If you're looking for a quick and easy breakfast or brunch option that is both delicious and satisfying, this recipe for Grilled Ham and Cheese Sandwich is perfect! Made with just a few simple ingredients, this sandwich is crispy on the outside and gooey on the inside, with the perfect combination of ham and melty cheese. You can whip up this tasty sandwich with a small skillet and a spatula in just a few minutes. Keep reading to learn how to make this mouth-watering Grilled Ham and Cheese Sandwich.
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What is a Grilled Ham and Cheese Sandwich?
A Grilled Ham and Cheese Sandwich is a classic American comfort food typically made with slices of ham and cheese between two slices, then toasted or grilled until the bread is crispy and the cheese is melted. This sandwich is a quick and easy breakfast, lunch, or even a snack option. It can be made with various cheeses and meats and customized to suit individual tastes and preferences. The ham and cheese combination is a classic pairing that many love, making this sandwich a go-to option for a satisfying and delicious meal.
Ingredients
Note: The full ingredients list is provided in the recipe card below.
- Cheese: The recipe recommends using muenster or melty cheese such as American, mozzarella, Colby, Cheddar, Havarti, Swiss, fontina, Monterey jack, pepper jack, or provolone. These cheeses are all great options for a grilled sandwich as they melt easily and have a creamy texture.
- Ham: The recipe suggests using honey ham, smoked ham, smoked deli turkey, or roasted deli ham. These deli meats are flavorful and work well in a grilled sandwich.
- Bread: The recipe calls for two slices of country white bread, but you can use any bread. Sourdough or whole wheat bread would also work well.
- Butter: Salted butter is used to toast the bread and flavor the sandwich.
Tools you'll need
How to Make Grilled Ham and Cheese Sandwich
Note: The full instructions are provided in the recipe card below.
Layout 1 slice of bread on a cutting board or work surface—add two slices of cheese and honey ham; top with the remaining slice of bread. Press down lightly. Heat ½ tablespoon butter in a small skillet over medium-low heat. Once melted, add the sandwiches and cook until the bread toasts and the cheese is slightly melted for 3 to 5 minutes. Flip with a spatula and add the remaining tablespoon of butter to the pan.
Cook until the other side is toasted and the cheese is melted, about 3 minutes more, adjusting the heat as needed to keep the bread from burning before the cheese melts (lightly press down on the sandwich to encourage even browning and to help melt the cheese; be gentle, don’t smash it). Serve the Grilled Ham and Cheese Sandwich immediately. Enjoy!
Substitutions
- Cheese: Instead of using the recommended cheeses, you can use any cheese that melts well and suits your taste preferences. For example, you can use vegan cheese as a dairy-free option.
- Ham: You can substitute the ham with other deli meats such as turkey, roast beef, or chicken. You can use plant-based deli meat or skip the meat for a vegetarian or vegan option.
- Bread: You can use any bread, such as sourdough, whole wheat, rye, or gluten-free. You can also use sliced bagels, croissants, or English muffins.
- Butter: You can use unsalted butter or a vegan substitute instead of salted butter.
Variations
- Tomato and Mozzarella Grilled Cheese: Add sliced tomatoes and fresh mozzarella cheese to the sandwich for a fresh twist on the classic.
- Bacon and Egg Grilled Cheese: Add a fried egg and crispy bacon to the sandwich for a breakfast-inspired twist.
- Caprese Grilled Cheese: Use fresh basil, sliced tomatoes, and mozzarella cheese for a Caprese-inspired twist on the classic.
- Hawaiian Grilled Cheese: Add sliced pineapple and ham to the sandwich for a sweet and savory twist.
- Pesto Grilled Cheese: Spread pesto on the bread and add sliced tomatoes and mozzarella cheese for an Italian-inspired twist.
- Turkey and Brie Grilled Cheese: Use sliced and creamy brie cheese for a delicious and indulgent twist.
How to Serve
- Classic: Serve the sandwich hot with a side of potato chips, fries, or a small salad for a satisfying meal.
- Cut into Bite-Sized Pieces: Cut the sandwich into smaller pieces and serve as a party appetizer or finger food.
- With a Soup: Pair the sandwich with a bowl of tomato soup for a classic grilled cheese and tomato soup combo.
- Brunch or Breakfast: Serve the sandwich for a weekend brunch or leisurely one-pan breakfast with fruit and coffee.
- On-the-Go: Wrap the sandwich in foil or parchment paper and take it on the go for a quick and easy lunch or snack.
