Kamil Perry
Ham and cheese is a classic sandwich combination, but which type of cheese is best? Cheddar is the most classic option for a ham and cheese sandwich, with its sharpness balancing out the saltiness and sweetness of the ham. However, there are several other types of cheese that pair well with ham, including Swiss, Gruyère, and Red Leicester. Ultimately, the best type of cheese for a ham sandwich may come down to personal preference.
Characteristics of the best cheddar cheese to pair with ham:
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of Cheddar | Mature, extra sharp, sharp, aged |
| Texture | Crunchy, crumbly, shaved, sliced, grated |
| Flavour | Tangy, nutty, bold, creamy, buttery |
| Type of Ham | Deli, honey-baked, glazed, virginia, black forest, honey-roast, country |
| Other Ingredients | Mustard, mayo, butter, honey, bread, lettuce, tomato, onion, spinach |
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What You'll Learn
Extra sharp cheddar is best with a glazed or honey-baked ham
When it comes to ham and cheese, the two ingredients are natural flavor foils. The round body and mouthfeel of the cheese complement the umami and saltiness of the ham. Cheddar, despite being one of the most popular cheeses, can be divisive due to its sharp nature. However, when paired with ham, cheddar provides a sharp yet creamy contrast to the saltiness and potential sweetness of the meat.
If you're looking for a classic ham and cheese combination, cheddar is the way to go. In particular, extra sharp cheddar is the perfect pairing for a glazed or honey-baked ham. This type of cheddar has a bold flavor and a longer aging process, resulting in a crunchier and crumblier texture. The rich, tangy notes of extra sharp cheddar create a tantalizing flavor profile that stands up to the sweet and salty dimensions of glazed or honey-baked ham.
When creating this pairing, consider the quality of your ingredients. Opt for a high-quality, freshly sliced ham from the deli counter. For the cheddar, purchase it thinly sliced from the deli or shave it with a peeler for even slices that are less likely to fall out of your sandwich. The key to a successful pairing is to let the flavors of the extra sharp cheddar shine, so choose a bread that won't overpower the other ingredients, such as a thick-sliced wheat bread with a hint of sweetness.
To elevate your ham and cheese experience, think beyond the ordinary. The flavors of extra sharp cheddar are enhanced when matched with fruity accompaniments. Try adding a few slices of tomato and some fresh green leaves, such as lettuce or spinach. A drizzle of olive oil or a thin spread of dijon mustard can also enhance the flavors of your sandwich.
For a truly indulgent experience, consider grilling your sandwich. To do this, spread butter or mayonnaise on the outside of your sandwich and place it in a non-stick pan over medium heat. Fry both sides until crisp, with the cheese melted in the center. Alternatively, use a toastie machine or a panini press to achieve the perfect melt.
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Mature cheddar pairs well with salty, sweet and smoky ham
Cheddar cheese and ham are a classic combination. Cheddar's sharpness provides a creamy contrast to the saltiness and sweetness of the ham, creating a well-rounded sandwich experience. While there are several types of cheddar cheese, mature cheddar is the best pairing for salty, sweet and smoky ham.
Mature cheddar has a strong, sharp flavour that can stand up to the bold taste of ham. Its sharpness balances out the salty and sweet notes of the ham, preventing either element from becoming overwhelming. The sharpness of mature cheddar also complements the smokiness of the ham, creating a harmonious flavour profile.
Mature cheddar also has a crumbly texture that adds an interesting layer to the mouthfeel of the sandwich. This texture ensures that the cheese does not become lost amidst the other ingredients, allowing its flavour to shine through. The crumbly nature of mature cheddar also makes it easier to shave, slice or grate, ensuring a more even distribution throughout the sandwich.
When creating a ham and mature cheddar sandwich, it is important to consider the other ingredients. A hearty bread, such as thick-sliced wheat bread, provides a sweet and sturdy base for the sandwich. Mustard is also a popular addition, as its pop of flavour balances the oily nature of the ham. However, it is important to use mustard sparingly to avoid overpowering the other ingredients.
While mature cheddar is the ideal pairing for salty, sweet and smoky ham, other types of cheddar can also be used. Regular cheddar has a milder flavour and a creamy texture, making it a reliable choice for those who prefer a less intense sandwich. Extra sharp cheddar, aged for up to two years, offers rich, tangy notes and a crumblier texture that can elevate the sandwich to a more luxurious experience.
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Regular cheddar is a good match for standard deli ham
When making a ham and cheddar sandwich, it is important to consider the texture of the cheese. Deli-bought cheddar is often sliced thinly, which is ideal for a sandwich as it ensures the cheese melts easily and evenly. Thick slices of cheddar bought in blocks can be difficult to melt and may crumble, which is not ideal for a sandwich. Shaving the cheese with a peeler is another option, as it creates even slices that are less likely to fall out of the sandwich.
