The Perfect Pairings For Grilled Ham And Cheese

A grilled ham and cheese sandwich is a classic comfort food, but what should you serve with it? The answer depends on your preferences and how much effort you want to put in. If you're looking for something simple, potato chips or coleslaw are great options. For a more substantial meal, French fries, pasta salad, or a cup of soup (like tomato basil or beef and rice vegetable) can round out your dish. You could even get creative and make a spicy mayo dip or a honey mustard sauce for your sandwich.

Spicy mayo dip

Spicy mayo is the perfect dip to accompany your grilled ham and cheese sandwich. It adds a nice kick to the sandwich and is a great way to elevate this classic comfort food. Here is a simple recipe for a spicy mayo dip that you can make at home:

Ingredients:

• Mayonnaise: Use a good-quality mayonnaise such as Duke's Mayonnaise or another brand of your choice.
• Hot Sauce or Sriracha: This adds a spicy kick to the mayo. You can use any type of hot sauce, sriracha, adobo, garlic chilli sauce, or chilli paste.
• Lime Juice: This ingredient is optional but adds a zesty tang to the sauce. You can replace it with lemon juice or vinegar if preferred.
• Cajun Seasoning: Cajun seasoning provides a blend of spices that enhance the flavour of the dip. Alternatively, you can use taco seasoning, chilli powder, or your favourite spice blend.

Instructions:

• Combine all the ingredients in a small bowl and whisk until well blended.
• Taste and adjust the seasoning to your preference.
• Cover the bowl and refrigerate the spicy mayo until you are ready to serve it.

This spicy mayo dip will elevate your grilled ham and cheese sandwich and impress your taste buds! It is a versatile sauce that can also be used as a spread inside the sandwich or as a dip for fries, nuggets, or vegetables.

If you want to get creative, you can even make a honey mustard sauce to go with your grilled ham and cheese. Simply combine yellow mustard, dijon mustard, mayonnaise, and hot sauce (optional) in a bowl, stirring until smooth. This sauce can be used as a spread on the bread or as a dip for your sandwich.

Honey mustard sauce

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
• 3 tablespoons honey
• 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
• 1/8 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/8 teaspoon paprika
• 1/8 teaspoon salt
• Freshly cracked pepper to taste

Instructions:

• Combine all the ingredients in a bowl and stir until smooth.
• Use immediately or refrigerate until needed. The sauce will last for 4-5 days in the refrigerator.

This sauce pairs well with grilled ham and cheese sandwiches, and can also be used as a spread or dip for other sandwiches, chicken nuggets, roasted vegetables, or even as a glaze for ham. It is a versatile sauce that adds a delicious touch of flavour to your meal.

Caramelised onions

Ingredients:

• 2 or 3 onions (red or yellow onions work well)
• Butter (for grilling)
• 3/4 teaspoon salt (for drawing out moisture from the onions)
• 1 teaspoon sugar (for caramelisation)
• Honey (optional, for balancing the onions and adding sweetness)
• 2 teaspoons apple cider vinegar (or your preferred vinegar)
• 1/2 teaspoon coarse ground black pepper

Instructions:

• Slice the onions very thinly.
• Heat a large cast-iron pan. Place the onions in the heated pan and sprinkle with salt and sugar.
• Allow the onions to cook until they are a nice golden colour and very soft.
• Place the onions in a small bowl and add the apple cider vinegar, black pepper, and honey (if using). Toss to combine.
• Layer the onions on one side of your grilled ham and cheese sandwich, close the sandwich, and grill as usual.

Tips:

• Caramelising the onions is key to this recipe, so take your time grilling the onions until they are soft and well-caramelised.
• If you want to make the spicy mayo dip from the grilled ham and cheese sandwich recipe that includes caramelised onions, simply combine mayonnaise, chilli garlic sauce, apple cider vinegar, honey, and black pepper.
• You can also experiment with different types of vinegar and sweeteners for the caramelised onions. For example, you could try using maple syrup, molasses, or brown sugar instead of honey, and rice vinegar or champagne vinegar instead of apple cider vinegar.

