Frederic Melton
Grilled ham and cheese sandwiches are a popular dish, with many recipes available online and on restaurant menus. The sandwich typically consists of sliced ham and cheese, layered between two slices of buttered bread, grilled to create a toasty, golden-brown crust and gooey, melted cheese. The type of bread and cheese used can vary according to preference, but classic choices include Swiss cheese and sharp cheddar, with white, brown, or whole wheat bread. Some recipes suggest adding condiments such as mayonnaise, mustard, or pickles, while others recommend pairing the sandwich with a cup of tomato soup or a green salad.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Bread | White, brown, whole wheat, multi-grain, artisanal, homemade, marble rye, pumpernickel, Dutch oven, or sesame bakery bread |
| Cheese | Swiss, cheddar, Gruyère, provolone, pepperjack, havarti, Parmesan, or American |
| Ham | Black Forest, Virginia, honey, smoked, peppered, spiral, shaved, or deli |
| Condiments | Mayonnaise, mustard, or pickles |
| Cooking Method | Griddle, skillet, or frying pan |
| Cooking Temperature | Medium-low heat |
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What You'll Learn
Grilled ham and cheese sandwich recipes
Grilled ham and cheese sandwiches are a popular comfort food and a great way to add a little protein to your grilled cheese. The classic combination of ham and cheese is simple yet scrumptious and unforgettable when made right. Here are some tips and tricks to make your grilled ham and cheese sandwich perfect.
Ingredients
The key ingredients in a grilled ham and cheese sandwich are bread, butter, cheese, and ham. For the bread, you can use any type you like, such as white, brown, whole wheat, sourdough, or even homemade. Butter is typically spread on the outside of the bread to create a crispy crust, but some people prefer to use mayonnaise for a grilled cheese sandwich.
When it comes to cheese, there are endless options. Classic choices include Swiss cheese, sharp ched
For the ham, you can use thinly sliced deli meat or a thicker cut, depending on your preference. Some popular options include honey ham, smoked ham, peppered ham, spiral ham, or black forest ham. You can also get creative and use Italian prosciutto or Spanish serrano ham, but these may pair better with a different cheese than cheddar.
Cooking Instructions
To make your grilled ham and cheese sandwich, start by preheating a skillet or flat-top griddle over medium heat. Butter one side of each slice of bread, and place one slice butter-side down in the hot pan. Layer the ingredients, starting with cheese, then ham, and finally, another layer of cheese. If desired, you can add some spinach, arugula, tomatoes, roasted peppers, chopped olives, or artichokes for extra flavour. Place the second slice of bread on top, butter-side up.
Let the sandwich grill for 3-5 minutes before carefully flipping it. Cook for another 3-5 minutes or until both sides are golden brown and the cheese is melted. If the bread is browning too quickly, you can cover the pan to help the cheese melt. Once it's grilled to perfection, let the sandwich settle for a minute or two before slicing and serving.
Variations
For a crispy crust with a cheesy twist, try sprinkling grated Parmesan on the outside of the buttered bread before grilling. You can also experiment with different condiments, such as mustard or salsa, to add a tangy kick to your sandwich. If you're looking for a more indulgent treat, try making your grilled ham and cheese in an air fryer for an extra crispy and melty sandwich.
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Where to buy grilled ham and cheese sandwiches
Grilled ham and cheese sandwiches are a popular comfort food, and for good reason! The combination of buttery toasted bread, smoky salty ham, and gooey melted cheese is a delight. While grilled ham and cheese sandwiches are easy to make at home, there are times when you might want to buy one ready-made.
If you're in New York City, there are several options for buying a grilled ham and cheese sandwich. One popular spot is 5 Guys, which offers customization options. The Commodore is another well-regarded restaurant in NYC for grilled cheese sandwiches. If you're looking for a more casual option, Cheese Grill on the LES could be a good choice, as they specialize in grilled cheese sandwiches.
Outside of New York, your options for buying a grilled ham and cheese sandwich may be more limited. Many restaurants offer grilled cheese sandwiches, and you could ask if they can add ham. Alternatively, you could look for delis or sandwich shops that may be able to make a grilled ham and cheese sandwich to order.
Lastly, some grocery stores may sell ready-made grilled ham and cheese sandwiches. These are typically found in the deli or prepared foods section of the store.
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The best type of ham for grilled sandwiches
There are many types of ham that can be used to make a grilled ham and cheese sandwich, and the best type depends on personal preference. Here are some options to consider:
Shaved Ham
Shaved ham is a good choice for a grilled ham and cheese sandwich as it keeps the sandwich tender and creates more surface area for the flavours to blend together. Black forest ham is a popular variety of shaved ham that can be used.
Smoked Ham
Smoked ham, such as Smoked Virginia Ham, adds a smoky flavour to the sandwich. Smoked ham goes well with cheese, especially smoked cheddar.