How to Store & Re-Heat
To store: Leftover Grilled Ham and Cheese Sandwiches, wrap them tightly in plastic or aluminum foil and place them in an airtight container. The sandwich can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To ensure the sandwich stays fresh, it's best to store the ham and cheese separately from the bread and assemble the sandwich just before reheating.
To reheat: Grilled Ham and Cheese Sandwiches, preheat your oven to 350°F. Take the sandwich out of the refrigerator and unwrap it. Place the sandwich on a baking sheet and cover it with aluminum foil. Bake the sandwich in the oven for about 10-15 minutes or until it's heated and the cheese is melted.
Alternatively, you can reheat the sandwich in a skillet over medium heat. Melt a small amount of butter in the skillet and add the sandwich. Cook the sandwich for 2-3 minutes on each side or until it's heated through and the cheese is melted.
Make-Ahead
This grilled ham and cheese sandwich is best served hot and fresh off the skillet, but you can make some parts ahead to save time. You can pre-slice the cheese and ham and store them separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. You can also butter the bread slices and store them in a resealable bag in the refrigerator for up to 1 day.
When you're ready to make the sandwich, assemble it with the pre-sliced cheese and ham and cook it on the skillet as the recipe directs. This will save you time on prep work while allowing you to enjoy a fresh and delicious grilled ham and cheese sandwich.
How to Freeze
To freeze Grilled Ham and Cheese sandwiches, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place them in an airtight container or freezer bag. Be sure to label the container or bag with the date and contents. They can be frozen for up to 2 months.
To reheat frozen Grilled Ham and Cheese sandwiches, remove them from the freezer and unwrap them. Preheat a skillet over medium heat and lightly butter one side of each sandwich. Place the sandwiches in the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side or until the bread is toasted and the cheese is melted. Serve immediately.
Tips for Making The Best Grilled Ham and Cheese Sandwich
- Choose the right cheese: Use a cheese that melts well and complements the flavor of the ham, such as muenster, cheddar, or Swiss.
- Soften the butter: Softened butter spreads more easily and ensures the bread gets evenly toasted.
- Use a small skillet: A smaller skillet ensures the bread gets evenly toasted and the cheese melts quickly.
- Cook over low heat: Cooking the sandwich over low heat allows the cheese to melt slowly and evenly while preventing the bread from burning.
- Don't overstuff the sandwich: Overstuffing the sandwich with too much ham or cheese can make it difficult to cook evenly and result in a messy sandwich.
- Press the sandwich lightly: Pressing the sandwich lightly with a spatula helps to melt the cheese and create an even, crispy texture.
- Serve immediately: The sandwich is best served hot, so serve it immediately after cooking for the best flavor and texture.
FAQ
Can I use other types of bread?
You can use any bread you prefer, such as sourdough, whole wheat, or gluten-free.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
You can use any cheese that melts well, such as cheddar, Swiss, or provolone.
Can I use other types of meat?
You can use other types of deli meat, such as turkey, roast beef, or chicken.
Can I make this sandwich ahead of time?
You can assemble the sandwich and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before cooking.
Can I freeze the sandwich?
It is not recommended to freeze a fully assembled grilled sandwich, but you can freeze the individual ingredients separately and assemble the sandwich when ready to cook.
Can I use a panini press or grill pan?
A panini press or grill pan can create grill marks and a crispier exterior.
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Recipe
Easy Grilled Ham and Cheese Sandwich
Ingredients
- 2 slices of muenster cheese or any melty cheese , such as American, mozzarella, Colby, Cheddar, Havarti, Swiss, fontina, Monterey jack, pepper jack, or provolone
- 2 slices of honey ham , smoked ham, smoked deli turkey, or roasted deli ham
- 2 slices country white bread (you can use any bread you have on hand)
- 1 Tablespoon salted butter softened
Instructions
- Layout 1 slice of bread on a cutting board or work surface—add two slices of cheese and the two slices of honey ham; top with the remaining slice of bread. Press down lightly.
- Heat ½ tablespoon butter in a small skillet over medium-low heat. Once melted, add the sandwiches and cook until the bread toasts and the cheese is slightly melted for 3 to 5 minutes. Flip with a spatula and add the remaining tablespoon of butter to the pan.
- Cook until the other side is toasted and the cheese is melted, about 3 minutes more, adjusting the heat as needed to keep the bread from burning before the cheese melts (lightly press down on the sandwich to encourage even browning and to help melt the cheese; be gentle, don’t smash it). Serve the Grilled Ham and Cheese Sandwich immediately. Enjoy!
Notes
All nutritional information is based on third-party calculations and is only an estimate. Each recipe and nutritional value will vary depending on the brands you use, measuring methods, and portion sizes per household.