Randy Chandler
Ham and Swiss cheese are a classic combination, often served in sandwiches, grilled or toasted. To elevate this simple dish, herbs such as dill and chives are a great addition, as well as vegetables like spinach, arugula, tomatoes, and roasted peppers. For a more indulgent option, spread mayonnaise on the outside of the bread before grilling, or add a slice of tomato and a sprinkle of smoked paprika. Upgrading the bread to a pretzel bun or French bread can also take this sandwich to the next level.
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What You'll Learn
Dill and chives are a good match for Swiss cheese
Dill is a versatile herb that goes well with many cheeses, including Swiss cheese. It has a strong, fresh flavour with a hint of citrus and anise. It is commonly used to enhance the taste of creamy cheeses, such as Monterey Jack, and can also add a unique twist to grilled cheese sandwiches.
Chives, on the other hand, offer a mild onion flavour that pairs well with the nutty notes of Swiss cheese. They add a subtle sharpness that complements the cheese's richness. Chives are also versatile and can be used with a variety of cheeses, including softer options like ricotta.
Combining these herbs with Swiss cheese can create a delicious combination for sandwiches, such as the classic Croque-Monsieur. This sandwich features Swiss cheese slices, ham, and a béchamel sauce infused with dill and chives. The herbs enhance the flavour of the sandwich, creating a decadent and satisfying meal.
Whether used separately or together, dill and chives are excellent choices to accompany Swiss cheese, adding depth and complexity to your culinary creations.
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Try a Croque-Monsieur with béchamel, chives, and dill
A Croque-Monsieur is a delicious French ham and cheese sandwich. To make a Croque-Monsieur with béchamel, chives, and dill, you can follow these steps:
First, make the béchamel sauce. Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat, whisk in flour, and cook for about 3-5 minutes. Gradually add warmed milk, whisking constantly, until the mixture is smooth and thickened. Season with salt, pepper, nutmeg, and, if you like, mustard. Set the sauce aside.
Next, assemble the sandwich. Spread the béchamel sauce on slices of bread, preferably a 9-grain bread with seeds. You can also add sliced apple or tomato to the bread at this stage. Top the béchamel with cooked ham and Swiss cheese slices. Spread more béchamel sauce on another slice of bread and place it, sauce-side down, on top of the ham and cheese.
Finally, bake the sandwiches. Place the sandwiches on a baking tray lined with parchment paper and bake in the oven at around 375-400°F until golden and crispy. Sprinkle the sandwiches with fresh chives and pepper, and serve hot.
You can also add sliced dill to the béchamel sauce for an extra flavour boost, or experiment with other herbs and cheeses to find your perfect combination.
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Swiss cheese and ham pair well with tomatoes
Swiss cheese and ham are a classic combination, often served in sandwiches or grilled cheese. This pairing is versatile and can be enhanced with various herbs, sauces, and additional ingredients like tomatoes.
Tomatoes, in particular, pair well with Swiss cheese and ham. Fresh, thinly sliced tomatoes add a juicy texture and a tangy flavour that complements the creaminess of the cheese and the savouriness of the ham. The addition of tomatoes also introduces a refreshing note to the sandwich, making it more appetising, especially on a cool night.
When adding tomatoes to a Swiss cheese and ham sandwich, consider using a 9-grain bread with seeds for a satisfying texture and flavour. You can also experiment with different types of mustard, mayonnaise, and butter to find your preferred combination. Some people enjoy the combination of mayonnaise and mustard, while others prefer butter with a thin layer of mustard.
To elevate the sandwich even further, you can include additional ingredients such as spinach, arugula, roasted peppers, chopped olives, or artichokes. These additions provide a nutritional boost and a variety of flavours and textures that will make your sandwich even more delicious and satisfying.
In conclusion, Swiss cheese and ham pair exceptionally well with tomatoes. The combination of flavours and textures creates a delightful sensory experience, making it a popular choice for sandwiches, grilled cheese, or a hearty meal on a cool night. Feel free to experiment with different herbs, sauces, and additional ingredients to create your perfect Swiss cheese, ham, and tomato combination.
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Use mayo instead of butter for grilled ham and cheese
Swiss cheese is a versatile ingredient that can be paired with various herbs and other ingredients to enhance its flavour. Some herbs that go well with Swiss cheese include dill and chives. You can also try pairing it with sliced apples or tomatoes.
Now, when it comes to making a grilled ham and Swiss cheese sandwich, you might be wondering whether to use mayo or butter. Here are some reasons why you should consider using mayo instead of butter:
Even Browning
Mayonnaise is an emulsion of oil and some type of acid (usually vinegar or lemon), with egg acting as a binder. Its fat content is similar to butter, but it can be spread straight from the fridge. When using mayo, you don't need to worry about burning milk solids, as the fat in mayo can withstand high temperatures. This gives you more control over the browning of your sandwich, resulting in an evenly golden crust.
Crispier Texture
Using mayonnaise instead of butter will give your grilled ham and cheese sandwich a crispier texture. The mayo-coated bread turns out perfectly crispy, enhancing the overall taste and mouthfeel of the sandwich.
Neutral Flavour Profile
Mayonnaise has a more neutral flavour compared to butter. This can be advantageous if you want the flavours of the ham, Swiss cheese, and other fillings to shine through without being overwhelmed by the richness of butter. The neutral flavour of mayo lets the other ingredients take centre stage.
Convenience
Mayonnaise is spreadable straight out of the fridge, eliminating the need to wait for butter to soften before spreading it on your bread. This makes the sandwich-making process more efficient, especially when preparing multiple sandwiches.
Celebrity Endorsement
Celebrities like Joanna Gaines, Antoni Porowski, and Martha Stewart are proponents of using mayo in their sandwiches. They swear by the secret of using mayo to achieve a delicious grilled sandwich.
In conclusion, using mayo instead of butter in your grilled ham and Swiss cheese sandwich offers several benefits, including even browning, a crispier texture, a neutral flavour profile that highlights the fillings, and added convenience. However, the choice between mayo and butter ultimately comes down to personal preference, and some traditionalists may still prefer the creamy, nostalgic flavour of butter.
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Smoked paprika can be sprinkled on Swiss cheese and ham
Alternatively, smoked paprika can be used to season a Swiss salad with ham, gherkins, mayonnaise, yoghurt, and mustard. The salad can be served with bread at gatherings and special events. Swiss cheese can also be grilled with sliced apple or tomato.
Paprika can also be added to cheese sauces, gratins, and bakes. For example, smoked paprika is commonly added to macaroni cheese. Smoked paprika is also added to cheddar cheese, which can be used in a variety of dishes.
Smoked paprika is a versatile spice that can enhance the flavour of Swiss cheese and ham in sandwiches, salads, and hot meals. It can be added to a variety of dishes with Swiss cheese and ham to add a smoky flavour.
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Frequently asked questions
Start by spreading mayonnaise and mustard on a slice of bread. Place the slice butter-side down in a hot skillet. Top with Swiss cheese and ham. Spread butter on the unbuttered side of another slice of bread and place it butter-side up on the sandwich. Cook in the hot skillet until golden brown and the cheese is melted.
Swiss cheese pairs well with dill or chives. You can also add spinach, arugula, tomatoes, roasted peppers, chopped olives, artichokes, or a spoonful of salsa to the sandwich.
Whole grain bread with seeds is a good option for a ham and Swiss cheese sandwich. You can also use French bread or a pretzel bun.
You can add sliced apple, sliced tomato, or smoked paprika to your sandwich. You can also try spreading garlic aioli or cranberry mustard on the bread. If you're feeling adventurous, add some maple syrup for dipping!
