Bushra Griffith
The classic ham and cheese sandwich is a staple in the American lunchbox repertoire, but which type of cheese is best? There are several options, including Swiss, Red Leicester, and cheddar. If you're looking for something different, you could try provolone, American, mozzarella, or Alpine cheese. For a creamy texture, goat cheese is a good option, although it doesn't melt as well as some other varieties. When it comes to the type of bread, wholemeal seeded is a common choice, but sourdough, ciabatta, and brioche buns are also popular.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cheese type | Swiss, Gruyère, Red Leicester, cheddar, provolone, American, mozzarella, Alpine, goat, havarti |
| Bread type | Sourdough, ciabatta, brioche bun, croissant, wholemeal seeded, potato, rustic sourdough |
| Condiments | Mustard, mayonnaise, honey mustard, olive oil, pickles, salt, pepper, salsa |
| Ham type | Deli, Black Forest, Polish, prosciutto cotto, Dietz & Watson off the bone, Boar's Head tavern ham, honey ham |
| Additional ingredients | Lettuce, tomato, onion, spinach, arugula, roasted peppers, olives, artichokes, pineapple |
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Thinly sliced ham
When it comes to the cheese, there are many options that pair well with thinly sliced ham. A classic choice is cheddar cheese, which can be sliced or grated. Other options include Swiss cheese, Red Leicester, Gruyere, provolone, American cheese, mozzarella, gouda, and havarti. If you're using Italian or Spanish ham, you might want to try a cheese from the respective country to match. Shaving the cheese with a peeler can result in more even slices and reduce the chances of it falling out of the sandwich.
The bread is another important component of the sandwich. Options include wholewheat, multi-grain, sourdough, gluten-free, or a basic white sandwich bread. If you want to elevate your sandwich, you could use a croissant, brioche, or baguette.
To assemble the sandwich, spread butter and a thin layer of mustard on one slice of bread, and a liberal spread of mayonnaise on the other. Layer shaved cheese and thinly sliced ham on top of the mustard, adding black pepper to taste. Fold the ham to create more height in the sandwich. Top with another slice of bread, and your sandwich is ready to enjoy!
If you want to take it up a notch, you can turn your sandwich into a toastie or grilled cheese. Simply spread butter or mayonnaise on the outside of the sandwich and fry both sides in a pan until the bread is crispy and the cheese has melted.
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Swiss cheese
When making a Swiss cheese and ham sandwich, it is best to use thinly sliced cheese. This is because thin slices deliver a big effect, and also melt well. If you are using a block of Swiss cheese, it is recommended to slice it thinly, rather than shaving off thicker slices.
There are a variety of additional ingredients that can be added to a Swiss cheese and ham sandwich. Some people like to add spinach, arugula, tomatoes, roasted peppers, chopped olives, artichokes, or a spoonful of salsa. Pickles are also a popular addition, as they complement the sweetness of the ham. Mustard is another common addition, and some people like to mix it with apricot preserves for added sweetness.
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Sourdough bread
To make sourdough bread, you'll need a few simple ingredients, including flour, water, wild yeast, and salt. The first step is to create a sourdough starter, which is a mixture of flour and water that is fermented and used to leaven the bread. You can make your own starter from scratch, purchase one, or get one from a fellow baker. Once you have your starter, it needs to be fed and maintained regularly to keep it healthy and active.
The next step is to mix your starter with the rest of the dough ingredients, which typically include more flour, water, and salt. The dough is then kneaded and shaped before being left to rise. This is a crucial step in sourdough baking, as the dough needs to rise adequately to ensure a successful bake. After rising, the dough is scored with a design or pattern and then baked in the oven.
When choosing a cheese to pair with ham on sourdough bread, consider options such as Swiss cheese, Gruyère, Havarti, or creamy goat cheese. These cheeses melt well and complement the tangy flavour of the sourdough. For a more robust sandwich, add toppings like spinach, arugula, tomatoes, roasted peppers, or olives. Sourdough bread is a delicious and nutritious option for creating the ultimate ham and cheese sandwich.
