The best sides for A Cold Ham Sandwich are Brie, Blue Cheese, Pepper Jack Cheese, Cheddar, and Havarti.
Here are ten of our favorite cheeses to anchor your next ham sandwich.
For something lighter, swap in Havarti instead.
From schmeary cream cheese and cheddar to tangy feta, a fresh cold cut sandwich pairs brilliantly with any kind of cheese.
But which kind of cheese makes for the best pairing? Everyone has their favorite hidden gem when it comes to melty, delicious sandwiches,
From comforting classics to unique variations, this article will take you through all the cheesy possiblities and help you make the perfect pairing with your next ham and cheese.
What Cheese Goes Best with A Cold Ham Sandwich? 10 BEST Options
Making a ham sandwich for lunch or dinner? To create the perfect combination, it's important to select the right type of cheese.
The best cheeses for cold ham sandwiches are those that are bold enough to stand up to the flavor of cold-cuts and can hold their own against condiments like pickles, tomatoes and lettuce.
When shopping for sandwich cheeses, consider ones with a distinct flavor and texture like sharp cheddar, Swiss, pepper jack cheese or brie.
Here are ten of our favorite cheeses to anchor your next ham sandwich.
For a bright finish that contrasts savory flavors, desserts with lemon pairing ideas suggest sweets that complement salty sandwiches.
1. Brie
Brie is a soft cow's milk cheese that has a creamy texture and an earthy, slightly sweet flavor.
It is smooth and almost runny when at room temperature.
It is usually served with something sweet, like figs or grapes, to offset its earthy flavor.
Brie goes well with cold ham sandwich due to its mild but rich taste and buttery texture.
The creaminess goes well with the salty flavor of the ham, while the sweetness counters the slight bitterness of the bread.
If serving brie in a shareable format, brie en croute side dish ideas lists complementary sides that work well with its creamy profile.
2. Blue Cheese
Blue cheese is a type of cheese made with cow's, sheep's or goat's milk that has been inoculated with Penicillium cultures.
These cultures form blue or blue-green patches or veins throughout the cheese.
Blue cheese has a distinctive aroma and flavor and adds a unique, sharp twist to any dish.
Blue cheese goes well with cold ham sandwiches due to its creamy texture and salty flavor which goes with the slight sweetness of the ham - or try fig jam cheese pairings for a sweet contrast.
Try topping a sandwich of artisan bread, turkey ham and greens, with crumbled blue cheese for an intense flavor experience.
3. Pepper Jack Cheese
Pepper jack cheese is a mild cheese variation of the original Monterey jack cheese.
This type of cheese is infused with jalapeno or habanero peppers, as well as a blend of spices, which gives it an extra kick.
The combination of buttery, creamy taste and spicy flavor matches perfectly with the salty taste of cold ham sandwich.
As an added bonus, this pepper-infused cheese also has a really nice melt and a semi-soft texture.
It's perfect for putting on top of sandwiches or burgers for just the right amount of heat.
For using pepper jack beyond sandwiches, meat pairings for mac and cheese ideas lists meats that benefit from spicy cheeses.
4. Cheddar
Cheddar is a popular cheese option for cold ham sandwich.
It has a sharp, salty flavor and creamy texture.
Cheddar cheese is medium-hard or hard in texture and ranges from white to yellow in color.
When melted, it produces a nice, smooth texture that goes great with smoky ham and crunchy bread.
You can find both mild and sharp versions of cheddar, so you can choose the one best suited to your preference.
Cheddar is a good source of protein and calcium, making it a healthy option to add to your sandwich.
Cheddar also pairs nicely with biscuit-style sides; what to serve with Cheddar Bay Biscuits suggests compatible accompaniments.
5. Havarti
Havarti is a semi-soft cow's milk cheese with a creamy texture and mild, buttery flavor.
It is originally from Denmark, but similar versions are also produced in the United States.
