Hot ham and cheese sandwiches are a delicious, comforting, and savoury meal. They are a great option for an appetizer, a weeknight dinner, a game-day recipe, or a holiday meal. The key ingredients are bread, ham, and cheese, but there are endless ways to customise and elevate this simple dish.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
Bread | Whole grain bread, French bread, ciabatta, Hawaiian rolls, brioche rolls, or white rolls |
Meat | Deli ham, shaved ham, or leftover Christmas ham |
Cheese | Swiss cheese, provolone, cheddar, mozzarella, Monterey Jack, Colby, or Gruyere |
Condiments | Mayonnaise, mustard, margarine, butter, aioli, or salsa |
Vegetables | Lettuce, onions, tomatoes, spinach, arugula, roasted peppers, or olives |
What You'll Learn
Bread: crusty, white, wholemeal, or seeded
When making a hot ham and cheese sandwich, the bread you use is important. The bread you choose will depend on your personal preference, but there are a few popular options.
Crusty bread is a good option for a hot ham and cheese sandwich. The crust provides a textural contrast to the soft, melted cheese and ham, and the crustiness can also help the sandwich hold together better.
White bread is another option and can include anything from homemade Dutch oven bread to simple sandwich bread. White bread is a classic choice for grilled cheese sandwiches and can be a good option if you're looking for a softer, less chewy texture.
Wholemeal bread is often used for ham and cheese sandwiches. The nuttiness and extra texture of wholemeal bread can complement the flavours of the ham and cheese. Seeded bread is also an option and can add a nice crunch to the sandwich.
When choosing bread for a hot ham and cheese sandwich, consider the texture and flavour you want to achieve. You can also experiment with different types of bread to see which you prefer.
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Cheese: Swiss, cheddar, provolone, or mozzarella
When it comes to cheese, you have a lot of options for a hot ham and cheese sandwich. Swiss, cheddar, provolone, and mozzarella are all excellent choices. Here's a more detailed look at each option:
Swiss Cheese
Swiss cheese is a classic choice for a ham sandwich. It has a pleasant, sweet, and nutty flavor that pairs perfectly with ham. Swiss cheese also melts well if you're toasting your sandwich. Gruyère, a type of Swiss cheese with a slightly sweeter and nuttier flavor, is an excellent melting cheese that works great in a grilled ham and cheese sandwich.
Cheddar Cheese
Cheddar is a classic option for a ham and cheese sandwich. A mature or sharp cheddar will add a nice tanginess that balances out the saltiness and sweetness of the ham. Cheddar also melts well, making it a good choice for a grilled sandwich.
Provolone Cheese
Provolone is another popular choice for ham sandwiches. It has a mild and creamy flavor with a smoky undertone, which pairs amazingly with ham, especially sweet or glazed ham. Provolone melts well, making it ideal for a grilled or toasted sandwich.
Mozzarella Cheese
Mozzarella is a versatile cheese that can be used in a variety of dishes, including hot ham and cheese sandwiches. It has a mild and creamy flavor that can complement the other ingredients in your sandwich. Mozzarella also melts easily, making it a good choice for a grilled sandwich or when used in combination with other cheeses.
When choosing the cheese for your hot ham and cheese sandwich, consider your personal preference and the specific flavors you want to highlight. Each of these cheeses can enhance your sandwich in its own unique way.
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Condiments: mayonnaise, mustard, relish, or chilli jam
Condiments are key to a good ham and cheese sandwich. The right spread can add a tangy, savoury, or sweet flavour to the sandwich, and also acts as a "glue" to hold the sandwich together.
Mayonnaise is a popular choice for ham and cheese sandwiches. It can be spread on the inside of the sandwich, acting as a "glue" for the fillings, and also spread on the exterior of the sandwich for toasting. Mayonnaise is a good alternative to butter, achieving the same golden toasted effect when grilled, with the added benefit of its tangy flavour.
Mustard is also a common addition to a ham and cheese sandwich, adding a tangy, savoury flavour. It is often paired with mayonnaise, and can be spread on the inside of the sandwich, or on the exterior of the bread for toasting.
Relish is another option for a ham and cheese sandwich. Pickles or gherkins are often added to a ham and cheese sandwich, and sweet relish can be a good way to incorporate this flavour. The sweet and tangy flavour of the relish can complement the salty ham and cheese.
Chilli jam is a less traditional option, but could add a sweet and spicy flavour to the sandwich. Chilli jam often has a tangy flavour, which could complement the other condiments and ingredients in the sandwich. It could be spread on the inside of the sandwich, or on the exterior for toasting.
