Bushra Griffith
Ham and cheese sandwiches are a popular dish, with the ham sandwich being the most popular sandwich in the UK and 70% of the 1.8 billion sandwiches eaten in France in 2008 being ham sandwiches. A standard serving of a ham and cheese sandwich consists of two slices of bread, sliced cheese, and sliced cooked ham. The bread can be fresh or toasted, and the sandwich can be served hot or cold. Various toppings can be added, such as lettuce, tomato, onion, pickle slices, mustard, and mayonnaise. The sandwich can be cooked in a skillet until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted.
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What You'll Learn
- Bread: flat surface area, 1/2-inch thick, and slices of rustic round boule, marble rye or pumpernickel are recommended
- Cheese: cheddar is the most classic option, but Gruyere, Swiss, and Red Leicester are also popular
- Ham: fold the ham to create more height in the sandwich
- Condiments: mayonnaise and mustard are the most common condiments, but butter can be used instead of mayonnaise
- Cooking method: cook in a skillet over medium heat until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted
Bread: flat surface area, 1/2-inch thick, and slices of rustic round boule, marble rye or pumpernickel are recommended
When making a ham and cheese sandwich, the bread you choose is important. For a sandwich with fillings like ham and cheese, it is best to use bread slices with a flat surface area. This ensures that the bread has direct contact with the skillet for even toasting. Using a roll or baguette is not recommended for this reason.
It is also important to consider the thickness of the bread slices. Ideally, the slices should be about 1/2-inch thick. If the bread is thicker than that, it may be too chewy and distracting from the meat filling.
There are several types of bread that are well-suited for a ham and cheese sandwich. One option is to use slices of a rustic round boule. This type of bread yields larger slices than a standard square sandwich bread loaf, and it has a bit more chew to counter the tender deli ham and cheese filling.
Another option is to use slices of marble rye or pumpernickel. These types of bread have a more robust flavour that can complement the ham and cheese nicely. They also have a denser texture, which can help to hold up to the weight of the fillings.
In addition to the type of bread, the way you prepare it can also make a difference. Some people recommend spreading the inside of the bread with mayonnaise and/or butter before adding the fillings. This can add flavour and also help to "'glue'" the fillings to the bread, making the sandwich easier to eat.
Overall, the bread you choose for a ham and cheese sandwich can have a significant impact on the final product. By choosing a bread with a flat surface area and a thickness of about 1/2-inch, you can ensure that your sandwich toasts evenly and has a pleasant texture. And by selecting a type of bread with a flavour and texture that complements the fillings, you can take your ham and cheese sandwich to the next level.
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Cheese: cheddar is the most classic option, but Gruyere, Swiss, and Red Leicester are also popular
When it comes to cheese, a classic choice for a ham and cheese sandwich is cheddar. However, other popular options include Gruyere, Swiss, and Red Leicester. These cheeses offer a range of flavours and textures that can enhance the sandwich-making experience and the overall taste of the sandwich.
Cheddar cheese is a versatile option that pairs well with ham. It has a tangy flavour and melts nicely, especially when purchased in thin slices from a deli. This cheese option ensures a smooth melting experience without the hassle of shaving thin slices from a block of cheddar.
Gruyere cheese, a type of Swiss cheese, is another excellent choice for a ham and cheese sandwich. It has a bold flavour, so a little goes a long way. Gruyere also melts beautifully, creating a warm and gooey texture that complements the crisp, buttery crust of a grilled cheese sandwich. This cheese option is perfect for those seeking a sweet and savoury combination, as it pairs well with ingredients like fig jam and caramelised onions.
Swiss cheese, known for its tangy flavour, is a popular choice for those who enjoy a more assertive taste. It pairs exceptionally well with sweet and salty ham, creating a delightful contrast of flavours. Swiss cheese melts easily, contributing to the creamy texture of the sandwich.
Red Leicester cheese adds a soulful and savoury touch to a ham and cheese sandwich. When paired with chilli jam, it creates a unique flavour profile with a bit of zip. Red Leicester is a great option for those seeking a combination of spice and tanginess in their sandwich.
When selecting the cheese for your ham and cheese sandwich, it's important to consider the melting quality of the cheese. Avoid dry, crumbly cheeses, as they may not melt evenly or create the desired creamy texture. Opt for cheeses that melt easily, ensuring a smooth and indulgent eating experience.
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Ham: fold the ham to create more height in the sandwich
Ham and cheese sandwiches are a popular dish, with many variations. The bread can be fresh or toasted, and a variety of toppings can be used, including vegetables like lettuce, tomato, onion, or pickle slices. The type of cheese used can vary, with options such as Swiss, Gruyere, Red Leicester, and cheddar, which is the most classic option.