The type of bread and condiments used in a ham and cheddar sandwich is also important. A hearty bread with a bit of sweetness, such as thick-sliced wheat bread, pairs well with the sharpness of the cheddar and the saltiness of the ham. Mustard is also a popular condiment to include, as its pop of flavour adds a nice contrast to the oily ham. However, it is important to use a thin layer of mustard to avoid overpowering the other flavours in the sandwich.
While regular cheddar is a good match for standard deli ham, there are also other types of cheddar that can be used to elevate the sandwich. Extra sharp cheddar, for example, has a bolder flavour profile and a crunchier, crumblier texture that can add a luxurious dimension to the sandwich. This type of cheddar pairs well with the sweet and salty dimensions of the ham and can be enhanced further by a fruity accompaniment.
Ultimately, the choice of cheese for a ham sandwich depends on personal preference, and there are many different combinations to explore. However, the classic combination of regular cheddar and standard deli ham is a good starting point that is sure to satisfy.
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Red Leicester is a good alternative to cheddar
Cheddar cheese is a popular choice to pair with ham, as it provides a sharp yet creamy contrast to the saltiness and potential sweetness of the meat. However, if you're looking for a substitute, Red Leicester is a great alternative.
Red Leicester (or Leicestershire cheese) is an English cheese similar to cheddar, with a crumbly texture and a nutty, slightly sweet flavour. It is typically aged for 6 to 9 months, and during this time, it develops a stronger taste and a flaky, moist, and crumbly texture. The cheese gets its distinctive reddish-orange colour from the addition of annatto extract during manufacturing, a practice that dates back to the 18th century.
When it comes to ham sandwiches, Red Leicester is an excellent choice. Its nutty notes complement the saltiness of the ham, creating a well-balanced flavour profile. The crumbly texture also adds an interesting layer to the mouthfeel, enhancing the overall eating experience. Whether you're using sliced ham or a rustic roll, Red Leicester will elevate your sandwich.
If you're looking for a cheese that's a little more indulgent, smoked Gouda is another option to consider. Its smooth, buttery, and subtly smoky flavour pairs incredibly well with ham, reminiscent of the irresistible combination of bacon and ham. For a truly luxurious sandwich, layer smoked Gouda with ham, baby spinach, and honey mustard on crusty artisan bread.
While cheddar is a classic pairing with ham, Red Leicester is a fantastic substitute that will add a luxurious and unique twist to your sandwich. Its nutty flavour, crumbly texture, and eye-catching colour will surely impress and delight your taste buds. So, the next time you're craving a ham and cheese sandwich, why not give Red Leicester a try?
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Semi-sharp cheddar is best with highly-cured and aged ham
Cheddar cheese is a classic choice for a ham sandwich. While a sharp cheddar will work, a standard sharp cheddar is best paired with an average deli ham. If you're using a glazed or honey-baked ham, the sweetness will be more forward, and you might want to opt for an extra-sharp cheddar or one that has been aged longer.
If you have a highly-cured and aged ham like prosciutto, jamon Iberico, or American country ham, you'll want to be careful with the type of cheddar you choose. A well-aged cheddar might be too much for this kind of ham. Instead, consider using a semi-sharp cheddar to balance the saltiness of the ham. A sweet and spicy mustard can also help to keep the flavours in check.
When it comes to the texture of the cheese, you'll want to make sure it melts easily. Dry, crumbly cheeses are more difficult to melt and can make the sandwich messy. Thinly sliced cheese from the deli is preferable to shaving thin slices off a block of cheddar yourself.
Semi-sharp cheddar is a good choice for a ham sandwich because it has a sharp yet creamy flavour that contrasts nicely with the saltiness and potential sweetness of the ham. It also has a crunchy and crumbly texture that adds an intriguing layer to the mouthfeel, enhancing the overall eating experience.
To elevate your sandwich even further, consider adding some sweet and spicy mustard, a few slices of tomato, and some fresh green leaves like lettuce or spinach. You can also experiment with different types of bread, such as a rustic roll or sourdough.
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Frequently asked questions
A mature, extra-sharp cheddar is best for a classic ham sandwich. Its sharpness will help balance out the saltiness and sweetness of the ham.
A rustic roll or sourdough bread is a good choice for a ham and cheddar sandwich. If you want to toast or grill your sandwich, opt for slices with a flat surface area so that the bread will have direct contact with the skillet for even toasting.
A thin layer of dijon mustard will add a gentle background flavour without overpowering the sandwich. You can also add a drizzle of olive oil and a pinch of cracked black pepper.
Swiss cheese, Gruyère, provolone, and Red Leicester are all popular alternatives to cheddar in a ham sandwich. For a more luxurious option, try smoked Gouda, Havarti, or Brie and Camembert.
