Hot Ham And Cheese Sandwiches: Perfect Pairing Ideas

A hot ham and cheese sandwich is a delicious, comforting meal. But what goes well with it? There are several options to consider, from side dishes to drinks. For instance, a cup of tomato soup is a great pairing, especially on a cool night. If you're looking for something lighter, a simple side salad could be a good option.

If you want something more indulgent, truffle fries might be the answer. Or, if you're in the mood for something crunchy and nourishing, spicy sweet potato fries could be a tasty choice.

For a refreshing beverage to go with your sandwich, you could try iced tea or lemonade. And don't forget the all-American classic – a cold beer with your hot ham and cheese sandwich.

Salads, such as Portillo's chopped salad or a classic macaroni salad

Salads are a great side dish to go with hot ham and cheese sandwiches. Here are some ideas for salads that would pair well with the sandwiches:

Portillo's Chopped Salad

This salad is a copycat version of the famous Portillo's Chopped Salad from Chicago. It's a hearty salad with a tasty dressing. The salad includes bacon, tomatoes, gorgonzola cheese, and even little bits of pasta. The salad is tossed with an Italian vinaigrette with a hint of oregano. You can also add chicken to make it a complete meal.

Classic Macaroni Salad

This is an easy-to-make salad that is perfect for picnics or potlucks. It includes macaroni, mayonnaise, mustard, vinegar, sugar, salt, pepper, celery, onion, and bell pepper. You can also add grated carrots and pimento peppers for extra flavor and color. This salad is best when made ahead of time so that the flavors can meld together.

Potato chips, perhaps with a homemade dip

Potato chips are a classic side dish to serve with sandwiches. They're crunchy, salty, and pair perfectly with a hot ham and cheese sandwich. If you want to elevate your potato chip game, try making some homemade dip to go along with it. Here are some ideas for dips that would pair well with potato chips and a hot ham and cheese sandwich:

Creamy Ranch Dip

For a simple and delicious dip, mix together some sour cream, cream cheese, and ranch dressing mix. This dip is perfect for those who like their potato chips with a creamy and tangy dip. The cool and creamy dip will also help balance out the hot and cheesy sandwich.

Hearty Bean Dip

If you're looking for something more substantial, try making a bean dip. You can use canned or cooked dried beans, and then mash them up with some spices, cheese, and maybe even some crumbled bacon. This dip will add some protein and fibre to your meal, making it more filling and satisfying.

Spicy Salsa

For those who like a little kick, a spicy salsa can be the perfect dip for potato chips. You can make your own salsa by chopping up some fresh tomatoes, onions, chillies, and coriander. Add a squeeze of lime juice and some salt to taste, and you've got yourself a delicious and fresh-tasting dip.

Guacamole

Avocados, red onions, garlic, cilantro, tomatoes, and a squeeze of lime—these are the basic ingredients for a delicious guacamole. It's creamy, healthy, and full of flavour. If you want to make it spicier, you can add some chopped jalapeños or other chillies. This dip is perfect for those who want something a little more indulgent and luxurious.

Hummus

Hummus is a great option for those who want a dip that's both healthy and tasty. It's made from chickpeas, tahini, garlic, lemon juice, and olive oil. You can make it yourself or buy it pre-made. Hummus goes well with potato chips, and it's also a great spread for sandwiches.

Tomato soup

There's nothing more comforting than dipping a hot ham and cheese sandwich into a warm bowl of tomato soup. This classic combination is a match made in heaven and is the perfect meal for a cold day or when you're feeling under the weather. Here are some tips to elevate your tomato soup and grilled ham and cheese sandwich experience:

The Perfect Tomato Soup:

Grilled Ham and Cheese Sandwich:

The key to a delicious grilled ham and cheese sandwich is in the name—grilling! Butter your bread on one side and place it butter-side down in a hot skillet. Add your favourite cheese, such as Swiss, cheddar, or mozzarella, and your ham slices. Spread the unbuttered side of the second slice of bread with mayonnaise, mustard, or both, and place it butter-side up on the sandwich. Grill until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted, creating a gooey, delicious centre.

