Hearty Ham And Cheese Sandwiches: Best Side Dish Options

Ham and cheese sandwiches are a versatile dish that can be served as an appetizer, a main course, or a holiday meal. While they are delicious on their own, a well-chosen side dish can elevate this simple meal and add a fun dimension to your dining experience. From the classic combination of a leafy green salad to the comforting warmth of a bowl of soup, there are numerous options to choose from. Here are some mouth-watering ideas to get you started.

Salads: potato, macaroni, egg, or coleslaw

Salads are a great side dish to serve with ham and cheese sandwiches. Here are some ideas for salads that will complement your sandwiches:

Potato Salad

Potato salad is a classic side dish that pairs well with ham and cheese sandwiches. It is a hearty and satisfying option, especially when made with red potatoes, dijon dressing, and dill. The creaminess of the potatoes, the tanginess of the dijon, and the freshness of the dill create a delicious combination of flavours and textures that will enhance your sandwich.

Macaroni Salad

Macaroni salad is another creamy and savory option that goes well with ham and cheese sandwiches. This salad typically includes pasta, eggs, pickles, onion, bell pepper, mayonnaise, and mustard. It is a substantial salad that will leave you feeling full and satisfied. The sharpness of the mustard and pickles also helps to cut through the richness of the sandwiches.

Egg Salad

Egg salad is a rich and creamy option that can be served as a side dish or added to your ham and cheese sandwich for an extra indulgent treat. To make an egg salad, simply combine chopped hard-boiled eggs with mayonnaise, mustard, lemon juice, celery, onions, and chives. Season with salt, pepper, and paprika to taste. The savoury and slightly tangy flavours of the egg salad will complement the salty ham and cheese.

Coleslaw

If you're looking for something crisp and crunchy to accompany your ham and cheese sandwiches, coleslaw is an excellent choice. The cabbage and carrots in coleslaw provide a satisfying texture contrast to the tender sandwich. You can also add raisins and walnuts to your coleslaw for an unexpected but delicious combination. The slight sweetness of the raisins and the nutty flavour of the walnuts will enhance the overall flavour of your meal.

Soups: tomato, potato, or clam chowder

If you're looking for a side dish to accompany your ham and cheese sandwiches, why not try a bowl of soup? Here are some ideas to elevate your meal:

Tomato Soup

A classic choice, tomato soup provides a contrast of flavours – sweet, savory, and tangy – that will tickle your tastebuds. And it's not just about the taste; the bright red colour of the soup also adds visual appeal to your meal. To make a simple yet spectacular tomato soup, all you need are three ingredients: tomatoes, onions, and butter. Blend them together, and you have yourself a delicious soup. If you want to get fancy, you can even add some fresh basil or other herbs to give it an extra kick.

Potato Soup

For a heartier option, potato soup is a perfect choice to pair with your sandwiches. Potatoes are a great source of starch, so they'll leave you feeling satisfied and full. A good potato soup often includes ingredients like milk, cheese, sour cream, bacon, and, of course, potatoes. The creaminess of the soup, combined with the saltiness of the bacon and the richness of the potatoes, creates a magical taste experience. It's like a hug in a bowl!

Clam Chowder

If you're looking for something rich and indulgent, especially during colder weather, New England Clam Chowder is the way to go. This chowder includes scrumptious ingredients like potatoes, clams, bacon, milk, and butter. It's a true comfort food and will leave you feeling warm and cosy inside. The creamy soup, combined with the savoury ham and cheese sandwiches, creates a beautiful harmony of flavours and textures. It's like a taste of the seaside in a bowl!

Presentation and Serving Ideas

When serving soup with your sandwiches, consider garnishing the soup with fresh herbs like chives or parsley to add a pop of colour and a boost of flavour. You can also offer a variety of toppings or mix-ins on the side, such as shredded cheese, croutons, or chopped green onions, so your guests can customise their bowls. For an extra special touch, serve the soup in a bread bowl – your guests can then dip their sandwiches into the soup for an indulgent bite!

Chips: potato, tortilla, or rosemary Parmesan

Chips are a classic side dish, and for good reason! They're crunchy, salty, and a fun addition to any meal. Here are some ideas for types of chips that would go well with ham and cheese sandwiches:

Potato Chips

Potato chips are a versatile side dish that can be dressed up or kept simple. For a basic option, go for simple ridged chips or try different flavours like sour cream and chives, BBQ, or baked. If you want to get a little fancier, you can make your own Parmesan rosemary potato chips. The Parmesan and rosemary add a delicious, savory flavour to the chips and provide a nice textural contrast to the tender sandwich. You can even put these chips in your sandwich for an extra crunch!

Tortilla Chips

Tortilla chips are a great option if you're looking for something a little different. Make some homemade tortilla chips by cutting tortillas into triangles and baking them in the oven until crispy. Serve them with a side of guacamole or hummus for dipping. The cool, creamy guacamole or hummus will pair nicely with the warm, melty ham and cheese sandwiches.

Other Chip Options

If you're looking for something a little heartier, you could try making some truffle fries or sweet potato fries. These options offer a different flavour profile and a more filling side dish. Serve them with a variety of dipping sauces like aioli, ketchup, or ranch dressing.

Dips: hummus, guacamole, or chip dip

Dips are a great way to elevate your ham and cheese sandwiches and make them even more delicious. Here are some dip ideas to try:

Hummus

Hummus is a fantastic dip option to serve with your sandwiches. It is a versatile choice that can double as a spread for the sandwiches themselves or as an appetizer dip. Serve it with some cut-up veggies like carrots, bell peppers, or cucumbers, or offer pita bread and chips for dipping. If you're feeling creative, you can make your own hummus at home; it only takes five minutes and a handful of ingredients, though you will need a food processor to get that extra creamy texture.

Guacamole

Guacamole is another excellent dip option, especially if you're looking for a bright flavor that's sure to be a crowd-pleaser. A classic guacamole recipe includes jalapeno, red onion, garlic, cilantro, and tomato, with avocados as the star ingredient. Remember to add the tomatoes last and stir gently to keep their texture and bright color. Serve this tasty dip with some chips for a perfect appetizer to go with your sandwiches.

Potato Chip Dip

Potato chips are a classic side dish for sandwiches, and you can take them up a notch by serving them with a delicious dip. Try making a homemade chip dip with cream cheese, sour cream, and ranch dressing mix. It's easy to prepare and tastes much better than store-bought dips. For a healthier option, serve this dip with celery, baby carrots, or other easy-to-dip vegetables.

Bean Dip

If you're looking for something a little heartier, you can make a bean dip in your slow cooker. This addictive dip includes bacon and green chiles for a kick of flavor. Serve it with chips or crackers on the side, or offer it as a creamy side dish to complement your sandwiches.

Beans: baked or black

Baked beans and ham sandwiches are a classic combination, especially if you're going for a cowboy-style hearty meal. They're a great side dish, but you can also make a ham and cheese toastie to dunk into the beans. Baked beans are a great option for a summer BBQ or a game-day party.

To make your own, start with hearty beans flavoured with barbecue sauce, brown sugar, onions, jalapenos, and bacon. Add some ground turkey or beef, onions, peppers, garlic, and loads of seasonings and sauces to make Southern-style beans. You can make them in a crockpot for an easy, hands-off approach.

Black beans are also a great side dish option with ham and cheese sandwiches. They can be served as a simple veggie side, or you can sauté them with cabbage for a more complex dish.

Frequently asked questions