The Perfect Cheese Pairing For Honey Ham

Honey ham is a versatile ingredient that can be paired with a variety of cheeses to make a delicious sandwich. The classic combination is honey ham with cheddar, Swiss, or American cheese. However, if you're looking for something a little more adventurous, there are several other options to explore. For a dynamic duo, try pairing honey ham with Havarti and Gouda, with the former being an excellent melting cheese and the latter a flavour explosion. Another option is to go for a spicy cheese like Pepper Jack, which will add a nice kick to your sandwich. If you're craving something creamy and nutty, Brie or Camembert are excellent choices, and if you want to add a touch of sweetness, try a drizzle of honey or a smear of fig jam on your sandwich.

Honey ham and cheese sandwich combinations

Honey ham and cheese is a classic sandwich combination, but there are many ways to elevate this simple sandwich into a gourmet experience. Here are some mouth-watering honey ham and cheese sandwich combinations to try:

Extra Sharp Cheddar, Apple, and Mustard

The creamy texture and mild flavour of regular cheddar can be elevated by opting for extra sharp cheddar, which has a bolder, tangier flavour and a crunchier, crumblier texture due to extended ageing. Adding apple slices and a generous squirt of mustard to this sandwich will create a fruity contrast to the sweet and salty ham. For an even more indulgent twist, layer on some fig slices and peppery arugula.

Smoked Gouda, Spinach, and Honey Mustard

Buttery, nutty, and smooth smoked gouda has a subtle smokiness reminiscent of bacon, which pairs beautifully with ham. For a delightful sandwich, layer smoked gouda with ham, baby spinach leaves, and honey mustard on crusty artisan bread. For a fancier option, match the gouda with ham, frisée, and caramelized onions on country white or sourdough bread to bring together sweet, savoury, and nutty flavours.

Havarti, Ham, and Apricot Jam

Havarti is a creamy, semi-soft cheese with a springy texture and small irregular openings called "eyes." While young Havarti can be bland, it matures into a tangy, slightly acidic masterpiece with hints of hazelnut in just three months. For a unique sandwich, slather homemade focaccia bread with apricot jam and honey, then layer on Havarti and ham before grilling until the cheese melts. Alternatively, top Hawaiian rolls with ham, Havarti, and mayonnaise, and cover with a sauce made of mustard, onion, poppy seeds, and Worcestershire sauce before baking.

Brie, Apple, and Arugula

Originating from northern France, Brie is a soft, creamy cheese with a mild, nutty flavour and a characteristic bloomy rind. Its velvety texture and slight earthiness make it an elegant pairing with ham. For an unforgettable sandwich, add slices of Granny Smith apple, a handful of arugula, and mustard aioli to a baguette. Alternatively, try the classic combination of Brie, pear, honey mustard, and salted butter, grilled to perfection.

Red Leicester, Caramelized Onions, and Pickles

Red Leicester is a distinctive English cheese with a deep russet-red hue achieved by adding annatto, a natural pigment derived from achiote tree seeds. Its texture is flaky and moist, and its flavour is nutty and caramelized. Red Leicester's savoury, nutty notes pair beautifully with the saltiness of ham, and its crumbly texture adds an intriguing layer to the mouthfeel. Enhance this sandwich by adding caramelized onions, pickles, or a mild mustard.

Pepper Jack, Lettuce, Tomato, and Avocado

Pepper Jack is a spicy cheese infused with jalapeño bits, adding a kick to your sandwich. Its open, melt-in-your-mouth texture makes it ideal for grilled or toasted sandwiches. Pair Pepper Jack with ham and fresh ingredients like crisp lettuce, succulent tomato, and creamy avocado on a sturdy bread like ciabatta or a rustic loaf.

The best type of bread to use

When it comes to the best type of bread to use for a honey ham and cheese sandwich, there are several options to consider. Firstly, let's look at the type of sandwich you're aiming for. If you're going for a hot sandwich, a brioche or rustic sourdough bread can be a great choice, providing a nice crunch and a sturdy base for the fillings. For a cold sandwich, homemade peasant bread or a soft, crusty bread like potato bread can be a good option.