Serving Suggestions:

When serving, place your grilled sandwich in a bowl of tomato soup for the ultimate comfort food experience. You can also sprinkle your soup with parmesan cheese and fresh basil to add a touch of sophistication. If you prefer a more traditional presentation, serve the sandwich on a plate with a bowl of soup on the side for dipping. This meal is sure to satisfy your cravings and warm you up from the inside out!

Truffle fries

If you're looking for a side dish to serve with hot ham and cheese sandwiches, truffle fries are an indulgent, delicious, and impressive option. Here's a detailed guide to making them, with some tips on customising the recipe to your taste.

Ingredients

The key ingredients for truffle fries are potatoes, truffle oil, and cheese.

For the potatoes, russet potatoes are a great option, but you can also use Yukon gold potatoes or any other variety you prefer. Cut the potatoes into thick or thin slices, depending on your desired fry thickness.

For the truffle oil, opt for a high-quality product infused with real black or white truffles. White truffle oil has a more delicate flavour, while black truffle oil is stronger and more intense. You can also use truffle salt or a combination of both for an extra punch of flavour.

As for cheese, freshly grated Parmesan is an excellent choice, but you can also use pecorino Romano or another variety of your choice.

Cooking Method

Baked Truffle Fries:

Preheat your oven to 425-450°F. Cut your potatoes into fries, toss them with salt and pepper, and spread them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 20-30 minutes, or until they are browned and cooked through. After removing them from the oven, drizzle with truffle oil and sprinkle with grated cheese.

Fried Truffle Fries:

Cut your potatoes into fries and add them to hot oil in a pan or deep fryer at 300°F for 3 minutes. Remove the fries and set them aside until ready to serve. Increase the heat until the oil reaches 350°F, then add the fries back to the fryer and cook for 5-6 minutes or until the edges are browned. Drain the fries and season them with truffle oil, cheese, salt, and pepper.

Tips and Variations

• If you want to make your truffle fries even more indulgent, try serving them with aioli or comeback sauce for dipping.
• For a healthier alternative, bake your fries instead of frying them.
• If you're short on time, you can use frozen french fries from the freezer aisle and season them with truffle oil and cheese.
• If you want to add some extra herbs, dried or fresh parsley is a great option.
• Truffle fries are best served fresh, but if you have leftovers, you can store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat in the oven or fryer.

Enjoy your truffle fries as a delicious side dish to your hot ham and cheese sandwiches!

Baked beans

Southern-style baked beans are the perfect complement to your hot ham and cheese sandwiches. They are loaded with ground turkey or beef, onions, peppers, garlic, and a plethora of seasonings and sauces, resulting in a smoky, irresistible flavour. The process of baking the beans allows the flavours to meld and develop, creating a rich and hearty dish.

Preparing these baked beans is simple. Start by sautéing diced onions and peppers in a large pot until they are softened and slightly browned. Next, add the ground meat and cook it until it is browned and cooked through. Drain any excess fat, and then add your beans—both canned and cooked dried beans work well. For added flavour, use a variety of beans, such as kidney, pinto, or navy beans. Toss in some crushed tomatoes, a dash of Worcestershire sauce, and a bit of brown sugar for sweetness. Don't skimp on the spices—a generous amount of smoked paprika, cumin, and chilli powder will take your beans to the next level. For a true Southern touch, add a few dashes of your favourite barbecue sauce. Let the mixture simmer, allowing the flavours to meld beautifully.

These baked beans are the perfect companion to your hot ham and cheese sandwiches. The savoury, slightly sweet beans will complement the salty ham and melted cheese, creating a satisfying and indulgent meal. Serve the beans in a bowl alongside the sandwiches, or get creative and use the beans as a topping for an extra hearty sandwich. Don't be afraid to get messy and dunk your sandwich directly into the baked beans for the ultimate flavour experience.

So, the next time you're craving a hot ham and cheese sandwich, remember to whip up a batch of baked beans to take your meal to the next level. It's a classic combination that never fails to satisfy!

Frequently asked questions