Frederic Melton
Grilled ham and cheese sandwiches are a delicious and comforting meal, perfect for any occasion. While the sandwich itself is the star of the show, you might want to serve it with some sides to elevate the whole dining experience. There are several options to choose from, ranging from the classic potato chips and French fries to the more indulgent scalloped potatoes and devilled eggs. If you're looking for something healthier, a leafy green salad or roasted vegetables are great choices. For a heartier meal, soups like tomato basil or beef and rice vegetable, or pasta salads are excellent options. And don't forget, you can always experiment with different cheeses, breads, and toppings to make your grilled ham and cheese sandwich even more mouth-watering!
What to serve with grilled ham and cheese sandwiches
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Sides | Potato Chips, French Fries, Pasta Salad, Soup, Fresh Vegetables, Scalloped Potatoes, Leafy Green Salad, Baked Beans, Sauteed Cabbage, Roasted Vegetables, Fruit Salad, Hashbrown Casserole, Potato Salad, Chili, Baked Cinnamon and Apple Slices, Creamy Macaroni and Cheese, Sweet Potato Fries |
| Drinks | Tomato Soup, Cream of Potato and Bacon Soup |
| Dips | Guacamole, Chip Dip, Hot Cheese Dip |
| Toppings | Honey Mustard Sauce, Mayonnaise, Mustard, Avocado, Tomato, Lettuce, Onions, Pickles, Celery, Baby Carrots, Ranch Dressing, Aioli, Poppy Seeds, Worcestershire Sauce |
| Bread | Whole Grain Bread, French Bread, Fresh Ciabatta, Wonder Bread, Sweet Hawaiian Rolls, Regular Dinner Rolls |
| Cheese | Swiss Cheese, Gruyère, Cheddar, Mozzarella, Provolone, White Cheddar |
| Ham | Deli Cut Ham, Shaved Ham, Smoked Ham, Black Forest Ham, Honey Ham, Smoked Virginia Ham, Spiral Ham, Maple Dark Forest Ham |
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What You'll Learn
Salads, such as leafy greens or a fruit salad
Salads are a great way to balance out the richness of grilled ham and cheese sandwiches. Leafy greens such as lettuce, kale, and spinach make for a refreshing side dish. You can also add other vegetables like tomatoes, cucumbers, avocado, and carrots to create a colourful and nutritious salad.
If you're looking for something a little heartier, a pasta salad is always a good option. You can include vegetables like peppers, onions, and olives, and toss it all together with your favourite dressing.
For a lighter option, especially during the warmer months, a fruit salad is an excellent choice. Fresh fruits like apples, berries, melons, and citrus can be tossed together and served alongside the sandwiches.
You can also make a more composed salad, such as a classic Caesar salad with crisp romaine lettuce, homemade croutons, Parmesan cheese, and a creamy dressing. Another option is a Caprese salad with fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil.
Salads are a versatile and healthy option to serve alongside grilled ham and cheese sandwiches, and they can be easily customised to your taste and the seasonality of ingredients.
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Potato-based dishes, like French fries, hash browns, or scalloped potatoes
Grilled ham and cheese sandwiches are a delicious and comforting meal, but they can be even better when served with a side dish. Potato-based dishes, in particular, can be a great option to consider. Here are some ideas for potato-based sides to serve with your grilled ham and cheese sandwiches:
French Fries
French fries are a classic side dish that can be easily paired with grilled ham and cheese sandwiches. You can choose from various types, such as crinkle cuts, waffle-style, or steak fries, or even make your own at home. They provide a crunchy and satisfying contrast to the soft, melted cheese and toasted bread of the sandwich.
Hash Browns
Hash browns, or hashbrown casserole, offer a different take on potato-based sides. They are typically made by shredding and frying potatoes, resulting in a crispy and golden dish. Hash browns can add a nice texture and flavour contrast to the sandwich, especially if you prefer your grilled ham and cheese sandwiches with softer potatoes.
Scalloped Potatoes
Scalloped potatoes are a more time-consuming option but can be well worth the effort. This dish involves layering sliced potatoes with cheese, resulting in a soft, creamy, and cheesy masterpiece. The addition of an extra layer of shredded cheese on top can create a perfectly crunchy exterior. Scalloped potatoes complement the simplicity of a grilled ham and cheese sandwich, adding a touch of indulgence to your meal.
Potato Chips
If you're looking for a no-fuss option, potato chips are a great choice. They require no preparation and offer a convenient way to add a crunchy and salty element to your meal. From simple ridged chips to more flavoured options like sour cream and chive, BBQ, or baked varieties, potato chips can be a perfect side to your grilled ham and cheese sandwiches.
