When it comes to classic, satisfying comfort food, few things can beat a well-made ham and cheese sandwich. From rich, gooey melts to crunchy panini and flavor-packed gourmet options, there’s a ham and cheese combo for every taste. Here, we dive into the top five ham and cheese sandwiches you must try, covering recipes that are easy to recreate at home but taste like they came from your favorite deli or café.
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1. Classic Croque Monsieur
A timeless French favorite, the Croque Monsieur is a grilled ham and cheese sandwich that’s elevated with creamy béchamel sauce and toasted to perfection. It’s typically made with ham, Gruyère cheese, and sliced white bread, but what really makes this sandwich special is the sauce, which brings everything together into a savory, melty masterpiece.
Ingredients:
- 2 slices of white bread (French or sourdough preferred)
- 3 oz ham (preferably Parisian or smoked)
- 1 cup Gruyère cheese, grated
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 tbsp flour
- 1/2 cup milk
- Salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg
Instructions:
- Make the béchamel sauce by melting 1 tbsp of butter in a small saucepan, whisking in the flour, and cooking for 1-2 minutes. Gradually add milk, stirring until thickened. Add a pinch of salt, pepper, and nutmeg.
- Spread béchamel sauce on one side of each bread slice, layering ham and Gruyère on top of one slice.
- Top with the other slice, butter the outside, and grill in a pan until golden on each side.
- Serve warm with an extra layer of cheese on top, broiled until bubbling.
Why You’ll Love It:
The Croque Monsieur is ideal for those who want a comforting sandwich that feels special. It’s perfect for brunch or an indulgent lunch, pairing beautifully with a light salad or fries.
2. Italian Ham and Cheese Panini
This Italian-inspired panini layers thin slices of Italian ham (such as prosciutto or Parma ham) with melty provolone or mozzarella, fresh basil leaves, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze. Pressed and grilled, it’s an elegant twist on the traditional ham and cheese sandwich.
Ingredients:
- 2 ciabatta or focaccia bread slices
- 3 oz Italian ham (like prosciutto)
- 1/2 cup mozzarella or provolone cheese, shredded
- Fresh basil leaves
- 1 tbsp balsamic glaze
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Instructions:
- Brush the bread slices with olive oil on the outside.
- Layer ham, cheese, and basil on one slice of bread, drizzling with balsamic glaze.
- Top with the other slice and place in a panini press or a skillet with a weight on top. Grill until golden and crispy.
- Slice and serve warm with a side of tomato basil soup.
Why You’ll Love It:
This panini is light yet flavorful, with a delightful balance of savory, fresh, and tangy flavors. It’s great for a quick lunch or snack that’s also deliciously satisfying.
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3. Southern Ham and Pimento Cheese Sandwich
A true Southern comfort food classic, this ham and cheese sandwich features pimento cheese – a rich and flavorful cheese spread made with cheddar, pimentos, and a bit of mayo. Paired with slices of smoky ham, this sandwich is a unique spin on the classic that packs a flavor punch.
Ingredients:
- 2 slices of rustic white bread (or biscuit if you want to go truly Southern)
- 3 oz smoked ham
- 1/2 cup pimento cheese (homemade or store-bought)
- 1 tbsp butter, softened
- Optional: sliced pickles or a handful of arugula
Instructions:
- Butter one side of each bread slice.
- Spread a thick layer of pimento cheese on one slice and top with ham (and pickles/arugula if desired).
- Close the sandwich, butter side out, and grill in a pan over medium heat until the bread is golden and the cheese is melted.
- Serve with a side of coleslaw or potato salad.
Why You’ll Love It:
The creamy, tangy pimento cheese brings a whole new level of flavor to this sandwich. It’s a down-home classic that’s perfect for picnics, family gatherings, or whenever you’re craving a little Southern flair.
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4. Ham, Brie, and Apple Baguette
For a sophisticated take on the ham and cheese sandwich, try this French-inspired combination of ham, creamy brie, and thinly sliced apples on a crusty baguette. The sweetness of the apple pairs beautifully with the brie’s creaminess and the ham’s salty bite.
Ingredients:
- 1 crusty baguette
- 3 oz thinly sliced ham (honey ham works well)
- 4-5 slices of brie cheese
- 1/2 apple, thinly sliced (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard or honey mustard
Instructions:
- Slice the baguette in half lengthwise and spread a thin layer of mustard on one side.
- Layer ham, brie, and apple slices on the baguette.
- Press the sandwich lightly to help the ingredients settle, then slice into portions.
- Serve with a side of mixed greens for a complete meal.
Why You’ll Love It:
This sandwich combines contrasting flavors and textures, from the crisp apple to the creamy brie and savory ham. It’s a great option for a lunch that feels special but is simple to make.
5. Hawaiian Ham and Swiss Sliders
These sliders are perfect for parties, game days, or family dinners. They feature Hawaiian rolls filled with ham and Swiss cheese, topped with a delicious glaze made from butter, mustard, and poppy seeds. Baked until golden, these sliders are cheesy, buttery, and totally addictive.
Ingredients:
- 12-pack of Hawaiian rolls
- 1 lb deli ham, thinly sliced
- 12 slices of Swiss cheese
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp poppy seeds
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp onion powder
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. Without separating the rolls, slice the entire pack in half horizontally.
- Layer the bottom half with ham and Swiss cheese, then place the top half of the rolls back on.
- In a bowl, combine melted butter, mustard, poppy seeds, honey, garlic powder, and onion powder. Pour the mixture evenly over the sliders.
- Cover with foil and bake for 15 minutes. Uncover and bake an additional 5 minutes until golden and bubbly.
- Serve warm, pulling the sliders apart to eat.
Why You’ll Love It:
These sliders are simple, delicious, and perfect for sharing. The buttery, sweet Hawaiian rolls are the perfect complement to the savory ham and melted Swiss, and the whole combination is hard to resist.
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Tips for Making the Best Ham and Cheese Sandwiches
If you want to elevate any ham and cheese sandwich, here are a few simple tips:
- Choose Quality Bread: Whether you’re using baguettes, sourdough, or Hawaiian rolls, high-quality bread adds flavor and texture.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: High-quality ham, freshly grated cheese, and ripe veggies make a huge difference.
- Season to Taste: Don’t forget salt, pepper, and herbs! Fresh herbs like basil or thyme, or spices like smoked paprika, can add a unique twist.
- Experiment with Cheese: While Swiss and cheddar are popular, try Gruyère, brie, or provolone for different flavors.
- Use Condiments Wisely: A little mustard, mayo, or even balsamic glaze can enhance the flavors without overpowering the sandwich.
Conclusion
Ham and cheese sandwiches are so much more than a simple lunch option. These five variations offer something for every taste, from classic French and Southern-style to fresh Italian-inspired panini and sweet-savory sliders. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or a gathering, each of these recipes is sure to satisfy. So, next time you’re craving ham and cheese, give one of these recipes a try and elevate your sandwich game!
