What Cheese Goes Best with Ham Sandwiches? The Definitive Guide

I consider myself a real expert when it comes to ham and cheese sandwiches. I eat them, I make them and I study them.

In this case, I needed to know the best type of cheese for a ham sandwich.

These are the questions I need answers to. And I spend a lot of time tasting and testing how to make the perfect sandwich.

Today I’m going to show you how I recently improved a ham and cheese sandwich. It came out awesome!.

Try this ham and cheese sandwich recipe and let me know what you think. I’m pretty sure it will become one of your favorite sandwiches.

Ham and cheese sandwiches are a classic combo that never seems to go out of style. The salty, savory flavor of ham pairs perfectly with melted cheese in grilled ham and cheese sandwiches or cold sandwiches loaded up with cheese and veggies.

But with so many cheese options available, it can be tricky to know which cheese is the right choice for your ham sandwich Should you go with a sharp cheddar? Mild provolone? Funky blue cheese? The possibilities are endless

In this definitive guide, we’ll walk through the top cheese choices to pair with ham and help you find your perfect ham and cheese sandwich match. Let’s get started!

Cheddar Cheese

Cheddar is by far the most popular cheese choice for ham sandwiches. Its versatility and familiar flavor make it a crowd-pleasing option. There are many varieties of cheddar to consider:

Mild Cheddar

Mild cheddar provides a creamy mellow base that complements ham’s salty flavor without overpowering it. It melts beautifully in grilled ham and cheese sandwiches. Mild cheddar tends to be a top choice for kids’ sandwiches too.

Sharp Cheddar

For more of a flavor punch, go for sharp cheddar. Its tangy, complex flavor stands up well to bold ham flavors. The sharpness also helps cut through the richness of the ham.

Aged or Extra-Sharp Cheddar

Aged cheddars provide even more sharpness and complexity. They pack a serious salty-savory-sweet flavor that can handle the strongest hams like prosciutto or salami.

White vs. Yellow Cheddar

Color doesn’t affect cheddar’s flavor much, so go with whichever style you prefer. However, yellow cheddar does provide a nice visual pop against the pink ham.

Provolone

With its smooth, mild taste, provolone is another excellent choice for ham sandwiches. Provolone comes in a range of styles:

Mild Provolone

Buttery, delicate mild provolone melts like a dream in grilled ham sandwiches. It provides flavor without overwhelming the ham.

Smoked Provolone

For a twist, go for smoked provolone. The smoky notes pair divinely with any type of ham. Smoked provolone brings grilled cheese vibes to a cold ham sandwich too.

Aged Provolone

Aged provolones develop more complex, nutty, and sharp flavors. The bolder aged provolones can complement intensely-flavored hams like salami or prosciutto.

Swiss

With its signature holey appearance and rich, nutty taste, Swiss adds delightful flavor to ham sandwiches. Its melty, stretchy texture also enhances hot ham and cheese sandwiches.

Gruyere

Gruyere has a unique complexity with hints of nuttiness and fruitiness. Its distinctive flavor complements ham’s salty savoriness without overshadowing it. Gruyere also melts superbly.

Brie

For an indulgent ham sandwich, creamy brie is a smart choice. Its silky texture and subtle earthy flavors pair wonderfully with bold ham. Try heating up a ham and brie sandwich for irresistible melted goodness.

Blue Cheese

Looking to add a serious flavor punch? Opt for blue cheese! The potent, pungent blue cheese flavor can stand up to the strongest hams. The creaminess also balances out the ham’s saltiness.

Mozzarella

Fresh mozzarella adds delightful milky flavor and soft, pillowy texture to ham sandwiches. Part-skim mozzarella melts nicely too for hot sandwiches.

Havarti

Havarti is a buttery, mild cheese that melts extremely well. Its versatility makes it a surefire choice for grilled ham and cheese sandwiches kids and adults will both love.

Pepper Jack

Pepper jack cheese kicks up your standard ham and cheese with spicy jalapeño flavor. The heat complement the rich saltiness of bold hams like salami.

Monterey Jack

With its melty, mildly tangy flavor, Monterey Jack is a perfect pick for grilled ham and cheese sandwiches. Try mixing it with a bolder cheese like sharp cheddar too.