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Salad: spinach, arugula, tomato, or roasted peppers
A hot ham and cheese sandwich can be taken to the next level by adding salad ingredients like spinach, arugula, tomato, or roasted peppers.
Spinach
Spinach is a great addition to a hot ham and cheese sandwich. To make a ham, cheese, and spinach toasted sandwich, you'll need sourdough spelt bread, butter, Dijon mustard, hard cheese, leg ham, and baby spinach. Spread butter on two slices of bread, and turn them over and spread the other side with mustard. Top with cheese, ham, and spinach, and then sandwich with the remaining two slices of bread, ensuring the buttered sides face out. Place the sandwiches in a sandwich maker and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted.
Arugula
Arugula is another tasty addition to a hot ham and cheese sandwich. For a toasted cheddar, ham, and arugula sandwich, you'll need sourdough bread, garlic aioli, black forest ham, sharp white cheddar cheese, and red onion. Spread garlic aioli on four slices of bread, and then layer with ham, cheddar cheese, arugula, and red onion. Top with the remaining bread slices and cook on a griddle with olive oil until the surface is golden brown, and then repeat the process for the other side.
Tomato
Tomato is a classic addition to a ham and cheese sandwich. For a grilled ham, cheese, and tomato sandwich, you'll need sourdough bread, smoked ham, shredded Italian cheese (or thin slices of mozzarella, provolone, and Asiago), and thin slices of tomato. Place the tomatoes, cheese, and ham between slices of bread, spread butter on the outside, and griddle over medium heat until toasted and golden.
Roasted Peppers
Roasted red peppers can add a nice twist to a grilled ham and cheese sandwich. For this sandwich, you'll need sourdough bread, mayonnaise, provolone cheese, roasted red pepper, and Parmesan or Romano cheese. Spread mayonnaise on one side of each slice of bread, and then place one slice of provolone cheese, ham, red peppers, and the other slice of cheese on one slice of bread. Top with the other slice of bread, butter the outsides, and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese. Fry in a skillet over medium heat until golden brown and the cheese is melted.
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Sides: soup, salad, potato chips, or fries
A hot ham and cheese sandwich is a hearty meal, perfect for a cold night. The sandwich is delicious on its own, but the right side dish can take it to the next level. Here are some ideas for sides to serve with your hot ham and cheese sandwich:
Soup
A bowl of soup is a classic pairing with a sandwich, and there are several options that go well with a hot ham and cheese sandwich. A simple cup of tomato soup is a great option, especially if you add some spinach, arugula, or roasted peppers to the sandwich. For a heartier option, try a loaded baked potato soup, which is packed with bacon, cheddar cheese, green onion, and sour cream. If you're looking for something a little different, a classic New England creamy clam chowder can be a tasty and soulful option.
Salad
A leafy green salad is always a refreshing option to pair with a hot ham and cheese sandwich. You can keep it simple with some lettuce, or try something more substantial like Portillo's chopped salad, which includes ditalini pasta, or a classic macaroni salad with bell peppers, sweet pickles, and red onion. If you're looking for something with a kick of flavour, try a fruit salad with a twist, such as a mix of fresh summer fruits with a secret ingredient.
Potato Chips
Potato chips are a classic side dish for any sandwich, and they go particularly well with a hot ham and cheese sandwich. You can keep it simple with some plain ridged chips, or get creative with flavours like sour cream and chives, BBQ, or baked. If you want to get a little fancier, you can make your own homemade chip dip with cream cheese, sour cream, and ranch dressing mix. Serve it with some celery, baby carrots, and other easy-to-dip vegetables for a well-rounded snack.
Fries
If you're looking for something a little more substantial than potato chips, fries are a great option. Regular French fries are always a good choice, but if you want to get fancy, you can try making truffle fries. Cut some russet potatoes into fries, and flavour them with parmesan, sea salt, and truffle oil for a delicious indulgent treat. Sweet potato fries are another tasty option, especially if you're looking for something a little healthier. They have a slightly caramelized flavour that complements the sandwich perfectly.
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Frequently asked questions
Swiss cheese is a popular choice, but other options include cheddar, provolone, mozzarella, or Monterey Jack.
You can add vegetables such as spinach, arugula, tomatoes, roasted peppers, or chopped olives. You can also spread mayonnaise, mustard, or butter on the bread.
Some side dish options include a leafy green salad, fruit salad, potato chips, French fries, or soup.