Soup

Tomato Soup

The combination of grilled cheese and tomato soup is a simple, comforting, and classic American recipe. This pairing became popular during World War II when it was served to military personnel. After the war, it spread to schools and government institutions. The acidity of the tomatoes pairs well with the creaminess of the cheese, and the soup provides a perfect dipping opportunity for the sandwich. You can elevate this classic combination by using smoked cheeses, cream, and prosciutto ham in your grilled cheese.

Chicken Noodle Soup

Chicken noodle soup is a comforting option that pairs well with grilled ham and cheese. It provides a heartwarming and satisfying experience.

Red Lentil Soup

Instant Pot Red Lentil Soup is an unexpected yet perfect complement to a grilled ham and cheese sandwich. It offers a familiar tomato base while incorporating vegetables and spices for a comforting and healthy soup that's ideal for dunking.

Broccoli Cheddar Soup

Broccoli Cheddar Soup is a classic, comforting option that will complement your grilled ham and cheese sandwich. This soup is usually ready in about 30 minutes, making it a quick and convenient choice.

French Onion Soup

French Onion Soup is a delicious option to pair with your grilled ham and cheese. The sweetness of the onions and the savoury broth create a flavourful combination.

Butternut Squash Soup

Butternut Squash Soup is a great choice to serve with grilled ham and cheese. You can finish it with a touch of lemon zest and roasted mushrooms for added flavour and texture.

Leek and Potato Soup

Leek and Potato Soup is a winning combination to enjoy with your grilled ham and cheese sandwich. It provides a hearty and satisfying experience.

Bacon Potato Soup

Bacon Potato Soup is a delicious option to pair with grilled cheese. The addition of bacon gives this soup a savoury boost that complements the sandwich perfectly.

Cream of Mushroom Soup

Cream of Mushroom Soup is another excellent choice to accompany your grilled ham and cheese. It offers a creamy and earthy flavour profile that will enhance your dining experience.

Clam Chowder

For a hearty and indulgent option, Clam Chowder pairs exceptionally well with grilled ham and cheese. The richness of the chowder balances the sandwich, creating a satisfying meal.

Salads

Green Salad

A simple green salad is a classic side dish that can be easily customised to your taste. Start with a base of leafy greens such as lettuce, spinach, or mixed greens. Then, add in some chopped vegetables like cucumbers, tomatoes, onions, or avocados. You can also include some nuts or seeds for crunch and extra nutrition. For the dressing, a simple vinaigrette made with olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and a touch of Dijon mustard can tie everything together.

Coleslaw

Coleslaw is a type of salad that combines shredded cabbage, carrots, and onions with a creamy dressing. It's a classic side dish that goes well with sandwiches. You can make your own coleslaw by shredding the vegetables yourself and mixing them with a dressing made from mayonnaise, vinegar, sugar, and a touch of celery seed. Alternatively, you can buy premade coleslaw from the store.

Broccoli Waldorf Salad

This salad combines the crisp texture of broccoli with the sweetness of apples and raisins, all tossed in a creamy dressing. To make it, blanch some broccoli florets and combine them with chopped apples, walnuts or pecans, and raisins or dried cranberries. For the dressing, mix together mayonnaise, plain yoghurt, a touch of honey, and some lemon juice. This salad offers a nice balance of sweet and savoury flavours, making it a refreshing counterpart to the grilled sandwiches.

Carrot Raisin Salad

This salad is a simpler variation of the previous one, focusing on shredded carrots and raisins tossed in a dressing of mayonnaise, yoghurt, and a touch of honey. It's a great option if you're short on time or want to highlight the sweetness of carrots. The raisins add a burst of flavour and texture that pairs well with the crunchy carrots.

Fruit Salad

A fruit salad is a refreshing option that can help balance out the richness of the grilled ham and cheese sandwiches. You can use a variety of fresh fruits such as apples, oranges, grapes, melon, and berries. If you like, you can also add a light dressing of honey, lemon juice, and a touch of cinnamon to enhance the flavours. Fruit salads are a great way to add colour and nutrition to your meal.

Frequently asked questions