Randy Chandler
Grilled ham and cheese sandwiches are a delicious, easy-to-make meal that can be served as an appetizer or a main course. But what should you serve with them? There are several options to consider, from classic pairings to more creative combinations. Firstly, a bowl of soup is always a good idea, with tomato soup being the traditional choice. You could also try chicken noodle soup, red lentil soup, or even a potato soup. If you're looking for something lighter, a fresh green salad or a fruit salad can complement the richness of the sandwich. For a heartier option, consider scalloped potatoes, mac and cheese, or a classic potato salad. Don't forget to explore different types of cheese and bread to elevate your grilled ham and cheese experience. And if you're in the mood for a sophisticated comfort food pairing, a glass of red or white wine can be the perfect accompaniment.
Characteristics and Values
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Soups | Tomato, Potato, Chicken Noodle, Red Lentil, Broccoli, Clam Chowder, Ham Bone |
| Salads | Leafy Green, Caesar, Caprese Pesto Orzo, Broccoli, Pasta, Potato, Macaroni |
| Fruits | Apples, Grapes, Pears, Cherries, Watermelon, Berries |
| Sides | Hashbrown Casserole, Scalloped Potatoes, Chips, Fries, Roasted Vegetables, Veggie Tray, Baked Beans, Black Beans, Sauteed Cabbage |
| Drinks | Red Wine, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio, Riesling, Moscato, Pinot Noir, Merlot, Chardonnay |
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What You'll Learn
Salads, such as a leafy green salad, a Caesar salad, or a pasta salad
Salads are a great way to balance out the richness of grilled ham and cheese. Here are some salad options that would pair well with the dish:
Leafy Green Salad
A leafy green salad is a fresh and healthy option to accompany grilled ham and cheese. The crispness and lightness of the greens can help to cut through the richness of the dish. You can include a variety of leafy greens such as lettuce, spinach, arugula, or mixed greens. Top it off with your favourite dressing, such as a light vinaigrette or a creamy ranch.
Caesar Salad
A classic Caesar salad is another excellent option to pair with grilled ham and cheese. The salty, creamy dressing of a Caesar salad can complement the flavours of the grilled ham and cheese nicely. Don't forget to add some crunchy croutons and Parmesan cheese shavings to complete this side dish.
Pasta Salad
Pasta salad is a versatile dish that can be tailored to your taste preferences. A simple pasta salad with a creamy dressing, tender corn, and tomatoes can be a great option to pair with grilled ham and cheese. For a more indulgent option, try a dill pickle pasta salad, which combines cheese, red onion, and dill pickles in a creamy dressing. If you're looking for something with a kick of spice, the Caprese pesto orzo salad is a light and bright option that goes well with grilled cheese.
In addition to these salad options, you can also consider pairing grilled ham and cheese with a refreshing fruit salad or a comforting bowl of soup, such as the classic tomato soup or a hearty potato soup.
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Soups, including tomato soup, potato soup, or clam chowder
Soups are a great pairing with grilled ham and cheese sandwiches. The classic choice is tomato soup, which can be made with just tomatoes, onions, and butter. This soup provides a contrast of flavours – sweet, savoury, and tangy – that are sure to tickle the taste buds. For a richer soup, potato soup is a great option. The starchiness of potatoes makes for a satisfying pairing with grilled ham and cheese.
If you're looking for something a little different, clam chowder is a perfect side dish for grilled ham and cheese, especially during colder weather. Clam chowder is a hearty and comforting dish made with potatoes, clams, bacon, milk, and butter. The combination of ingredients creates a beautiful harmony of flavours and textures that complement the grilled ham and cheese sandwich.
For a soup that will help you use up your leftover ham, try making a ham bone soup. This soup is packed with flavour and can be easily prepared in a slow cooker. If you're looking for a lighter option, a simple chicken noodle soup can also be a perfect pairing with grilled cheese.
To elevate your grilled ham and cheese sandwich experience, consider pairing it with a glass of wine. A light-bodied wine with some acid, such as a Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, can complement the sandwich well. For a spicier sandwich, a sweet white wine like Riesling or Moscato is a nice choice. If you prefer red wine, a light to medium-bodied Pinot Noir or Merlot will enhance your dining experience.
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Fruits, like apples, grapes, watermelon, or berries
Fruits are a fantastic way to complement the rich and savoury flavours of grilled ham and cheese. The crispness and freshness of fruits like apples, grapes, watermelon, or berries can provide a wonderful contrast to the heartiness of the sandwich.
Apples are a classic pairing with cheese, and for good reason. The crispness of the apple slices pairs beautifully with the saltiness of the cheese, creating a delightful combination of textures and flavours. For a fun twist, try dipping your grilled cheese sandwich in some apple sauce. The natural sweetness of the apple sauce will also help to balance the savouriness of the sandwich.
Grapes are another excellent choice to serve alongside grilled ham and cheese. Their juicy sweetness can provide a refreshing contrast to the savoury sandwich, and they add a burst of colour to your meal.
Watermelon is a wonderful fruity option to pair with grilled ham and cheese. Its sweetness and juiciness can provide a refreshing contrast to the savoury sandwich, making for a delightful summery option. The added juices from the watermelon can also help to enhance the flavours of the sandwich, creating a truly mouthwatering experience.
