Best Soups To Pair With A Grilled Ham And Cheese

There are many soups that go well with grilled ham and cheese sandwiches, but the most popular option is tomato soup. This combination is a classic, with the crunchy, buttery bread and melted cheese of the sandwich pairing perfectly with the sweet and velvety soup.

Tomato soup is a classic pairing with grilled ham and cheese

The key to a great grilled ham and cheese sandwich is to fry it slowly over medium-low heat. This allows the cheese to melt properly and gives the bread a chance to toast to a golden brown without burning. Bringing the cheese to room temperature before making the sandwich also ensures that it melts more evenly. For the soup, roasting the tomatoes and garlic beforehand adds a nice smoky flavour, and blending the soup until smooth gives it a creamy texture.

When serving, the sandwich can be dipped into the soup, creating a comforting and indulgent bite. This classic pairing is a crowd-pleaser, perfect for a weeknight meal or a cosy lunch on a rainy day. It is a simple yet delicious option that can be customised to your taste, and it is sure to leave you feeling satisfied and nostalgic.

Try a soup with a sweet twist, like the Chilled Tomato Soup with Tarragon Crème Fraîche

If you're looking for a soup with a sweet twist to pair with your grilled ham and cheese, look no further than Chilled Tomato Soup with Tarragon Crème Fraîche. This soup is not only visually stunning but also incredibly delicious and refreshing.

To make this soup, start by choosing ripe, red tomatoes that are sweet and packed with flavour. If you're unable to find ripe tomatoes, don't fret! You can add tomato paste to enhance the flavour and give it a rich, concentrated taste. The addition of tarragon crème fraîche brings a creamy, tangy twist to the soup, elevating it to new heights.

For an extra special touch, consider serving the soup chilled, as the name suggests. This unexpected temperature contrast will surprise and delight your taste buds. It's the perfect choice for a hot summer day or when you're craving something light and refreshing.

When it comes to preparation, this soup is relatively simple to make. You'll need a blender or food processor to create a smooth and creamy texture. Simply blend the tomatoes, add some seasoning to taste, and mix in the crème fraîche. If you want to get fancy, you can even add some fresh tarragon leaves as a garnish.

Now, let's talk about why this soup pairs so well with grilled ham and cheese. The sweetness of the tomatoes and the tanginess of the crème fraîche create a beautiful contrast with the savoury, salty flavours of the sandwich. The chilled temperature of the soup also provides a refreshing break from the warmth of the grilled sandwich.

Imagine taking a bite of your grilled ham and cheese, savouring the melted cheese and smoky ham, then dipping it into the chilled tomato soup. The combination of flavours and textures will dance on your palate, creating a delightful culinary experience.

So, if you're looking for a unique and refreshing soup to accompany your grilled ham and cheese, Chilled Tomato Soup with Tarragon Crème Fraîche is the perfect choice. It's a simple yet impressive dish that will leave your taste buds wanting more.

For a fresh twist, add pineapple and basil to your grilled ham and cheese

Grilled ham and cheese sandwiches are a classic pairing with tomato soup. But if you're looking to switch things up, why not try adding pineapple and basil to your sandwich for a fresh and fruity twist? Here are some ideas to elevate your grilled ham and cheese with this unexpected combination:

Pineapple and Basil Grilled Ham and Cheese

The key to this sandwich is, of course, the pineapple and basil. Fresh pineapple is best, as it provides a juicy and tangy contrast to the savoury ham and cheese. Finely dice the pineapple and chop the basil leaves. You can also add a sprinkle of fresh mint leaves to enhance the flavour. Assemble your sandwich by layering the pineapple, basil, and ham between slices of buttered bread, and grill until golden and toasted.

Pineapple and Basil Soup

For a truly unique experience, you can also incorporate pineapple and basil into a soup. Create a pineapple and basil smoothie bowl by blending pineapple, banana, guava juice, lime juice, dates, basil, and coconut cream. Serve this chilled soup with a sprinkle of cojita cheese on top. Alternatively, prepare a warm pineapple and basil soup by pouring a banana and orange smoothie over diced pineapple, garnished with sugar, mint, and basil.

