Best Lunch Meats To Pair With American Cheese

American cheese is a versatile variety that pairs well with many types of lunch meats. A classic combination is a simple sandwich of turkey and American cheese, which can be enjoyed cold or grilled. For a heartier option, you can add bacon to the mix, creating a flavourful trio. If you're feeling adventurous, swap out the turkey for salami or pepperoni, adding some extra spice to your sandwich. For a more indulgent option, try pairing American cheese with buffalo chicken, a less traditional but equally delicious combination. For a more subtle flavour, ham and American cheese is a tried-and-true duo, and you can add some variety with different types of ham, such as peppered, smoked, or maple-cured.

Salami and American cheese

Sandwiches

If you're feeling adventurous, experiment with different types of bread and condiments. Try a hearty multigrain bread with a smear of pesto, or a crusty baguette with a drizzle of olive oil and vinegar. You can also add fresh vegetables like spinach leaves, roasted red peppers, or sliced tomatoes, remembering to "bracket" them with the meat and cheese to prevent the bread from getting soggy.

Charcuterie Boards

Melty Magic

Both salami and American cheese have a reputation for melting beautifully, so take advantage of this quality by incorporating heat into your creations. Whether you're grilling your salami and cheese sandwich or baking a salami and cheese toast, the warmth will bring out the flavours and create a delightful, gooey texture. Just keep an eye on your culinary masterpiece to avoid overdoing it – you don't want your cheese to become a molten lava flow!

Creative Combinations

While salami and American cheese are fantastic on their own, don't be afraid to experiment with additional ingredients. Try a salami, American cheese, and roasted red pepper panini, or get creative with other meat and cheese combinations. For example, you could make a salami, prosciutto, and American cheese sandwich, or pair your salami and American cheese with some sliced tomatoes and fresh mozzarella. If you're feeling extra adventurous, swap out the American cheese for a spicy pepper jack or a bold blue cheese to create a flavour explosion.

Ham and American cheese

The classic combination of ham and cheese is a tried-and-true favourite for many. While there are numerous types of cheese to choose from, American cheese stands out as an excellent pairing for ham. This versatile cheese can be used to create a range of delicious sandwiches, from the traditional to the more experimental.

The Classic Ham and Cheese

A classic ham and American cheese sandwich is a simple yet satisfying option for any meal. To elevate this sandwich, consider using a combination of cheeses, such as the "trinity of cheese": provolone, American, and sharp cheddar. This trio provides a range of flavours and textures that complement the ham perfectly.

When assembling this sandwich, start by spreading mustard on the bread, followed by layering the ham and cheese. To add height to the sandwich, ribbon the ham and place the American cheese in the middle. For an extra crispy texture, spread the outside of the bread with mayonnaise before grilling.

The Sweet and Tangy Twist

For a unique twist on the classic, introduce a sweet and tangy element to your ham and American cheese sandwich. Honey mustard is an ideal condiment for this, providing a delightful contrast to the savoury flavours of the ham and cheese. Spread a generous amount of honey mustard on your bread, layer with ham and cheese, and grill to perfection.

The Veggie-Loaded Option

If you're looking for a more substantial sandwich, consider adding a variety of vegetables to your ham and American cheese creation. Spinach, arugula, tomatoes, roasted peppers, chopped olives, and artichokes are all excellent choices. You can even add a spoonful of salsa for a spicy kick. This option provides a well-rounded and nutritious meal, perfect for a cool night with a cup of tomato soup.

The Deli-Style Delight

For a deli-style experience, opt for a combination of deli honey ham and American cheese. This variation offers a convenient and tasty option for those on-the-go. Layer your sandwich with deli meats and cheeses, and don't forget to add your favourite condiments, such as mustard or mayonnaise.

The Grilled Cheese Upgrade

Take your grilled cheese to the next level by adding ham to the mix. Start with a generous amount of American cheese, and layer on thin slices of deli ham. For added flavour, spread butter or mayonnaise on the outside of the bread before grilling. This sandwich is best served hot, with the cheese melted and the bread golden brown.

Turkey and American cheese

When crafting your sandwich, it's important to start with high-quality ingredients. Opt for freshly baked bread that is crusty on the outside and soft on the inside, such as a baguette or ciabatta roll. Ask your local deli to slice the turkey breast as thin as possible, and choose thin slices of American cheese to complement it.

To build your sandwich, spread a layer of mayonnaise or a basil pesto aioli on both halves of the roll. Add the cheese to the bottom half, followed by a generous portion of thinly sliced turkey. For an extra flavour boost, consider mixing in some smoked turkey or opting for black pepper turkey.