American Cheese

Don’t knock American cheese – its creamy, mild flavor and meltability make it ideal for gooey ham grilled cheese sandwiches. Mix it with sharper cheeses to balance the flavors.

Cheddar Cheese Blends

Many cheddar blends like cheddar-Monterey Jack, cheddar-Swiss, and cheddar-Gruyere offer versatile, crowd-pleasing flavors for ham sandwiches. The combinations melt beautifully too.

Which Ham Goes Best With These Cheeses?

To achieve the ideal ham and cheese combo, match intensities. Mild hams pair best with mild cheeses, while strongly-flavored hams call for bold, sharp cheeses. Some ideal pairings include:

Black Forest Ham with Havarti or Swiss
Honey Ham with Brie or Mild Cheddar
Hard Salami with Pepper Jack or Aged Cheddar
Prosciutto with Sharp Provolone or Blue Cheese

Don’t be afraid to mix and match flavors either. Contrasting intensities can lead to delightful flavor combinations too.

Grilling Tips for the Best Ham and Cheese

To take your ham and cheese sandwich up a notch, try grilling it! Here are some tips:

Use softened butter or mayo on the outside of the bread. This helps the bread get perfectly golden and crisp.
Try slicing the ham thicker for grilled sandwiches so it doesn’t dry out as much.
Add cheese to both sides of the sandwich so you get that ideal melty cheese pull in every bite.
Grill over medium-low heat to prevent burning.
Weigh the sandwich down with a spatula to help it grill evenly.
Don’t grill too long or the cheese can leak out!

Perfect Bread Options for Ham and Cheese

A stellar ham and cheese sandwich starts with excellent bread. Here are some top options:

Sourdough – The tanginess balances the rich cheese and ham. The chewiness also holds up well.
Baguette – A toasted or grilled baguette makes a phenomenal hot ham and cheese sandwich.
Brioche – Buttery, sweet brioche provides a delightful contrast to salty ham and cheese.
Rye – The hearty texture and savory rye flavor complement ham and cheese beautifully.
Ciabatta – The soft interior and crusty exterior make ciabatta perfect for gooey ham and cheese sandwiches.
Pretzel Bread – For a fun twist, use soft pretzel bread to add a hint of saltiness and satisfy cravings for a ham and cheese pretzel sandwich.
Focaccia – Focaccia’s olive oil and herb flavors pair perfectly with ham and cheese.

Elevate Your Ham and Cheese Sandwich

Beyond the cheese, ham and bread, you can add extra elements to take your sandwich to the next level:

Mustard – Yellow, Dijon or whole grain mustards all provide a tangy contrast to the savory ham and cheese.
Pickles – Try adding pickle chips or relish. The briny flavor balances the richness.
Roasted Red Peppers – Roasted peppers lend a sweet, smoky element.
Tomatoes – Fresh tomato slices or sun-dried tomatoes add nice acidity.
Onions – Grilled or caramelized onions deliver subtle sweetness.
Leafy Greens – Crisp lettuce, spinach or arugula leaves provide freshness.
Aioli – Whip up garlic aioli, chipotle aioli or herbed aioli for a flavor boost.
Fruit Preserves – Swirl in fig, peach, apricot, or strawberry preserves for a touch of sweetness.

Handy Tips for Building the Perfect Ham and Cheese

Follow these tips for sandwich success:

Spread condiments on both slices of bread rather than just one. This prevents a soggy bottom slice.
Layer the vegetables directly on the cheese to prevent them from sliding around.
Chill the sandwich for 20-30 minutes before eating for maximum flavor.
Cut diagonally for a triangular shape that makes the ooey-gooey cheese center clearly visible with each bite.
Invest in a panini press or sandwich grill to take your ham and cheese sandwich to a crispy, melty level.

Satisfy Your Ham and Cheese Cravings

Well there you have it – everything you need to know about crafting the perfect ham and cheese sandwich. With so many delicious cheese options, you could enjoy a different ham sandwich combo every day of the week!

The beauty of ham and cheese sandwiches lies in their versatility and comfort. You can keep it simple with just ham, cheese and bread grilled to melty perfection. Or you can load it up with flavorful extras to create your own signature sandwich masterpiece.

what cheese is good with ham sandwich

How to Make the Best Ham and Cheese Sandwich

I started off by making my Calabrian chili aioli. I simply mixed together mayonnaise, crushed Calabrian chili peppers and honey.

