Herbs To Elevate Your Ham And Cheese Sandwich

The ham and cheese sandwich is a classic, beloved for its simplicity and versatility. But what herb goes best on this sandwich? The answer may lie in herb butter, a condiment that can take your sandwich to the next level. By combining butter with herbs like thyme and parsley, you add a delicious flavour to your sandwich. Whether you spread it on the inside of your bread or butter the outside for a crispy, golden finish, herb butter is a great way to elevate your ham and cheese. So, the next time you're craving a warm, melty sandwich, don't forget to give herb butter a try!

Thyme and parsley in herb butter

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup butter, room temperature
• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon dried thyme
• 1 tablespoon dried parsley
• 8 slices bread (about 1/2-inch thick)
• 8 slices cheddar cheese (or cheese of your choice)
• 1/2 lb thinly sliced smoked ham (or to taste)
• 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
• 2 medium firm tomatoes, thinly sliced
• Pinch of salt

Instructions:

• Combine the softened butter, Dijon mustard, thyme, parsley, and salt in a small bowl. Mix well until smooth and thoroughly combined.
• Assemble your sandwich by arranging 4 slices of bread on a cutting board.
• Top each slice of bread with a slice of cheese.
• Add the sliced ham, followed by the tomato and onion.
• Finish with the remaining cheese and top with another slice of bread.
• Butter the outside of the bread with the herbed butter. You can also lightly butter the inside if you prefer.
• Heat a non-stick skillet with a small amount of herbed butter or regular butter.
• Place the sandwiches in the skillet and cook until the cheese is melted and the bread is golden brown. This should take about 3 minutes on each side.
• Enjoy your delicious, gourmet ham and cheese sandwich!

Feel free to adjust the ingredients to suit your taste. You can also try adding other ingredients like avocado, lettuce, or pickle slices to your sandwich for extra flavour and texture.

Thinly sliced ham

When crafting your ham and cheese sandwich, it is important to ensure that your ham slices are thin. This is not only for aesthetic reasons but also for practical ones. Thin ham slices ensure that the sandwich is not overwhelmed by the salty flavour of the ham. It also improves the mouthfeel of the sandwich, making it easier to bite through and creating a more pleasant dining experience.

To achieve the ideal thinness, it is recommended to ask the deli counter attendant to slice the ham as thinly as possible. Don't be afraid to ask for a sample slice to inspect and ensure it meets your standards. This attention to detail will pay off when you take that first bite of your perfectly crafted sandwich.

Once you have your thinly sliced ham, the next step is to assemble your sandwich. Start by spreading a layer of butter or mayonnaise on your chosen bread. This will act as a glue to hold the sandwich together and enhance the flavour. Then, place a generous amount of your favourite cheese—whether it's Swiss, Gruyère, cheddar, or another variety. The key is to ensure the cheese is thin and melts well.

After the cheese, it's time to add the star of the show—your thinly sliced ham. Layer it evenly, curling the slices over themselves to create a hammy masterpiece. If you're feeling adventurous, you can add some sliced pickles to complement the salty sweetness of the ham. Finally, top it off with another slice of bread and cook your sandwich in a skillet or press until the bread is golden and the cheese is melted.

Let the sandwich rest for a few minutes before slicing into it. This will allow the fillings to cool down and firm up, ensuring that everything stays intact when you take that first bite. Now you're ready to enjoy the perfect ham and cheese sandwich, with thinly sliced ham taking centre stage.

Mature cheddar cheese

When making a ham and mature cheddar cheese sandwich, the choice of bread is important. Most ham and cheese sandwiches use wholemeal seeded bread, but you could also use a baguette, ciabatta roll, sourdough bread, or white sandwich bread.

For the cheese, mature cheddar is the classic option. Shaving the cheese with a peeler will give you more even slices and make it less likely to fall out of the sandwich. You could also try slicing or grating it.

Some people like to add butter, mayonnaise, or a combination of the two to their sandwich. You could also spread a very thin layer of mustard on one slice of bread. Dijon mustard is a popular choice, but English or wholegrain mustard also work well.

If you want to add extra toppings, sliced tomato, onion, lettuce, and pickle are all good options. You could also add a pinch of cracked black pepper.

To cook your sandwich, you can either make it cold or toast it in a frying pan or sandwich toaster. If you're toasting it, spread butter or mayonnaise on the outside of the sandwich before adding it to the pan. Fry it slowly over medium-low heat so that the cheese melts and the bread turns golden brown.