When constructing the sandwich, it is recommended to fold the ham to create more height. Shaving the ham is a good way to achieve this, as it allows for more even slices that are less likely to fall out of the sandwich. Folding the ham also allows for a greater amount of ham to be included in the sandwich, creating a more impressive and satisfying eating experience.
To further enhance the height of the sandwich, the ham can be folded in a specific way. One suggestion is to create a fan shape by laying the slices of ham slightly overlapping on one side of the bread and then folding them over in a semicircular shape. This technique not only adds height but also ensures that the ham is evenly distributed throughout the sandwich, providing a consistent texture and flavour with each bite.
Another approach to adding height is to roll the ham slices. By rolling the ham into small cylinders, you create a more voluminous layer that adds depth to the sandwich. This technique also helps to keep the ham securely in place, reducing the likelihood of it sliding out when the sandwich is cut or bitten into.
The folding technique applied to the ham can be a key factor in elevating the overall presentation and enjoyment of the sandwich. It showcases the ham as the star ingredient, ensuring each bite delivers a hearty and flavourful experience. Whether opting for a fan-shaped fold or rolled-up cylinders, the goal is to create a visually appealing and structurally sound sandwich that tantalises the taste buds and satisfies even the heartiest of appetites.
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Condiments: mayonnaise and mustard are the most common condiments, but butter can be used instead of mayonnaise
Mayonnaise and mustard are the most common condiments used in a ham and cheese sandwich. Mayonnaise can be spread on the inside of both slices of bread, acting as a "glue" to ensure the sandwich stays together. Mustard is often spread on top of the mayonnaise, adding a tangy flavour to the sandwich.
While mayonnaise is the traditional fat of choice for this sandwich, softened butter can be used as a substitute. Butter can be spread on the inside of the sandwich, just like mayonnaise, or on the outside of the sandwich before toasting.
Different types of mustard can be used, such as English, whole grain, or dijon, depending on personal preference. It is recommended to use a very thin layer of mustard to avoid overpowering the other flavours in the sandwich. If you do not like mustard, you can simply leave it out.
In addition to these condiments, other toppings and fillings can be added to a ham and cheese sandwich. These may include vegetables such as lettuce, tomato, onion, or pickle slices.
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Cooking method: cook in a skillet over medium heat until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted
To make a ham and cheese sandwich, you'll need sliced bread, sliced cheese, sliced cooked ham, and toppings such as lettuce, tomato, onion, pickle slices, mustard, and mayonnaise. The bread can be fresh or toasted, and the cheese is typically Swiss, but cheddar or Gruyère are also great options.
To cook your sandwich in a skillet over medium heat until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted, follow these steps:
- Start by choosing the right bread. Look for slices with a flat surface area so that the bread will have direct contact with the skillet for even toasting. Keep the slices around 1/2-inch thick to avoid them being too chewy and distracting from the filling.
- Prepare your sandwich by spreading mayonnaise on the inside of both slices of bread. You can also add a layer of mustard, which will add flavour and help "glue" the fillings to the bread.
- Layer your fillings. Start with cheese, then add ham, and top with more cheese. You can also add toppings like pickles or banana peppers.
- Close the sandwich with the second slice of bread, mayonnaise side down. Use a spatula to press firmly and adhere the sandwich together.
- Heat a skillet over medium heat. Place the sandwich in the skillet and cook until the bread is golden brown on the bottom, which should take around 4 to 6 minutes.
- Using two spatulas, carefully flip the sandwich. Place a heavy skillet or cooking weight directly on top of the sandwich, and reduce the heat to medium-low. This will help weigh down the sandwich, ensuring that the cheese melts and the ham warms through while the bread becomes golden brown.
- Cook for an additional 2 to 4 minutes, until the second side is golden brown and the cheese is melted.
- Remove the sandwich from the skillet and let it rest on a wire rack for about 5 minutes. This will help the sandwich hold together when sliced.
- Transfer the sandwich to a cutting board and cut it in half. Serve warm and enjoy your golden, crisp, and gooey sandwich!
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Frequently asked questions
The ingredients for a ham and cheese sandwich are sliced bread, sliced cheese, and sliced cooked ham. Some common additions include mustard, mayonnaise, lettuce, tomato, onion, pickle slices, and butter.
Cheddar is the most classic option for a ham and cheese sandwich. However, other cheeses that go well with ham include Gruyere, Swiss, and Red Leicester.
Most ham and cheese sandwiches use wholemeal seeded bread. However, you can also use slices of rustic round boule, marble rye, or pumpernickel.
A ham and cheese sandwich typically yields one serving.
Some side dishes that go well with a ham and cheese sandwich include a leafy green salad, potato salad, fruit salad, potato chips, and French fries.