Another factor to consider is the overall flavour profile you want to achieve. If you're looking for a sweet and salty combination, pairing honey ham with a fruity bread, such as a sweet bread with nuts and fruit, can enhance those flavours. Alternatively, a sharp contrast between sweet and savoury can be created by using a salty bread, like black bread, to balance the sweetness of the ham.

The texture of the bread is also important. If you're adding a lot of toppings and fillings, a sturdy bread like ciabatta or a rustic loaf can hold up to the weight and bold flavours. On the other hand, if you're looking for a more delicate sandwich, a baguette or French boule can provide a light and crispy texture.

Lastly, don't underestimate the power of a good bakery-fresh loaf. A crusty, hearty bread from a local bakery can elevate your sandwich and provide a delicious foundation for your honey ham and cheese creation.

How to prepare the bread

Preparing the bread for your honey ham sandwich is a simple process, but it's important to get it right to ensure your sandwich tastes delicious. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to prepare the bread:

Ingredients

Firstly, gather your ingredients. For a classic sandwich bread, you will need:

• Flour (either all-purpose or bread flour)
• Butter
• Milk
• Water
• Sugar
• Salt
• Yeast

Mixing the Dough

Add your dry ingredients (flour, sugar, salt, and yeast) to a large mixing bowl and mix to combine. In a separate jug or bowl, combine the wet ingredients (water, melted butter, and milk) and whisk well.

Forming the Dough

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until a dough forms. You can use your hand or a wooden spoon for this step. Knead the dough on a floured surface for 5-8 minutes. This helps to develop the gluten in the flour and will give your bread a nice texture. Form the dough into a smooth ball.

First Rise

Grease your mixing bowl with a little oil and place the dough back inside. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a clean towel and let the dough rise in a warm place. It should take around 1-2 hours for the dough to double in size.

Shaping the Dough

Once the dough has risen, it's time to shape it. Gently deflate the dough and transfer it to a lightly floured surface. Roll the dough into a log shape that will fit into your loaf pan. You can also divide the dough into two even pieces to make two smaller loaves.

Second Rise

Place the shaped dough into a greased loaf pan and cover it again with plastic wrap or a towel. Let the dough rise for a second time at room temperature until it has risen to the top of the loaf pan. This will take around 45-60 minutes.

Baking the Bread

Preheat your oven to 350°F (around 177°C). Carefully brush the top of the loaf with an egg wash (optional) and place the loaf pan in the oven. Bake for 30-40 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown. To check if the bread is done, tap on the loaf; it should sound hollow. Alternatively, use an instant-read thermometer to check if the center of the loaf has reached 190-200°F.

Cooling and Storing

Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes in the pan before transferring it to a cooling rack. It's important to let the bread cool completely before slicing. Store the bread at room temperature in a plastic bag or covered container for a few days. For longer storage, freeze the bread.

Your bread is now ready to be used for your honey ham sandwich! You can slice it and toast it lightly if you prefer, or use it as-is to create a delicious sandwich with your chosen cheese and ham.

The best cheese to melt with honey ham

Honey ham is a versatile ingredient that pairs well with a variety of cheeses. When it comes to choosing the best cheese to melt with honey ham, there are several options that stand out for their flavour and texture. Here are some recommendations to elevate your culinary creations:

Extra Sharp Cheddar

Extra sharp cheddar is a matured version of the classic cheddar, offering a bolder flavour profile and a crunchier, crumblier texture. The rich, tangy notes of extra sharp cheddar beautifully complement the sweet and salty dimensions of honey ham. To take your dish to the next level, consider pairing it with fruity accompaniments such as apple slices or fig slices, along with a generous spread of mustard.

