The Ultimate Ham And Cheese Pairing Guide

The ham and cheese sandwich is a classic, beloved dish. But what goes into making the perfect one? While the answer may vary depending on who you ask, there are a few key ingredients and techniques that can take your sandwich from good to great. From choosing the right type of bread, cheese, and ham to deciding whether to serve it hot or cold, there are endless ways to customise and elevate this simple dish.

Bread options: wholemeal seeded, whole grain, baguette, ciabatta, sourdough, etc

When making a ham and cheese sandwich, there are a variety of bread options to choose from. Each type of bread will give the sandwich a different texture and flavour, so it's important to consider what kind of experience you want to create. Here are some popular bread choices for ham and cheese sandwiches:

Wholemeal Seeded Bread

Wholemeal seeded bread is a common choice for ham and cheese sandwiches. The seeds add a crunchy texture and a nutty flavour to the sandwich, complementing the savoury ham and cheese. This type of bread also tends to have a denser texture, making it ideal for holding the sandwich fillings without falling apart.

Whole Grain Bread

Whole grain bread is another healthy option for ham and cheese sandwiches. It offers a chewier texture and a slightly sweeter flavour compared to white bread. The grains in the bread add a pleasant crunch and make the sandwich more filling.

Baguette

Using a baguette for a ham and cheese sandwich creates a different dining experience. Baguettes have a crispy crust and a chewy texture, making the sandwich more rustic and hearty. The long shape of the baguette also allows for larger portions, making it perfect for a more substantial meal.

Ciabatta

Ciabatta bread has a light and airy texture with a crispy crust. It is often used for sandwiches as it can accommodate a variety of fillings without becoming soggy. Ciabatta has a neutral flavour that lets the ham and cheese shine through, while its soft interior makes it easy to bite into.

Sourdough

Sourdough bread has a unique tangy flavour and a chewy texture. It is known for its distinctive sour taste, which comes from the fermentation process used in its preparation. Sourdough pairs well with ham and cheese, as the sharpness of the bread complements the savouriness of the fillings.

When choosing the bread for your ham and cheese sandwich, consider the texture, flavour, and how well it will hold up to the fillings. Each type of bread will give you a different result, so feel free to experiment and find the one that suits your taste preferences best.

Cheese options: Gruyere, Swiss, Red Leicester, cheddar, provolone, mozzarella, etc

There are many different types of cheese that go well with ham, and the best option depends on the type of sandwich being made.

Gruyère

Gruyère is a hard cheese that comes from the French-speaking town of Gruyères in Switzerland. It is made from cow's milk and is usually aged for six months or longer, producing a pale-yellow cheese with very few holes. The flavour begins creamy, nutty, and a little bit earthy, but becomes more complex the longer it is aged. This makes it perfect for using in a variety of ways, from slicing on sandwiches to melting in a fondue pot. It is also a good addition to a charcuterie platter. Gruyère is an ideal cheese for melting and can be added to mac and cheese, potatoes au gratin, and broccoli-cheese soup.

Swiss

Swiss cheese is the classic choice to pair with ham. It is a smooth, semi-hard cheese with a buttery flavour that is great for casseroles and gratins.

Red Leicester

Red Leicester is another good option for a colourful grilled cheese sandwich.

Cheddar

Cheddar is the most classic option for a ham and cheese sandwich. A mature or sharp cheddar will add flavour and help balance out the saltiness and sweetness of the ham.

Provolone

Provolone and pepper jack on rye is another good option for a grilled cheese sandwich.

Mozzarella

Mozzarella is a mild cheese that can be used in a blend with cheddar on homemade sourdough for a grilled cheese sandwich.

