The Perfect Cheese Pairings For Ham

There are many types of cheese that go well with ham, but the most popular options are Swiss, Gruyère, and cheddar. Swiss cheese, especially the original aged, semi-hard Emmentaler, has a buttery, nutty richness and slight tartness that offsets the salty sweetness of a honey-glazed ham. Gruyère, another Alpine-style cheese, has a distinct nutty and slightly sweet flavour with a hint of earthiness. The sharpness of cheddar cheese, meanwhile, cuts through the sweetness of the glaze and balances the saltiness of the ham.

Swiss cheese: a classic choice to pair with ham

Swiss cheese is a classic choice to pair with ham. This combination is a tried-and-true favourite for a reason—the salty-sweetness of the ham is offset by the nutty richness and slight tartness of Swiss cheese.

When making a ham and Swiss sandwich, it's important to consider the type of Swiss cheese you use. The original aged, semi-hard Emmentaler, known for its large holes, is a popular choice. Alternatively, Baby Swiss, a younger and milder version of Swiss cheese, offers a buttery and nutty flavour. Both varieties provide a nice balance of flavour without overpowering the meat.

If you're looking to elevate your ham and Swiss sandwich, consider adding some complementary ingredients. A dash of mustard or a spread of mayonnaise can enhance the flavour profile. For a touch of sweetness, include a drizzle of honey or a smear of apricot preserves. If you're feeling adventurous, try adding some crisp dill pickle slices or a handful of arugula.

The type of bread you use can also make a difference. A crusty baguette or a soft sub roll can provide a nice contrast to the Swiss cheese and ham. Toasting your sandwich can take it to the next level, creating a golden-brown crust and melting the cheese for a gooey, indulgent bite.

Whether you keep it classic or mix in some additional ingredients, a ham and Swiss sandwich is a delicious option that never goes out of style.

Cheddar: the most classic option for a ham sandwich

Cheddar is the most classic option for a ham sandwich. Its sharpness will help balance out the saltiness and sweetness of the ham. When making a ham and cheddar sandwich, it is best to use mature cheddar to pack in the flavour. The cheese can be shaved, sliced, or grated, but shaving it results in more even slices and makes it less likely to fall out of the sandwich.

A ham and cheddar sandwich can be served cold or toasted. If you are making a cold sandwich, it is best to use wholemeal seeded bread. You can add butter, mayonnaise, or a combination of the two. A thin layer of dijon mustard can also be added to the sandwich to offer a gentle background flavour without overpowering the other ingredients. If you are making a toasted sandwich, butter or mayonnaise can be spread on the outside of the sandwich and cooked in a pan or toastie machine until the bread is crisp and the cheese is melted.

Gruyère: a great melting cheese with a slightly sweet, nutty flavour

Gruyère is a semi-hard cheese crafted from whole cow's milk, distinguished by its modest scattering of small holes. Its texture is firm, and its complexion is a pale shade of yellow. It is relied upon by cheese connoisseurs worldwide for its subtle flavour and creamy texture. Gruyère's reputation for elevating ham and cheese pairings makes it a natural choice for a luxurious ham sandwich.

Younger Gruyère is known for its nutty notes, while older Gruyère takes on a more complex earthiness as it ages. In both cases, the flavour profile enhances the richness of the ham without overshadowing it. Another advantage of Gruyère is its exceptional melting capability, attributable to its high water-to-oil ratio. This makes it ideal for ham and cheese paninis. If you really want to elevate your sandwich, consider incorporating some chopped cornichons and Dijon mustard.

Gruyère is an especially great melting cheese with a slightly sweet, nutty flavour that's typically stronger than other Swiss varieties. It is the classic choice to pair with ham. If you want to try a similar cheese, you can also use Alpine cheese or Swiss cheese.

Provolone: slice it fresh and thin

Provolone is a great choice for a ham sandwich, especially if you slice it fresh and thin. It is a semi-hard Italian cheese with a mild flavour and a natural yellow colour. It is a good melting cheese, making it ideal for grilled cheese sandwiches.

When sliced thinly, provolone is a great complement to the saltiness of the ham, adding a layer of creaminess to the sandwich. It is also a good choice for those who don't like their sandwiches to be too overpowering in flavour.

For a room-temperature sandwich, provolone is a great option, but if you want to serve your sandwich hot, it is also a good melting cheese. It is best to slice the cheese thinly so that it melts evenly and doesn't overpower the other ingredients.

A good tip is to ask your deli counter to slice the ham and cheese as thinly as possible. This ensures that the salty ham doesn't overwhelm the other flavours and that the cheese melts nicely if you're serving your sandwich hot.

A classic combination is a grilled ham and cheese sandwich. To make this, simply grill your sandwich in a pan or sandwich press until the cheese is melted and the bread is toasted. You can also add some butter to the outside of the bread for a crispier finish.

If you're looking for something a little more indulgent, try a croque monsieur. This French favourite features ham, béchamel sauce, and grated cheese, grilled to perfection. For an extra touch of luxury, top it with a fried egg to make it a croque madame.

When it comes to bread, a crusty roll or baguette works well with provolone and ham. You could also try a ciabatta roll or sourdough bread for a different texture and flavour.

Finally, don't forget the condiments! A spread of mayonnaise or mustard can add a tangy twist to your sandwich, and a drizzle of olive oil can take it to the next level.

Smoked Gouda: its smoky notes intertwine effortlessly with the savoury essence of ham

When it comes to ham, there are many cheeses that complement its savoury essence. One of the most popular pairings is smoked Gouda, a buttery, nutty and smooth cheese with a subtle smokiness that intertwines beautifully with the ham.

The smoky flavour of smoked Gouda is reminiscent of the irresistible allure of bacon. When combined with ham, the result is a sandwich with an unprecedented depth of flavour. The smokiness of the cheese enhances the savoury notes of the ham, creating a harmonious blend that is simply irresistible.

To craft the perfect ham and smoked Gouda sandwich, there are endless possibilities. One mouth-watering option is to layer slices of smoked Gouda with ham, baby spinach leaves, and a generous squirt of honey mustard on crusty artisan bread. For a more sophisticated twist, pair smoked Gouda with ham, frisée, and caramelised onions. This combination brings together sweet, savoury, and nutty flavours, resulting in a culinary delight.

For a truly indulgent experience, smoked Gouda can be paired with caramelised onions or fig jam, adding even more depth of flavour to the sandwich. The sweetness of the onions or jam beautifully offsets the salty ham, while enhancing the smoky notes of the cheese.

Whether you prefer a classic or adventurous sandwich, smoked Gouda is an excellent choice for a ham sandwich. Its smoky notes and smooth texture create a delightful contrast to the savoury essence of the ham, making it a perfect pairing that never fails to satisfy.

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