, and butter. The sandwich is grilled until the cheese melts and the bread turns golden brown.
You will need ham, cheese, and butter as the key ingredients. For the bread, you can use white, brown, whole wheat, whole grain, or homemade bread. As for the cheese, you can use Swiss, cheddar, provolone, pepper jack, or spicy havarti. Finally, for the ham, Black Forest ham is a popular choice.
First, butter one side of a slice of bread and place it buttered-side down in a pan. Layer the bread with cheese, ham, and then more cheese. Place another slice of bread on top, buttered on the outside, and grill the sandwich until the cheese melts and the bread turns golden brown.
Some variations include adding honey mustard, mayonnaise, or arugula to the sandwich. You can also use croissants instead of bread to make a "croque monsieur" or add a poached egg to make a "croque madame".