Smoked Gouda

Buttery, nutty, and smooth, smoked Gouda is a delightful choice for honey ham. Its subtle smokiness adds a flavour reminiscent of bacon, creating an irresistible combination. For a delectable sandwich, layer smoked Gouda with honey ham, baby spinach leaves, and honey mustard on crusty artisan bread. Alternatively, pair it with frisée and caramelized onions for a sweet and savoury delight.

Havarti

Havarti, a semi-soft cheese originating from Denmark, is known for its creamy texture and tangy, slightly acidic flavour. Its unique texture and sweet tanginess make it an excellent partner for honey ham. Try topping Hawaiian rolls with ham, Havarti, and mayonnaise, or spread apricot jam and honey on homemade focaccia bread before layering with Havarti and ham and grilling to perfection.

Brie

Brie, a soft and creamy cheese from northern France, offers a mild, nutty flavour and a distinctive bloomy rind. Its velvety texture and slight earthiness elevate the flavour and texture of honey ham without overpowering its robust taste. For an unforgettable sandwich, combine Brie with slices of Granny Smith apple, arugula, and mustard aioli on a baguette. Alternatively, indulge in the classic pairing of Brie, pear, honey mustard, and salted butter.

Gruyère

Gruyère, a semi-hard cheese from Switzerland, is renowned for its subtle flavour, creamy texture, and exceptional melting capabilities. Its nutty notes and earthy undertones enhance the richness of honey ham without overwhelming it. Gruyère is an ideal choice for ham and cheese paninis, and it pairs well with chopped cornichons and Dijon mustard for a touch of indulgence.

Emmental

Emmental, a Swiss cheese aged for at least four months, offers more pronounced nutty and fruity flavours. Its large holes add visual appeal to your dish, and its exceptional meltability makes it perfect for toasted honey ham and cheese sandwiches. Enhance your sandwich by adding sliced red onions, berry jam, or Dijon mustard.

Fontina

Fontina, a semi-hard cow's milk cheese from northern Italy, boasts a flavour profile ranging from mild and nutty to robust and mushroomy. It complements the smokiness of honey ham beautifully, and its excellent melting qualities make it ideal for hot sandwiches. Try pairing Fontina with sun-dried tomatoes or asparagus, green olive, herb, and lemon for a flavourful creation.

Additional ingredients to add to the sandwich

Honey ham and cheese sandwiches are a classic, but you can take it to the next level by adding a few extra ingredients. Here are some ideas for additional ingredients to elevate your sandwich:

Fruits and Vegetables

Fresh produce can add a crisp, juicy element to your sandwich, providing a contrast to the savoury ham and cheese. Try adding some sliced apples or pears for a touch of sweetness. If you're feeling adventurous, you could also include arugula (rocket), spinach, or even caramelised onions for a touch of sweetness and a subtle kick. Fresh herbs like thyme, basil, or parsley can also brighten up the flavours of your sandwich.

Condiments

Condiments are a great way to add moisture and extra flavour to your sandwich. Honey mustard is a popular choice, especially when paired with honey ham. You could also try regular mustard, mayonnaise, or even a fruity jam like apricot or fig. If you're feeling bold, mix some honey with mustard and cayenne pepper for a sweet and spicy kick.

Meats

While ham is the star of the show, adding another type of meat can enhance the savoury flavours of your sandwich. Crispy bacon is a classic choice, but you could also try something like prosciutto for an extra indulgent touch.

Bread

The type of bread you use can also make a big difference. A crusty baguette or a soft brioche bun can elevate your sandwich, but don't forget to toast it lightly first for that extra crunch. If you're feeling indulgent, you could even use a croissant!

Cheese

While we're primarily focusing on additional ingredients, the type of cheese you use can make a big difference. Extra sharp cheddar is a popular choice, but you could also try something more exotic like Gruyère, smoked Gouda, or even a creamy Brie. If you want to stick with a more classic option, Havarti is a great choice as it melts well and has a tangy, slightly acidic flavour.

Frequently asked questions