Herbs To Compliment Your Ham And Cheese Creations

Ham and cheese is a classic sandwich that has been enjoyed by Americans for centuries. The sandwich is so popular that it was the go-to baseball park food in the 1800s. While the basic ham and cheese sandwich is delicious on its own, adding herbs can take it to the next level. So, what herb goes well with ham and cheese?

There are a few herbs that can enhance the flavour of a ham and cheese sandwich. Thyme, parsley, and rosemary are often used together to create an herb crust on a bone-in ham. These herbs complement each other well and provide a flavourful addition to the sandwich. Another option is to make an herb butter by combining softened butter with Dijon mustard, thyme, and parsley. This herb butter can be spread on the outside of the bread before toasting the sandwich in a skillet.

Additionally, sage and thyme pair well with ham and cheese, as seen in an egg cup recipe that includes these herbs. These herbs can be used fresh or dried and sprinkled into the egg and cheese mixture before baking.

When choosing herbs to add to a ham and cheese sandwich, it's important to consider the type of cheese being used. For example, basil goes well with Swiss cheese, while thyme pairs nicely with cheddar. Experimenting with different herbs and cheeses can lead to a delightful and gourmet version of this classic sandwich.

Thyme, parsley and rosemary complement ham

Thyme, parsley, and rosemary are a perfect match for ham. These herbs complement each other beautifully and enhance the flavour of the meat.

Thyme is a versatile herb that goes well with a variety of dishes, including soups, stuffing, beef, pork, eggs, cheese, and fish. It has an earthy, slightly pungent flavour that can add depth to a dish. Parsley, on the other hand, is a refreshing herb that is commonly used to garnish dishes. However, when used in cooking, it adds a bright, fresh flavour to meats, vegetables, soups, and eggs. Rosemary, with its woody and aromatic flavour, is commonly used in poultry stuffing and pairs well with potatoes, cauliflower, and fish.

When combined, these three herbs create a delightful blend of flavours that elevate the taste of ham. This combination is especially popular in an Easter ham recipe, where the ham is scored and rubbed with a mixture of thyme, parsley, and rosemary. The herbs are gently pressed into the crosshatch spaces between the skin, infusing the meat with their aromatic flavours. The ham is then baked until it reaches the perfect internal temperature.

In addition to roasted ham, these herbs can also be used in a variety of dishes such as sandwiches. For instance, a toasted ham and cheese sandwich with herb butter can be made by combining softened butter with Dijon mustard, thyme, and parsley. This herb butter is then spread on the outside of the bread before cooking the sandwich in a skillet until the cheese melts and the bread turns golden brown.

So, if you're looking to enhance the flavour of your ham, consider using a combination of thyme, parsley, and rosemary. These herbs will surely take your dish to the next level!

Sage, rosemary, thyme and mustard go well with pork

Sage, rosemary, thyme, and mustard are all excellent choices to pair with pork. These herbs and condiments can elevate a simple ham and cheese sandwich or a more elaborate pork dish.

For a simple ham and cheese sandwich, the choice of bread, cheese, and condiments is essential. A rustic artisanal loaf, such as a boule or ciabatta, provides a sturdy base with a flat surface for even toasting. Swiss cheese, particularly Gruyère, is a popular choice for its bold flavour and melting capabilities. To take the sandwich to the next level, an herbed butter spread can be used, combining butter with Dijon mustard, thyme, and parsley. This spread not only enhances the flavour but also acts as a "glue" to hold the sandwich together.

Another way to incorporate herbs into a ham and cheese sandwich is by adding fresh herbs like sage and thyme to the filling. These herbs complement the salty ham and melted cheese, creating a more sophisticated flavour profile.

Moving beyond sandwiches, herbs can be used to create a delicious herb-crusted pork roast. Fresh herbs like thyme, parsley, and rosemary are combined and rubbed onto the surface of a bone-in ham. The herbs not only infuse the pork with flavour but also create a visually appealing crust.

