Andy Montoya
Ham and cheese sandwiches are a classic, and there are many ways to elevate this simple combination. The choice of cheese is important, with smoked cheddar, gouda, and mature cheddar all being popular options. To add a tangy kick, a spread made with honey, mustard, and mayonnaise is a common choice. Horseradish mustard is also a great option for those who like a bit of spice. For a more complex flavour, a spread made with butter, mustard, onion, Worcestershire sauce, and poppy seeds can be used. Lastly, for those who like their sandwiches hot, toasting the sandwich or baking it in the oven are both great options to elevate this classic.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of sauce | Mustard, mayonnaise, honey-mustard sauce, horseradish mustard sauce |
| Type of bread | Wholemeal seeded bread, French bread, hamburger buns |
| Type of cheese | Smoked cheddar, gouda, Swiss, Red Leicester, mature cheddar, mozzarella |
| Other ingredients | Black pepper, red onion, tomato, salt, watercress, poppy seeds, Worcestershire sauce, margarine, green onions, dill seed |
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What You'll Learn
Honey mustard mayo
To make honey mustard mayo, you can combine mayonnaise, honey, and mustard. You can also add dried mustard and poppy seeds for an extra crunch and a subtle earthy flavour. The sauce can be spread on the bread, or used as a dip for the sandwich.
When making a hot ham and cheese sandwich, you can bake it in the oven after assembling the sandwich. Spread the honey mustard mayo on both slices of bread, layer with ham and cheese, and then bake until the cheese is melted. This creates a warm and toasty sandwich with a slight crunch from the toasted bread.
For a cold ham and cheese sandwich, simply spread the honey mustard mayo on the bread, add the ham and cheese, and enjoy! You can also add some fresh lettuce and tomato for extra texture and flavour.
The versatility of honey mustard mayo makes it a great choice for a ham and cheese sandwich, whether it's warm and toasty or cold and crisp. It adds a unique flavour that enhances the classic combination of ham and cheese.
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Horseradish mustard
For a hot ham and cheese sandwich, start by preheating your oven to 250 degrees Fahrenheit or 120 degrees Celsius. Combine butter, mustard, onions, poppy seeds, and dill seed in a bowl. Take your bread of choice—a pretzel roll or bun works well—and spread the insides with the butter-mustard mixture. Place a slice of cheese and a slice of ham inside each bun, and wrap them in foil. Put the sandwiches in the oven and bake for 15 to 20 minutes, until the cheese has melted.
If you prefer a toasted sandwich, try a skillet method. Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add ham slices to the skillet and turn them frequently until warm. Move the ham to the side and lightly butter one slice of bread. Spread horseradish mustard on the other slice. Place the bread, buttered-side down, into the skillet. Layer on two slices of cheese, then the ham, and add more horseradish sauce. Top with another slice of bread, buttered-side up. When the bottom is browned and the cheese is slightly melted, carefully flip the sandwich and cook until the other side is browned.
For a cold sandwich, simply assemble the ingredients. Butter one slice of bread and spread a thin layer of horseradish mustard on another. Add shaved or sliced cheese, then the ham, and sprinkle with black pepper to taste. Close the sandwich and enjoy!
You can also make a Russian-style horseradish sauce by combining mayonnaise, a little chili sauce, chopped dill pickles, and horseradish. Adjust the amount of horseradish to your taste, starting with a teaspoon and adding more until you're happy with the flavour. This sauce pairs well with a ham and cheese sandwich, especially one featuring rye bread.
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Butter and mayo
If you are making a toasted ham and cheese sandwich, you can spread butter or mayonnaise on the outside of the sandwich and cook it in a non-stick pan over medium heat. This will give the sandwich a golden, toasted exterior. You can also add mayonnaise to the inside of the sandwich for extra flavour, but this will make the sandwich very rich.
If you are making an untoasted sandwich, you can spread butter or mayonnaise on the inside of the bread. Some people like to add mayonnaise to the exterior of an untoasted sandwich, but this is not necessary. You can also add a very thin layer of mustard to the sandwich to add some spice, but this is optional.
When assembling the sandwich, it is important to consider the order of the ingredients. If you are using mayonnaise, it is best to spread it on the inside of the bread first, followed by the cheese, ham, and any other fillings. This will help the sandwich hold together better when griddled.
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Tomato and watercress
While a classic ham and cheese sandwich is delicious on its own, you can elevate it by adding a sauce or some extra ingredients. A popular choice is to add mustard, butter, and/or mayonnaise. If you want to add some vegetables, tomatoes and watercress are a great option.
To make a tomato and watercress ham and cheese sandwich, you'll need to prepare the tomatoes first. Drain and finely chop the tomatoes, then pat them dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture. Next, stir the tomatoes and some peeled and minced garlic into the butter, seasoning with salt and cayenne pepper to taste. You can also add some honey to the mix.
Now it's time to assemble the sandwich. Lightly toast your bread of choice and spread the tomato butter mixture on it. Rinse and dry the watercress, then sprinkle it on top of the tomato butter. Add your favourite cheese—shaved, sliced, or grated—and some ham. Folding the ham will give your sandwich more height. Finally, top it off with another slice of bread, slice diagonally, and serve immediately.
This sandwich is best enjoyed fresh, as the salt from the tomatoes can draw out moisture over time, making the sandwich soggy. If you want to add some extra crunch, consider toasting the sandwich in a pan or a toastie machine until the bread is crisp and the cheese is melted. Enjoy!
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Mature cheddar
Cheddar is the most classic cheese to use in a ham and cheese sandwich. For a sharper flavour, mature cheddar is recommended to balance out the saltiness and sweetness of the ham.
When making a ham and cheese toastie, the butter or mayonnaise is spread on the outside of the sandwich. This is then placed in a non-stick pan over medium heat and fried until crisp, with the cheese melted in the centre.
A ham and cheese sandwich can be served cold, but toasting it can add variety. The mature cheddar will melt and become gooey, creating a comforting, classic sandwich.
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Frequently asked questions
Many people like to use a combination of mayonnaise and mustard. Some also add honey to this mixture.
Dijon mustard is a popular choice, but English and wholegrain mustard also work well.
Horseradish mustard dressing, honey mustard mayo, and a mixture of margarine, onion, Worcestershire sauce, and Dijon mustard are all good options.
Smoked cheddar, such as Applewood cheese, pairs well with ham. Mature cheddar, gouda, gruyere, Swiss, and Red Leicester are also good options.
Deli-style ham is recommended. Try to avoid honey-roasted or peppercorn-crusted ham as there are already enough flavourings in the sandwich.
