The Perfect Pairings For Ham And Cheese Subs

Ham and cheese subs are a classic, comforting meal, but there are many ways to elevate this simple sandwich. The most important ingredients are high-quality ham and cheese, with the best ham sliced very thinly. The most popular cheeses to accompany ham are Swiss, Gruyère, and cheddar, but there are many other options, including provolone, mozzarella, and American cheese. The bread should be crusty on the outside and soft on the inside, such as a baguette, ciabatta, or sourdough. To add flavour and texture, condiments such as mustard, honey mustard, mayonnaise, and butter can be added, and the sandwich can be cooked in a skillet, toasted, or grilled. For added crunch, try sprinkling Parmesan on the outside of the bread before grilling. To take your sub to the next level, add vegetables such as lettuce, tomato, onion, or pickle, or spices such as smoked paprika or black pepper.

Bread: crusty on the outside, soft on the inside

The bread you choose for your ham and cheese sub can make or break the sandwich. You want something crusty on the outside, but soft on the inside.

A sub roll is a great option for this, as it has the right texture and is the perfect size for a hearty sandwich. If you don't have a sub roll, a baguette, ciabatta roll, or sourdough bread are all good alternatives. You could also try a crusty artisanal bread, or a wide loaf that will give you flat slices for direct contact with the skillet if you're toasting your sub.

Whatever bread you choose, make sure it's fresh and of good quality. Bad bread will ruin your sandwich.

Once you've selected your bread, it's time to think about preparation. If you're toasting your sub, you'll want to spread the outside with butter or mayonnaise. Mayo is the author's preferred choice as it adds a tangy flavour and achieves the same golden, toasted effect as butter. It's also the perfect spreadable consistency straight from the jar.

If you're not toasting your sub, you can still spread the inside with mayonnaise and mustard to add flavour and act as a "glue" for your fillings.

Now your bread is ready, it's time to build your sub. A classic combination is mature cheddar cheese with wafer-thin ham, but there are many other options to choose from. Swiss cheese and honey mustard are a great pairing, or you could try provolone, mozzarella, or American cheese. If you want to add some crunch, sprinkle Parmesan on the outside of the bread before toasting.

Finally, you'll want to add some vegetables to your sub. Thinly sliced tomato, romaine lettuce, and pickles all work well. If you're feeling adventurous, you could add caramelised onions, chilli peppers, or even apple slices.

Now your sub is ready to enjoy!

Cheese: Swiss, Gruyère, cheddar, or provolone

When making a ham and cheese sub, there are several types of cheese that are popular choices to include. Here is some information about four of them: Swiss, Gruyère, cheddar, and provolone.

Swiss Cheese

Swiss cheese is a popular choice for a ham and cheese sub. It has a mild, nutty flavour and melts well, making it ideal for grilled cheese sandwiches. Swiss cheese pairs well with a variety of other ingredients, such as mushrooms.

Gruyère Cheese

Gruyère cheese is another excellent option for a ham and cheese sub. It has a sweet and nutty flavour and melts beautifully, adding a creamy texture to the sandwich. Gruyère grilled cheese sandwiches are often paired with sweet and savoury toppings, such as fig jam and caramelized onions.

Cheddar Cheese

Cheddar is a classic option for a ham and cheese sub. A mature cheddar adds a sharp flavour that balances out the saltiness and sweetness of the ham. Cheddar can be shaved, sliced, or grated, and it tends to stay in place better when shaved.

Provolone Cheese

Provolone is a versatile cheese that can be used in a variety of sandwich combinations. It has a mild flavour and melts well, making it suitable for hot sandwiches. Provolone pairs well with other meats such as salami and pepperoni, as well as banana peppers and Texas garlic toast.

Condiments: mayo, honey mustard, or Dijon mustard

Condiments can make or break a sandwich. For a ham and cheese sub, you can go with the classic combination of mayo, honey mustard, or Dijon mustard.

Mayo is a versatile condiment that adds a tangy flavour and serves as a "glue" to hold the sandwich together. It also toasts the sub better than butter when spread on the exterior.

Honey mustard is another great option, especially if you're using Swiss cheese. It adds a touch of sweetness to the sandwich.

If you prefer a sharper flavour, Dijon mustard is the way to go. It adds a gentle background flavour to the sub. Just remember to use a very thin layer, so it doesn't overpower the other ingredients.

You can even get creative and mix your mustard with apricot preserves for a touch of sweetness or crushed Calabrian chilli peppers and honey for a spicy kick.

So, depending on your preference, you can choose any of these condiments to elevate your ham and cheese sub to the next level.

Vegetables: lettuce, tomato, and pickles

Vegetables are a great way to add some crunch and freshness to your ham and cheese sub. Here are some tips on how to prepare and use lettuce, tomato, and pickles to elevate your sub:

Lettuce:

• Choose a crisp variety such as romaine or iceberg lettuce.
• Shred or chop the lettuce into thin, even slices. This ensures that it is easy to bite into and distributes the lettuce throughout the sub.
• For added texture, you can even lightly toast the lettuce in a pan before adding it to your sub.

Tomato:

• Opt for ripe, red tomatoes for the best flavour.
• Slice the tomatoes thinly so that they complement the other ingredients without overwhelming them.
• If you want to get creative, you can try using sun-dried tomatoes or even fried green tomatoes for a unique twist.

Pickles:

• Dill pickle chips or slices are a classic choice for a ham and cheese sub.
• The vinegar from the pickles helps to cut through the richness of the ham and cheese, providing a nice contrast.
• If you're feeling adventurous, you can experiment with different types of pickles, such as sweet pickles or spicy pickle chips.

When assembling your sub, consider layering the vegetables for the best flavour and texture combination. For example, you could start with a layer of lettuce, followed by tomatoes, and then top it off with a few pickle slices. This combination will provide a refreshing crunch with every bite, and the tangy flavour of the pickles will complement the other ingredients beautifully.

Feel free to experiment with the quantities of each vegetable to suit your taste preferences. You can also add other vegetables, such as onions, peppers, or even avocado, to create a more substantial and flavourful ham and cheese sub.

Seasonings: salt, pepper, and olive oil

Salt, pepper, and olive oil are essential seasonings for a ham and cheese sub. These simple seasonings can take your sandwich from bland to bold.

Salt and pepper are a classic combination that can enhance the flavour of your sub. Salt will bring out the natural sweetness of the ham and cheese, while pepper will add a subtle kick and depth of flavour. When seasoning your sub, be sure to use a liberal amount of salt and pepper to ensure every bite is seasoned.

In addition to salt and pepper, olive oil is a key ingredient in a ham and cheese sub. A drizzle of olive oil will add a rich, fruity flavour to your sandwich. It will also help to moisten the sandwich, ensuring that each bite is juicy and flavourful.

When seasoning your ham and cheese sub, it is important to use high-quality ingredients. For the salt, opt for a coarse sea salt or a flaky finishing salt, which will provide a stronger flavour and a satisfying crunch. For the pepper, freshly crack whole peppercorns to release their aromatic oils and deliver a more robust flavour. Finally, choose an extra virgin olive oil, which will have a more pronounced flavour and a deeper colour.

By using these seasonings in your ham and cheese sub, you'll elevate the flavours and create a more indulgent sandwich experience.

Frequently asked questions