Soup and Sandwich Pairing

Now that you have your pineapple and basil grilled ham and cheese, what soup should you pair it with? A chilled pineapple and basil soup could be a refreshing choice for a hot summer day. Or, if you're looking for something more traditional, a creamy tomato soup or a chicken noodle soup with basil pesto would complement the flavours of your sandwich. For a heartier option, a potato soup or a beef vegetable soup would also go well with your fruity and savoury sandwich creation.

For a spicy kick, try Jalapeño-popper Grilled Cheese with your soup

To make the sandwich, first, cut the jalapenos in half and remove the seeds and membranes. You can use gloves to do this to avoid irritation. Then, stuff each half with a little mound of cream cheese and place them on a baking sheet. Bake the jalapenos until they are semi-soft, the cheese is bubbly, and they start to brown.

Next, place one slice of cheddar cheese on two slices of bread. Then, place one slice of Monterey Jack on the other two slices of bread. Each sandwich will have both kinds of cheese. Slice the cooked jalapenos into bite-sized pieces and divide them between the two slices of bread with cheddar. Add the bacon to the slices of bread with Monterey Jack, and add chopped cilantro to one side if desired. Combine the slices of bread to form two sandwiches.

Finally, top each sandwich with butter and place it in a skillet over medium-low heat, butter-side down. Grill each side until lightly browned and the cheese is melted and gooey.

This sandwich is perfect for those who like lots of flavour and a little heat. It pairs well with a classic tomato soup, which can be made from scratch or from a can. You can also dip the sandwich in sweet chilli sauce or plum sauce for an extra kick.

For a healthy option, serve your grilled ham and cheese with a side salad

A grilled ham and cheese sandwich is a classic comfort food, but it can be a little heavy on its own. Pairing it with a side salad is a great way to add some extra nutrients and make it a more well-rounded meal. Here are some ideas for how to make this dish healthier:

• Use whole grain bread instead of white bread. This will add some extra fibre and nutrients to your meal.
• Choose a lower-fat cheese option, such as low-fat cheddar or mozzarella. This can help reduce the overall calorie and fat content of the sandwich.
• Go easy on the butter. While butter adds a delicious richness to the sandwich, using too much can make it greasy. Try using a light layer of butter or a light spray oil instead.
• Bulk up the sandwich with fresh vegetables. Tomatoes, green peppers, and avocado can add some extra flavour, texture, and nutrients to your sandwich.
• Serve with a side salad. This is a great way to get some extra vegetables into your meal. Go for a mix of leafy greens, such as spinach or rocket, and add in some other veggies like cucumber, carrots, or beetroot. You could also add in some healthy fats like avocado or olives.
• Green salad with a tangy vinaigrette: This option will help balance out the richness of the sandwich. Go for a mix of leafy greens, such as rocket, spinach, or mixed greens. Add in some sliced cucumber, cherry tomatoes, and avocado for a boost of healthy fats. Top with a tangy vinaigrette dressing, such as a balsamic vinaigrette or a honey mustard vinaigrette.
• Roasted vegetable salad: This option adds some extra depth of flavour to your meal. Try roasting vegetables like beetroot, carrots, and zucchini. Toss them in a light coating of olive oil and your favourite herbs and spices, then roast them in the oven until tender. Once they're done, let them cool slightly and then toss them with some mixed greens and a light vinaigrette.
• Grain salad: This option adds some extra fibre and nutrients to your meal. Start with a base of cooked grains like quinoa, farro, or brown rice. Add in some chopped vegetables like roasted peppers, cucumbers, and cherry tomatoes. Toss with a light vinaigrette or a squeeze of lemon juice and olive oil.

Remember, the key to making this meal healthier is all about balance. You can still enjoy the classic flavours of a grilled ham and cheese, but by making a few simple changes and adding a side salad, you can boost the nutritional value of your meal.

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