Berries, such as cherries, strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries, can also be a great addition to your grilled ham and cheese meal. Their natural sweetness and bright colours can elevate the dining experience, and they make for a healthy and refreshing treat.
For a fun and flavourful presentation, consider creating a fruit salad with a combination of these fruits. Alternatively, you can serve them as individual fruit sides, allowing your guests to customize their plates according to their preferences.
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Casseroles, for example, scalloped potatoes or mac and cheese
Casseroles are a fantastic option to pair with grilled ham and cheese. They are hearty, comforting, and can elevate your meal to the next level. Here are some casserole ideas to consider:
Scalloped Potatoes
Scalloped potatoes are a classic side dish that pairs well with grilled ham and cheese. This dish consists of thinly sliced potatoes layered with cheese and a creamy sauce. The richness of the cheese sauce complements the grilled ham and cheese sandwich, creating a satisfying and indulgent meal. To make it, simply use a mandolin to slice your potatoes, layer them with cheese and sauce, and bake until perfection. It's a simple yet delicious option that your guests will surely enjoy.
Mac and Cheese
Mac and cheese is an all-time favorite that can be served as a side or even a main course. When paired with grilled ham and cheese, it adds a rich and creamy dimension to your meal. The key to a great mac and cheese is to enhance it with garlic powder and white pepper for added flavor. You can also experiment with different types of cheese, such as cheddar, mozzarella, or Swiss cheese, to create a unique taste.
Potato Casserole
A potato casserole is another excellent choice to accompany your grilled ham and cheese. Potatoes are a versatile ingredient that can be prepared in various ways, from scalloped potatoes to potato salads. Consider making a classic potato salad with red potatoes, dijon dressing, and dill, or opt for air fryer roasted potatoes with a chipotle dipping sauce. If you're looking for something heartier, a potato casserole baked with cheese and other ingredients will surely be a crowd-pleaser.
Hashbrown Casserole
For a unique twist, consider serving a hashbrown casserole alongside your grilled ham and cheese. Hashbrowns are a beloved breakfast item, but they can also be transformed into a delicious casserole. This option offers a different texture and flavor profile to your meal, adding a crispy and savory element.
Other Casserole Ideas
If you're feeling creative, you can experiment with different types of casseroles to pair with your grilled ham and cheese. For example, a broccoli casserole or a cheesy broccoli soup could be a tasty and healthy option. You could also try a pasta-based casserole, such as a Mexican-style pasta salad with corn, pasta, and tomatoes in a creamy dressing.
So, the next time you're planning a meal around grilled ham and cheese, consider exploring the world of casseroles. They offer a wide range of flavors, textures, and ingredients to enhance your dining experience.
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Wine, including Pinot Noir, Merlot, or Chardonnay
When it comes to wine, there are several options that can pair well with grilled ham and cheese. Here are some suggestions:
Pinot Noir: A light to medium-bodied Pinot Noir can complement grilled ham and cheese sandwiches, especially when paired with Cheddar and other cheeses. Its acidity and fruity notes can balance the saltiness of the ham and the richness of the cheese. For a more affordable option, you can choose inexpensive Pinot Noirs from poor vintages, such as red Burgundy or Alsace Pinot Noir.
Merlot: Like Pinot Noir, Merlot is a light to medium-bodied red wine with good acidity. It can be a great choice for grilled ham and cheese sandwiches, especially if you prefer a slightly heavier wine.
Chardonnay: If you're looking for a white wine option, Chardonnay is a full-bodied variety that pairs well with grilled cheese sandwiches. It complements the buttery bread and can be a good choice if you're looking for a wine to go with a classic grilled ham and cheese combination.
In addition to these specific varieties, there are some general guidelines you can follow when pairing wine with grilled ham and cheese. Ham, with its sweet and salty richness, pairs best with wines that have a touch of sweetness, plenty of acidity, and bold fruit flavours. Some options include Riesling, Moscato, Rosé, and Grenache. If you're looking for a sparkling option, a sparkling Rosé or even a sparkling red can be a great choice to cut through the saltiness of the ham.
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Frequently asked questions
Here are some side dishes that go well with grilled ham and cheese:
- Salads: leafy green salad, Caesar salad, broccoli salad, or a Mexican-style pasta salad.
- Soups: tomato soup, chicken noodle soup, potato soup, or clam chowder.
- Fruits: apples, grapes, watermelon, or berries.
- Casseroles: scalloped potatoes, mac and cheese, or hash brown casserole.
A nice glass of red wine or a light-bodied wine with some acidity like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio are great drink options to pair with grilled ham and cheese.
Some side dishes that pair well with grilled ham specifically include sliced fruits like watermelon, apples, or berries. Potato-based dishes like scalloped potatoes, potato salad, or potato soup also go well with grilled ham.
Grilled cheese goes well with a variety of salads, such as a simple green salad, a Caesar salad, or a broccoli salad. It also pairs well with tomato soup, chicken noodle soup, or a variety of fries.
To make grilled ham and cheese more interesting, you can experiment with different types of bread and cheese. You can also try adding toppings like mustard, apricot preserves, or pickles. Instead of using sliced ham, you could try using thin slices of turkey or roast beef deli meat.