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Soups, including tomato, beef and rice, or potato and bacon
When it comes to grilled ham and cheese sandwiches, soup is an excellent complementary option. Here are some soup choices that will elevate your sandwich and provide a hearty and satisfying meal:
Tomato Soup: A classic choice that pairs perfectly with the grilled sandwich. The tanginess of the tomato and the creaminess of the soup create a delightful contrast. You can even add a bit of spice to your tomato soup for an extra kick.
Beef and Rice Soup: This soup offers a heartier option with its robust and savoury flavours. The rice adds a filling element, making it a satisfying choice to accompany your sandwich.
Potato and Bacon Soup: A creamy and indulgent option, the potato and bacon soup is a delightful treat. The creaminess of the potato blends beautifully with the salty, smoky flavours of the bacon, creating a rich and flavourful experience.
You can also get creative and experiment with other soup varieties, such as a cheesy broccoli soup or a chilli. These options will add a different dimension to your grilled ham and cheese sandwich experience, providing a complete and comforting meal.
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Dips, such as guacamole or hot cheese dip
If you're looking for a tasty dip to serve alongside grilled ham and cheese sandwiches, there are a few options to consider.
First up is guacamole, a classic dip that pairs perfectly with the sandwich. Avocados are a must for this dip, and you can add in some diced tomatoes, red onions, garlic, cilantro, and jalapenos for an extra kick. This dip is a great way to add some freshness and creaminess to your meal.
Another option is a hot cheese dip, which can be made in a slow cooker for convenience. This dip is perfect for those who want to indulge in even more cheese, and it's an excellent choice for a party or weekend appetizer. You can serve it with some easy-to-dip vegetables like celery and carrots, or even some crispy potato chips for a heartier snack.
If you're feeling creative, you can also make your own chip dip to serve with potato chips. This homemade dip only requires three ingredients: cream cheese, sour cream, and ranch dressing mix. It's a simple way to elevate your side dish and impress your guests.
Dips are a fun and interactive way to enhance your grilled ham and cheese sandwich experience, and these options are sure to be a hit with your family or guests!
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Pickles, either store-bought or homemade
Pickles are a great side to serve with grilled ham and cheese sandwiches. You can either buy them from a store or make them at home. If you want to make your own, you'll need water, vinegar, salt, and sugar for the brine, and horseradish, dill, garlic, peppercorns, and bay leaves for flavour. You can make them in any shape, but if you're planning to put them in your sandwich, it's best to slice them into thin, coin-shaped pieces. If you're serving them on the side, you can cut them into spears.
If you're short on time, you can always buy pickles from a store. Sour cream and chive, BBQ, and baked flavours are all great options. You can even serve them with a homemade chip dip to make them a little fancier.
If you're looking for a more complete meal, a dill pickle pasta salad would be a fantastic choice to serve with your grilled ham and cheese sandwiches.
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Frequently asked questions
Here are some side dishes that go well with grilled ham and cheese sandwiches:
- Potato chips
- French fries
- Pasta salad
- Soup
- Fresh vegetables like tomatoes, green peppers, and avocado
- Scalloped potatoes
- Baked cinnamon and apple slices
- Potato salad
- Salad
Here are some tips to elevate your grilled ham and cheese sandwiches:
- Use a tangy sharp cheddar or Swiss cheese to balance out the salty ham.
- Cook the sandwich over medium-low heat to avoid burning the exterior before the cheese melts.
- Cover the pan to trap the heat and ensure melty cheese.
- Sprinkle grated Parmesan on the exterior of the sandwich and press it into the butter to create an extra crispy crust.
- Add some toppings like mustard, mayonnaise, lettuce, onions, pickles, or sliced tomatoes.
Here are some variations of the classic grilled ham and cheese sandwich:
- Use different types of bread like whole grain bread, French bread, or sweet Hawaiian rolls.
- Add a slice of tomato or avocado to the sandwich.
- Spread a little honey mustard sauce on the insides of the bread slices.
- Use mayonnaise instead of butter for an ultra-crispy crust.
- Layer the sandwiches with multiple varieties of cheese.
Grilled ham and cheese sandwiches are versatile and can be served as an appetizer, main course, or part of a larger meal. Here are some ideas for dishes to serve alongside them:
- Deviled eggs
- Slow cooker hot creamy corn
- Baked beans or black beans
- Sauteed cabbage or roasted vegetables
- Fruit salad
- Hashbrown casserole or potato casserole
- Creamy macaroni and cheese