Condiments: mayo, butter, mustard, etc

There are several condiments that can be paired with ham and cheese to elevate the classic combination. Here are some options to consider:

• Mayonnaise: Mayonnaise, or "mayo", is a popular and versatile condiment that can add a creamy texture and a tangy flavour to your ham and cheese creation. It serves as a neutral base that complements the other ingredients without overwhelming them.
• Butter: Butter is a classic choice for ham and cheese sandwiches. It adds a rich, creamy flavour and helps to create a golden exterior when grilled or toasted. Butter can be used in combination with mayonnaise, or as a substitute for a slightly lighter option.
• Mustard: Mustard is a common condiment that can add a tangy kick to your sandwich. There are various types of mustard to choose from, such as Dijon, English, or wholegrain. When using mustard, it is generally recommended to apply a thin layer to avoid overpowering the other flavours. Honey mustard is also an option and can add a touch of sweetness to your sandwich.
• Honey: Speaking of honey, a drizzle of honey can be a wonderful addition to your ham and cheese creation. It provides a touch of sweetness that complements the savoury flavours of the ham and cheese.
• Pickles: Pickles, whether dill or sweet, can add a crunchy texture and a tangy flavour to your sandwich. They can be a divisive choice, so consider offering them on the side as well.
• Spices and Seasonings: Simple spices and seasonings can enhance the flavour of your sandwich. Cracked black pepper is a classic choice, adding a bit of heat and aroma. Other options include garlic, chilli powder, or paprika.
• Other Condiments: Depending on your preferences, you can experiment with other condiments such as ranch dressing, pesto, or even a sweet option like chocolate syrup. These choices may be more unusual, but they can create unique flavour profiles that some may enjoy.

Cooking method: toasted, grilled, untoasted, fried, etc

Ham and Cheese Sandwich: Cooking Methods

Toasted/Grilled

For a hot ham and cheese sandwich, you can toast or grill your sandwich in a skillet, frying pan, or sandwich toaster. This method is also known as making a "toastie" or "grilled cheese".

First, prepare your sandwich with your desired ingredients. Then, spread butter or mayonnaise on the outside of the sandwich. Place the sandwich in a skillet or frying pan over medium heat and cook until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted. You can also cover the pan to help the cheese melt.

Alternatively, you can use a toastie machine or sandwich press if you have one.

Untoasted

If you prefer a cold sandwich, simply prepare your sandwich with your desired ingredients and enjoy! No additional cooking steps are required.

Fried

To fry a ham and cheese sandwich, spread butter or mayonnaise on the outside of the sandwich and place it in a skillet or frying pan over medium heat. Fry the sandwich slowly to allow the heat to properly warm up and melt the cheese. Fry each side until golden brown and the cheese is melted.

Baked

You can also bake your ham and cheese sandwich in the oven to make a "ham and cheese toastie". Simply prepare your sandwich with your desired ingredients and place it in the oven until the cheese is melted and the bread is toasted.

Add-ons: spinach, arugula, tomatoes, roasted peppers, olives, etc

There are many ways to elevate a simple ham and cheese sandwich or dish by adding toppings and ingredients such as spinach, arugula, tomatoes, roasted peppers, and olives.

Spinach

Spinach is a great low-carb option to add to a ham and cheese sandwich or frittata. It can also be added to a pizza with ham, providing a slightly bitter contrast to the sweetness of the ham.

Arugula

Arugula is a peppery green that can add flavour to a ham and cheese sandwich. It is also a great addition to salads, especially when paired with seasonal vegetables like tomatoes, peaches, and strawberries in the spring and summer, or with pears, beets, and oranges in the fall and winter.

Tomatoes

Cherry tomatoes, in particular, pair well with ham and cheese. They can be halved or quartered and combined with garlic, salt, balsamic vinegar, arugula, basil, and olive oil to make a delicious pasta dish.

Roasted Peppers

Roasted red peppers are a versatile ingredient that can be used in paninis, pizzas, and pastas. They provide a sweet and juicy element to a ham pizza, and their sweetness is also a great complement to the saltiness of black olives.

Olives

Black olives, with their mild and slightly salty flavour, pair well with the sweetness of ham. They also add a nice texture to a pizza or sandwich.

These add-ons can be mixed and matched to create unique flavour profiles and enhance the taste of ham and cheese dishes.

Frequently asked questions