Then I stirred it up with a spoon until it was well mixed.

Then I cut my sub roll into 2 pieces. The top and the bottom.

I slathered the mayo on both halves of the sub roll. I made sure each piece of bread had plenty of mayo.

My next step was to slice the cheese. I have a slicer in the Mortadella Head kitchen so I like slicing it fresh. I covered the bottom roll with lots of cheese.

The next thing I did was slice the ham. I sliced it really thin because that’s the best way to do it. I loaded piles of ham onto the bread.

I took the romaine lettuce leaves and sliced them really thin with a knife. I spread the lettuce evenly over the ham.

I sliced the tomato and laid the slices over the lettuce

The next thing I did was apply the pickles in a straight line on top of the tomatoes. I like the way the vinegar from the pickles cuts the fattiness of the savory ham. It’s a perfect combination.

Finally I seasoned it all with a good amount of salt, black pepper and olive oil.

The Best Cheese for A Ham Sandwich FAQs

This sandwich can be made with just about any cooked ham. If you have leftover ham from Sunday dinner. use it.

Leftover spiral ham will work just fine.

You can use black forest ham, Polish ham, or prosciutto cotto if you buy ham from a deli.

The Best HAM AND CHEESE Sandwich Ever Made | Chef Jean-Pierre

FAQ

What else to put on a ham and cheese sandwich?

This ham and cheese sandwich is great on a cool night with a cup of tomato soup. I add spinach, arugula, tomatoes, roasted peppers, chopped olives, artichokes, or a spoonful of salsa to the sandwich, depending on my mood and what’s in the fridge.

What to serve with ham sandwiches?

Sauteed Cabbage or another simple veggie side such as roasted vegetables or a simple veggie tray. Especially if you are serving these in the spring or summer, Fruit Salad is the perfect complement. Hashbrown casserole or any potato casserole. Classic potato salad.

What cheeses go well together in a sandwich?

Cheese: You can use your favorite cheese or use a mix of cheeses. Sharp cheddar, Gouda, Fontina, Monterey Jack, Gruyere, Pepper Jack, and brie are all good options. The amount of cheese you use will depend on the size of your bread. I love sharp Cheddar, Monterey Jack, and Gouda together.

What is a good cheese for a ham sandwich?

Muenster cheese is a great choice for a ham sandwich. It has a very mild flavor and a smooth, soft texture that makes it easy to spread on bread. Muenster is also a good melting cheese, so it will hold together well when heated. If you are looking for a little more flavor in your sandwich, try adding some mustard or mayonnaise to the mix.

Which is the most healthy cheese to eat?

Types of cheese are distinguished according to the basic ingredients and processing methods. Therefore, the nutritional content and characteristics of each cheese certainly varies. As every individual’s nutritional requirement and health conditions are different, it is important to choose the type of cheese based on the condition. Feta cheese and Goat cheese are traditionally made from goat’s or sheep’s milk. This type of cheese is beneficial for people who are lactose intolerant because feta lacks casein, the main protein in cow’s milk that is not easily digested by people with lactose intolerance. In addition, feta cheese is rich in mineral phosphorus which is good for healthy, strong bones and teeth. Cheddar cheese that comes from cow’s milk is also beneficial for those who are lactose sensitive. This is because its long aging process reduces the content of lactose in the cheese. This type of cheese is high in calcium which is important for bone health. In addition, Mozzarella Cheese is low in sodium and low in fat when compared to cheddar and parmesan cheese. This is a good alternative for individuals with hypertension or kidney disease. However, the calcium and mineral levels of mozzarella are not as high as the two cheeses.

Which Ham is best for a ham sandwich?

Go with whatever ham variety you prefer—Black Forest, Virginia, honey-roasted, even capocollo— just make sure it is sliced very thin. The thinner the ham slices are, the easier it is to layer, shape, and curl the meat over itself to hold together in the sandwich once it’s griddled, flipped, and pressed.

What’s in a ham & cheese sandwich?

Dig into the satisfying flavor of black forest ham and smooth white Cheddar for a delicious spin on a childhood favorite. A flavorful, garden-fresh ham and cheese sandwich like no other. Toasted pumpernickel bread boasts a filling of Havarti cheese, garbanzo beans, prosciutto, and alfalfa sprouts. “Fast, easy, delicious and filling!”