Whether it's a simple sandwich or a more elaborate roast, the combination of sage, rosemary, thyme, and mustard can elevate pork dishes to new heights. These herbs and condiments add depth of flavour, creating a sensory experience that delights the taste buds and satisfies even the most discerning palates.

Tarragon, coriander, fennel and rosemary are good with grilled fish

Tarragon, coriander, fennel, and rosemary are all great herbs to use with grilled fish. Here are some ways to incorporate these herbs into your cooking:

Tarragon has a subtle anise-like flavour that pairs well with fish and seafood, especially shellfish. Try making shrimp scampi or Lobster Newburg with tarragon, or bake it with chicken. You can also melt butter with tarragon and a touch of lemon juice to create a sauce for chicken.

Coriander has a bright, citrusy flavour that can enhance the taste of grilled fish. It is also commonly used in chicken dishes and pairs well with garlic, marjoram, oregano, and tarragon.

Fennel has a sweet, anise-like flavour that can complement grilled fish. It is also used in Italian sausages and pairs well with basil, garlic, oregano, and paprika.

Rosemary has a woody, pine-like aroma and a warm, bitter taste. It is commonly used with grilled fish, as well as roasted meats, and pairs well with parsley, thyme, and sage. Try making a rosemary-infused butter to melt over grilled fish or steak, or use it to make herb-crusted lamb or pork.

These herbs can be used individually or in various combinations to elevate your grilled fish dishes and experiment with different flavours.

Dill, mint, parsley and basil are all herbs that go with cheese

Dill, mint, parsley, and basil are all herbs that go well with cheese.

Dill is a fresh and tangy herb that pairs well with cream and cottage cheese. It can also be used in vegetable salads, pickles, and tomatoes, adding a refreshing kick to your dish. Parsley, on the other hand, is a versatile herb that complements a wide range of foods, including meats, vegetables, soups, and eggs. It adds a bright, fresh flavour to your recipes.

Mint is an unexpected but delightful addition to cheese dishes. It is commonly used in sweet dishes like jellies, fruit juices, candies, and cakes, but it also pairs well with savoury ingredients like pork and potatoes. The cool, refreshing flavour of mint can really elevate your cheese-based recipes.

Basil is a classic herb that enhances the flavour of cheese. It is commonly used in Italian cuisine and goes well with tomatoes, tomato sauces, and squash. Basil has a sweet, slightly peppery taste that makes it a perfect match for cheese.

These herbs can be used in a variety of ways when cooking with cheese. They can be added fresh or dried to your dishes. For example, you could make an herb butter by combining softened butter with chopped herbs and a pinch of salt. This herb butter can then be spread on bread for sandwiches or melted over vegetables. Alternatively, you could chop the herbs finely and mix them directly into your cheese, creating a flavoured cheese spread.

When using these herbs, it's important to remember that a little goes a long way. Start with a small amount and adjust to your taste preferences. Each herb has a distinct flavour that can enhance your dish, so experiment and have fun creating new flavour combinations!

Herb butter can be used in a ham and cheese sandwich

Herb butter is a great way to add flavour to a ham and cheese sandwich. Herbs that go well with ham include thyme, marjoram, mustard, oregano, rosemary, garlic, and sage. For a ham and cheese sandwich, you could try a herb butter featuring a combination of these herbs.

To make a herb butter, simply mix softened butter with your chosen herbs. You can also add a pinch of salt and a little Dijon mustard to taste. The butter should be at room temperature so that it is easy to mix, and you should combine the ingredients until you have a smooth, even paste.

When making your sandwich, you can spread the herb butter on the inside of the bread, or you can butter the outside of the sandwich and cook it in a skillet or on a grill. If you choose to cook your sandwich, place it in a hot skillet and cook until the cheese melts and the bread is golden brown.

You can also add other ingredients to your sandwich, such as sliced tomato, red onion, spinach, arugula, or roasted peppers.

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