The Perfect Sauce Pairings For Ham And Cheese Creations

Ham and cheese sandwiches are a classic, and while they're delicious on their own, a sauce can take them to the next level. The type of sauce you choose depends on your preference and the kind of cheese you're using. A simple mustard or mayonnaise will complement a strong cheese like cheddar or Gruyere, while a more delicate cheese like Brie or Camembert goes well with honey mustard or chutney. If you're feeling adventurous, try something like BBQ sauce, ranch dressing, chipotle mayo, or even marinara sauce. For those who like it spicy, sriracha or chipotle mayo will add a kick, while a garlic aioli or lemon garlic sauce brings a tangy freshness to your sandwich.

Honey Mustard Sauce

Ingredients

You can make honey mustard sauce with just a few simple ingredients, which are likely to already be in your kitchen. The ingredients include:

• Honey
• Mustard (yellow or Dijon)
• Olive oil or avocado oil
• Vinegar (red wine, apple cider, or white)
• Cayenne pepper (optional)
• Mayonnaise (optional)
• Horseradish (optional)
• Sage (optional)

Method

Making honey mustard sauce is very easy and only takes a few minutes. Here are the steps:

• Add 1/4 cup of baked ham pan juices or olive oil to a small or medium saucepan.
• Stir in the remaining ingredients and heat them over medium heat.
• Once mixed, whisk the sauce over low heat until it begins to boil.
• Simmer for a few minutes until the sauce thickens.

Serving Suggestions

• Drizzle the sauce over ham slices or use it as a dipping sauce.
• Spread a thin layer of the sauce on the insides of the bread slices for a ham and cheese sandwich.
• Use it as a dipping sauce for chicken nuggets, shrimp, or other seafood.
• Drizzle it over egg dishes, such as quiche.
• Serve it as a side with crab cakes.

Storage

Chimichurri Sauce

To make chimichurri sauce, you will need:

• Fresh parsley, finely chopped
• Dried oregano
• Garlic, for sharp depth of flavour
• Red pepper flakes, for heat
• Smoked paprika, for a subtle smoky flavour
• White wine vinegar or red wine vinegar
• Extra-virgin olive oil, to add richness
• Sea salt, to make the flavours pop

Simply whisk together the garlic, olive oil, vinegar, salt, oregano, red pepper flakes, and smoked paprika in a small bowl. Then, stir in the parsley and season to taste. That's it! You can also use a blender or food processor, but chopping everything by hand will give your sauce a dynamic texture and prevent it from turning into a paste.

Cranberry Sauce

For a zesty variation, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, grated lemon peel, grated orange peel, white pepper, and ground ginger can be added to the cranberry sauce. This creates a more complex flavour profile that complements the ham.

When making a ham and cheese sandwich, the type of cheese used is an important consideration when choosing a sauce. If using a strong cheese like cheddar or Gruyere, a milder sauce like a simple mustard or mayonnaise is recommended. However, if a more delicate cheese like Brie or Camembert is used, a bolder sauce like cranberry sauce can be a delicious choice.

Overall, cranberry sauce is a versatile and flavourful option that can enhance the taste of ham and cheese. It offers a unique combination of sweet, tangy, and sharp notes that make it a delightful addition to this classic pairing.

Chipotle Mayo

The key to a great ham and cheese sandwich is the quality of the ingredients and the sauce. If you are using a strong-flavoured cheese, such as cheddar or Gruyere, a simple mustard or mayonnaise will do. However, if you are using a more delicate cheese, such as Brie or Camembert, you can be more adventurous with your sauce choice and opt for chipotle mayo.

To make chipotle mayo, simply combine mayonnaise, chipotle peppers, and adobo sauce to taste in a blender or food processor and blend until smooth. You can also add a small amount of garlic, but this is optional. It is important to start conservatively with the chipotle and adjust the spice level to your preference after taste-testing.

Horseradish Sauce

The key ingredients in a basic horseradish sauce are prepared horseradish, vinegar, mustard, and whipping cream or sour cream. You can adjust the proportions to suit your taste preferences and desired consistency. For a more potent sauce, you can add extra prepared horseradish or opt for a "hot" variety. Horseradish sauce is easy to prepare, simply combine the ingredients and stir until smooth. It is best served chilled, and can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.

When pairing horseradish sauce with ham and cheese, consider the type of cheese you are using. Horseradish sauce goes well with strong-flavoured cheeses such as cheddar or Gruyere. The sharpness of the horseradish complements the salty, savoury notes of these cheeses. If you are using a milder cheese, such as Brie or Camembert, you may want to adjust the amount of horseradish used to avoid overpowering the delicate flavour of the cheese.

In addition to its flavour, horseradish sauce also adds a creamy texture to your ham and cheese dish. It can be used as a spread or dip, providing a tangy and savoury contrast to the salty ham and creamy cheese. The sauce is also versatile in terms of preparation; you can spread it directly on the bread, use it as a dip, or even add it as an ingredient in your sandwich fillings.

When preparing horseradish sauce for ham and cheese, you can also experiment with additional ingredients to create unique flavour profiles. For example, adding a small amount of honey to the sauce can create a sweet and tangy flavour that pairs well with the savoury notes of the ham and cheese. Alternatively, you can include herbs such as chives or dill to add a fresh, tangy twist to your sauce.

Frequently asked questions