Ingredients:

• 2 slices of bread
• Butter or mayonnaise
• Mustard (optional)
• 5 oz / 150g of mature cheddar cheese, shaved
• 4 slices of ham
• Cracked black pepper (optional)

Instructions:

• Spread butter or mayonnaise on one side of each slice of bread.
• Spread a very thin layer of mustard on one slice of bread (optional).
• Top the slice with mustard with a liberal spread of mayonnaise.
• Add the shaved mature cheddar cheese to both slices of bread.
• Add the ham on top of the cheese, folding it to create more height in the sandwich.
• Sprinkle the ham with cracked black pepper (optional).
• Place the second slice of bread on top, with the buttered/mayonnaised side facing outwards.
• Toast the sandwich in a frying pan over medium heat until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted.
• Enjoy!

Bread options

The bread you use for your ham and cheese sandwich can make or break the entire experience. It is important to choose a bread that has a flat surface area so that the bread will have direct contact with the skillet for even toasting.

Most ham and cheese sandwiches use wholemeal seeded bread. The extra texture and flavour in the bread work nicely with the sandwich's simple ingredients. You can also use slices of a rustic round boule, which yields larger slices than a standard square sandwich bread loaf and the bread has a bit more chew to counter the tender deli ham and cheese filling. Slices of marble rye or pumpernickel would be delicious options as well.

If you're looking for a softer option, you can use a sub roll, which is crusty on the outside and soft on the inside. Alternatively, you could use a baguette, a ciabatta roll, or sourdough bread.

To grill or not to grill

The Case for Grilling

There's no denying that a grilled sandwich is a thing of beauty. The golden, crispy exterior, the warm and inviting filling, the way the cheese oozes and stretches as you pull the two halves apart – it's a sensory experience that's hard to beat. Grilling your ham and cheese sandwich can take it to the next level, creating a structurally secure sandwich that's easy to eat and even easier to enjoy.

The act of grilling also adds a depth of flavour to the sandwich. The butter or mayonnaise you spread on the outside of the bread toasts to perfection, creating a delicious crust that contrasts beautifully with the soft, warm filling. Grilling is also a great way to ensure your sandwich is evenly heated throughout, avoiding the potential issue of cold spots or unevenly melted cheese.

The Art of Grilling

To grill your ham and cheese sandwich to perfection, there are a few key steps to follow. First, it's important to use the right type of bread – a flat surface area and a thickness of around 1/2-inch are ideal. You'll also want to spread the outside of the bread generously with butter or mayonnaise, as this will create that coveted golden crust.

When it comes to the filling, it's all about layering. Start with a slice of bread, buttered-side down, and add your cheese, ham, and any additional toppings. Then, on the second slice of bread, spread the mustard and any other condiments on the dry side, before placing it buttered-side up on top of the filling.

Use a non-stick skillet or a toastie machine to cook your sandwich over medium heat. If you're using a skillet, you can also weigh down the sandwich with a Dutch oven or another heavy skillet to ensure even cooking and help the sandwich hold its shape.

The Case for Not Grilling

Sometimes, you just can't beat a classic. There's a reason why the simple ham and cheese sandwich has endured as a lunchtime favourite for generations. It's a quick, easy, and convenient option that doesn't require any fancy equipment or time-consuming preparation.

A non-grilled ham and cheese sandwich is the ultimate in versatility. You can eat it on the go, pack it in a lunchbox, or whip it up in a matter of minutes when hunger strikes. It's also a great option if you're feeding a crowd, as it's easy to make multiple sandwiches at once without having to stand over a hot grill.

The beauty of a non-grilled sandwich is in its simplicity. You can focus on the quality of the ingredients, like a crusty baguette, fresh tomatoes, and crisp lettuce, without worrying about how they'll hold up during the grilling process. It's also a more forgiving option if you're short on time or attention – no need to worry about keeping an eye on the grill or achieving the perfect melt.

The Art of Non-Grilling

To make a stellar non-grilled ham and cheese sandwich, the key is in the ingredients and the assembly. Start with your choice of bread – a crusty baguette, a soft sub roll, or a classic wholemeal loaf – and spread your condiments of choice.

For the filling, layer on your favourite cheese, thinly sliced ham, and any additional toppings like lettuce, tomato, or pickle. Season with salt and pepper, and don't be afraid to get creative with your add-ons. Finally, top it off with another slice of bread, and you're good to go!

The Final Verdict

So, to grill or not to grill? Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference. If you're craving that golden, crispy crust and a warm, melty filling, grilling is the way to go. But if convenience, simplicity, and versatility are your priorities, a non-grilled sandwich might be your perfect match.

Whichever route you choose, the key to a great ham and cheese sandwich is in the details – from the quality of your ingredients to the care you take in assembling it. So, fire up that grill or grab your favourite knife – it's time to take your ham and cheese game to the next level!

Frequently asked questions