Honey Ham
Honey ham adds a touch of sweetness to the sandwich without being overpowering. It can be used as a flavourful alternative to unflavoured ham.
Peppered Ham
Peppered ham has a spicy kick and a rich flavour that can enhance the taste of the grilled sandwich.
Deli-Style Ham
Deli-style ham is readily available and can be purchased in thick slices to make the ham the star of the sandwich.
Leftover Ham
Leftover ham from a holiday dinner or special occasion, such as spiral ham, can be used to make a delicious grilled ham and cheese sandwich.
When making a grilled ham and cheese sandwich, it is essential to cook it slowly over medium-low heat to allow the cheese to melt properly and create a crispy crust. The type of bread and cheese used can also be varied to suit individual tastes and create the perfect grilled ham and cheese sandwich.
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The best type of cheese for grilled sandwiches
While there are many options for grilled cheese sandwiches, the best type of cheese comes down to personal preference. However, there are a few factors to consider when choosing the cheese for your grilled sandwich.
Bread-cheese ratio
The ratio of bread to cheese is crucial in a grilled cheese sandwich. Too much cheese and it might ooze out, but too little and you may be left unsatisfied. Award-winning chef John Martinez says that finding the right flavour balance between the bread and cheese is essential.
Bread type
The type of bread you use can also impact the cheese you choose. For example, sturdy bread such as sourdough or ciabatta can hold up to the weight of a generous filling of cheese and other ingredients. On the other hand, softer bread might get squished if you add too much filling.
Cheese type
Chefs and food writers agree that a grilled cheese sandwich should have a combination of cheeses. One cheese should provide the perfect cheese pull, and the other should provide flavour. Mozzarella is a popular choice for its stretchiness and mild flavour, while vintage cheddar or Gruyère can add a strong taste. Other good melting cheeses include Swiss, American, gouda, brie, muenster, and fontina.
Texture
The ideal grilled cheese sandwich has a crispy, buttery exterior and a molten, gooey interior. To achieve this, you need a cheese that melts smoothly and evenly. If the cheese is too soft, it might ooze out of the sandwich. If it's too hard, it might not melt properly and could become oily.
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How to grill a ham and cheese sandwich
Grilled ham and cheese sandwiches are a delicious and comforting meal, perfect for any time of the day and loved by both kids and adults. They are simple to make and require minimal ingredients. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to grill a mouth-watering ham and cheese sandwich:
Ingredients:
- Bread (any type, such as white, brown, whole wheat, sourdough, or artisanal bread)
- Butter (for a rich flavour and crispy crust)
- Cheese (cheddar, Swiss, Gruyère, provolone, pepper jack, spicy havarti, Colby, American, or any other favourite)
- Ham (shaved Black Forest ham, honey ham, smoked Virginia ham, peppered ham, spiral ham, or any other variety)
- Optional extras: mayonnaise, mustard, pickles, spinach, arugula, tomatoes, roasted peppers, chopped olives, artichokes, or salsa
Method:
- Preheat the skillet: Before you begin, make sure your skillet is preheated over medium-high heat. This will ensure your sandwich cooks evenly and prevent the bread from sticking.
- Prepare the bread: Spread butter on one side of each slice of bread. This will give your sandwich a delicious, crispy crust.
- Layer the ingredients: Place one slice of bread, buttered-side down, in the hot skillet. Top it with a layer of cheese, followed by your chosen ham. You can add extra cheese on top of the ham if you're feeling extra cheesy!
- More layering: Spread mayonnaise and/or mustard on the unbuttered side of the second slice of bread. Place this slice, buttered-side up, on top of the ham and cheese.
- Grill and flip: Heat the sandwich over medium heat. Grill it slowly to allow the cheese to melt properly. Each side will need about 3-5 minutes until golden brown. Carefully flip the sandwich and cook the other side to your desired level of toastiness.
- Rest and serve: Remove the sandwich from the heat and let it rest for a couple of minutes. This will allow the melted cheese to cool slightly so you don't burn your mouth! Then, slice it in half and enjoy the gooey, cheesy goodness.
There you have it! A warm, toasty, and scrumptious grilled ham and cheese sandwich, ready to be devoured. Feel free to experiment with different types of bread, cheese, and ham to find your perfect combination. You can also add extra ingredients to make it even more indulgent.
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Frequently asked questions
You can buy a grilled ham and cheese sandwich from Danny's Restaurants.
You will need bread, butter, ham, and cheese. You can also add condiments like mayonnaise, mustard, and pickles.
Any bread that you can toast will work. Some common options include white bread, brown bread, whole wheat bread, and sourdough bread.
Some common options include Swiss cheese, cheddar cheese, Gruyère, provolone, and pepper jack.
You can use any type of ham that you like. Some common options include honey ham, smoked Virginia ham, peppered ham, and spiral ham.