Now it's time to add your choice of vegetables. Fresh mixed greens, such as arugula, and thinly sliced tomatoes are a great choice. If you're looking for something more substantial, include some coarsely chopped lettuce leaves, slices of cucumber, and even some cranberry sauce. Drizzle your vegetables with a vinaigrette, olive oil, or a dash of hot sauce for an extra kick.

Finally, season your sandwich with salt and pepper to taste. If you're feeling indulgent, butter the outside of your sandwich and grill it in a skillet or frying pan until the cheese melts and the bread turns a golden brown. Alternatively, use a panini press or oven to achieve that melty, oozy goodness.

There you have it—a mouth-watering turkey and American cheese sandwich, perfect for a quick lunch or to serve to a crowd. Don't be afraid to experiment with different ingredients and ratios to find your ideal flavour combination. Bon appétit!

Roast beef and American cheese

A classic combination, roast beef and American cheese is a match made in heaven. This pairing is a favourite for a reason, with the savoury, salty beef providing the perfect base for the creamy, mild American cheese.

The Best Roast Beef

When it comes to choosing the right roast beef for your sandwich, opt for a lean, slow-roasted variety. This will ensure your sandwich has a good texture and flavour without being too greasy. If you're short on time, deli-style roast beef is a great alternative—simply warm it in a skillet with beef stock, garlic powder, and Worcestershire sauce. For a more tender option, go for leftover Crock Pot roast beef. This will give your sandwich a juicy, fall-apart texture that will melt in your mouth.

Cheese Choices

While American cheese is a classic, mild option, you can also mix things up by adding other cheeses to your sandwich. Provolone is a popular choice, adding a slightly sharper flavour to the sandwich. For something even more indulgent, try Muenster or mozzarella, which will give a similar creamy texture to American cheese. If you're feeling adventurous, blue cheese will add a strong, salty kick to your sandwich.

Building the Perfect Sandwich

Start with a sturdy roll, such as a hoagie or sub roll, to ensure your sandwich can withstand all the toppings. Butter the roll and toast it in the oven until golden brown. Next, pile on a generous portion of roast beef, followed by your choice of cheese. Pop the sandwich back in the oven until the cheese is melted. Finally, top with your choice of condiments and enjoy!

Condiments and Extras

To take your roast beef and American cheese sandwich to the next level, try adding some sautéed onions, sliced tomato, lettuce, or arugula. If you like your sandwiches spicy, add some pepper jack cheese, hot sauce, or horseradish sauce. For a more classic flavour, go for spicy mustard or a spread of mayonnaise.

Recipe Ideas

For a simple, classic option, try a grilled cheese sandwich with roast beef and American cheese on sourdough bread. Spread a layer of Dijon mustard on the bread, add your meat and cheese, and cook in a skillet until golden brown. For a more indulgent option, try a hot roast beef sandwich. Mix mayonnaise, mustard, poppy seeds, grated onion, horseradish mayo, and Worcestershire sauce, and spread on soft hamburger buns. Add provolone, roast beef, and American cheese, wrap in foil, and bake until the cheese is melted. This is a great option for feeding a crowd!

Pastrami and American cheese

Bread

The type of bread you use can make or break your sandwich. For a traditional pastrami sandwich, rye bread is the way to go. You can use dark rye, Jewish rye, or even marble rye for an extra touch of elegance. If you want to switch things up, sourdough bread is another option that pairs well with the pastrami and cheese.

Meat and Cheese

When it comes to the pastrami, opt for thinly sliced pastrami from the deli counter at your grocery store. This will ensure you get the best quality and flavour for your sandwich. For the cheese, American cheese is the perfect melty complement to the pastrami. You can use slices of American cheese or shred it for an even distribution throughout your sandwich.

Condiments

To take your sandwich to the next level, don't skimp on the condiments. A generous spread of Thousand Island dressing or Russian dressing is a classic choice for pastrami sandwiches. You can also add a tangy kick with some spicy brown mustard. If you're feeling adventurous, make your own Russian dressing by whisking together mayonnaise, ketchup-style chili sauce, horseradish, hot sauce, Worcestershire sauce, onion powder, and smoked paprika.

Toppings

While the pastrami and cheese are the stars of the show, don't forget about the toppings! Sauerkraut is a classic choice for pastrami sandwiches, adding a crunchy texture and tangy flavour. You can also try coleslaw, either store-bought or homemade, for a similar effect. If you want to keep things simple, a few slices of tomato and some crisp lettuce will do the trick.

Assembly and Cooking

Now it's time to put your sandwich together. Spread your chosen condiments on the bread, then layer on the pastrami, cheese, and toppings. If you're using sliced bread, you can cook your sandwich in a skillet or panini press until the bread is toasted and the cheese is melted. Alternatively, you can eat your sandwich cold, straight from the fridge.

Frequently asked questions