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Mustard and mayo
A ham and cheese sandwich is a versatile meal that can be made in a variety of ways. The type of cheese you use is important, and different cheeses will melt differently and have varying flavours. For a sandwich that can be served hot or cold, try using provolone, American, or cheddar cheese. If you're looking for a sandwich with a strong flavour that doesn't melt, try goat cheese. Swiss cheese is another popular option for ham sandwiches, especially when paired with honey mustard on potato bread.
If you're looking for a simple, quick, and easy recipe that requires no cooking skills, a ham and mayo sandwich is a great option. This sandwich is perfect for picnics, road trips, or even as an appetizer. To make it, spread mayo on one slice of bread, then add ham and season with pepper to taste. Close the sandwich and cut it into two pieces. For a kick of flavour, add a teaspoon of mustard to the mayo before closing the sandwich.
For a hot ham and cheese sandwich, try spreading mayonnaise and mustard on the unbuttered side of a slice of bread, then place it butter-side up on your sandwich. Add some ham and cheese, then cook in a hot skillet until golden brown and the cheese is melted—about 3 minutes per side. You can also try grilling your sandwich in a cast-iron skillet or frying pan with butter. This method works well with a variety of cheeses, including provolone, American, and cheddar.
If you're feeling creative, there are many ways to elevate your classic ham and cheese sandwich. Try adding some arugula, tomatoes, roasted peppers, chopped olives, artichokes, or a spoonful of salsa. For a more indulgent option, use a buttered brioche bun with cherry jam and Swiss cheese. If you're a fan of crunchy sandwiches, try toasting your bread or grilling it for that perfect crunch.
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Toasted sandwiches
A toasted ham and cheese sandwich is a simple and tasty meal. The key to a good ham and cheese toastie is the bread and cheese you use, as well as how you prepare and cook the sandwich.
Bread
The bread you use should be sturdy, such as sourdough, ciabatta, or a brioche bun. It needs to hold up to melting cheese and juicy ham. If you want to keep it classic, opt for wholemeal seeded bread. For a more indulgent option, a croissant can be used.
Cheese
There are many different cheeses that work well with ham. The best option is a matter of personal preference. However, some popular choices include:
- Swiss cheese
- Gruyere cheese
- Red Leicester
- Cheddar cheese
- Provolone
- Mozzarella
- American cheese
If you like creamy cheese, you can use goat cheese. It might not melt as well as other cheeses, but it has a lot of flavour and is spreadable.
Ham
The best ham is sliced very thinly. Deli ham is a good option, and you can choose from Black Forest ham, Polish ham, or prosciutto cotto. Leftover ham will also work.
Assembly
Spread butter or mayonnaise on the outside of the sandwich. If you like mustard, spread a very thin layer on the inside of the sandwich. Top with shaved cheese, then add the ham. You can add some black pepper to taste. If you want to add vegetables, consider spinach, arugula, tomatoes, roasted peppers, chopped olives, artichokes, or a spoonful of salsa.
Cooking
Place the sandwich in a non-stick pan over medium heat and fry both sides until crisp, with the cheese melted in the centre. You can also use a toastie machine or oven. If you want to grill the sandwich, add some butter to the pan and cook for a couple of minutes on each side until golden brown.
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Frequently asked questions
There are many cheeses that go well with ham, including Swiss, Red Leicester, and Gruyere. However, the most classic option is cheddar.
For a ham and cheese sandwich, a sturdy bread such as sourdough, ciabatta, or a brioche bun holds up well to melting cheese and juicy ham. Toasting or grilling the bread will add a nice crunch to the sandwich.
In addition to cheese and ham, you can add ingredients such as spinach, arugula, tomatoes, roasted peppers, chopped olives, artichokes, salsa, or pickles to a ham and cheese sandwich. You can also spread condiments like mayonnaise, mustard, or butter on the bread.
There are several ways to cook a ham and cheese sandwich. You can make a grilled cheese sandwich by adding butter or mayonnaise to a pan and placing the sandwich in the pan until the cheese melts and the bread turns golden brown. Alternatively, you can make a ham and cheese toastie by spreading butter or mayonnaise on the outside of the sandwich and cooking it in a pan or toastie machine.