Havarti is most well known for its slightly sweet and nutty flavor when served cold or at room temperature.
It is perfect for layering in sandwiches, adding to cheeseboards or melting on top of burgers and other dishes.
When pairing with ham, this cheese works best when served cold as it will bring out the sweetness of ham without overpowering it.
6. Muenster Cheese
Muenster cheese is an American version of the French Münster, a soft and mild cheese made from cow's milk.
It is flavored with a hint of annatto, giving it a yellow-orange tinge.
It has a smooth texture that makes it ideal for shredding and melting.
Muenster is known for its mild, buttery flavor and milky aroma.
When paired with cold ham sandwiches, Muenster cheese gives an added depth and sweetness to the overall flavor combination.
To make a delicious cold ham sandwich using muenster cheese, layer the ingredients between two slices of your favorite bread.
Start by spreading mayonnaise on both sides of the bread slices before adding thinly sliced black forest ham or lunch meat, lettuce leaves, diced tomatoes and plenty of muenster cheese shreds.
Enjoy this classic sandwich that gets upgraded with a unique twist.
Muenster also complements other deli meats; best cheese choices for roast beef highlights similar picks that work on sandwiches.
7. Gouda
Gouda has a slightly nutty, creamy taste.
It is made with cow's milk and is semi-firm in texture.
It is a great choice for sandwiches that have sweet and tangy condiments paired with it such as pear, apple and onion relish.
Gouda goes especially well with cold ham sandwich as the mild sweetness of this cheese goes with the saltiness of the ham nicely.
Gouda can range from mild to sharp depending on its age so you can choose the one you prefer for your sandwich.
8. Gruyere
Gruyere cheese is a Swiss-style cheese that is buttery and slightly fruity, with a sweet and nutty taste.
It pairs exceptionally well with all types of meats, especially cold ham sandwiches.
Gruyere melts very easily without losing its shape and is an excellent choice for melting sandwiches.
It is also delicious as part of a cheese board or melted into fondue.
It has a semi-hard texture and melts smooth, making it one of the best choices for any type of grilled sandwich.
9. Provolone
Provolone is a semi-hard Italian cheese made from cow's milk.
It comes in both young and old varieties, with the young version being milder in flavor.
The cheese is white and pale yellow and has an elastic, slightly chewy texture.
Provolone melts beautifully over warm sandwiches like cold ham, adding a light aroma and rich, creamy flavor.
It naturally pairs well with cured meats like salami, prosciutto or mortadella because of its subtle sweetness that offsets the saltiness of these meats-making it an ideal choice for a cold ham sandwich.
When selecting a Provolone cheese for your sandwich, be sure to purchase one that is labeled as "aged" as this type of cheese will have the most intense flavor that works best with salty deli meats - and consult how long provolone lasts and storage tips if buying in bulk.
10. Goat Cheese
Goat cheese is a semi-soft cheese made from goat's milk that offers a tangy, sharp taste.
Its flavors range from mild to strong depending on its age.
It has a natural earthy flavor with hints of citrus and salt.
The crumbly texture of goat cheese makes it the perfect pairing for cold ham sandwiches.
Goat cheese adds creaminess and pungency to the sandwich, making it even more flavorful.
Be sure to spread the goat cheese lightly on your sandwich so as not to overpower the other ingredients with its strong flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are ten of our favorite cheeses to anchor your next ham sandwich. These cultures form blue or blue-green patches or veins throughout the cheese.
Most home cooks pick this because it rounds out the meal.
Look for sides with brightness or acidity to cut through richness. This side dish brings the right contrast.
A squeeze of citrus or a vinegar-dressed salad achieves a similar effect if you want something lighter.
A good side dish either contrasts or goes with the dominant flavor. If the main is rich and savory, something with acidity or crunch balances the plate without competing.
Can side dishes be swapped based on dietary needs?
Yes.
Most classic pairings have easy swaps - substitute roasted vegetables for grain sides, or use cauliflower rice instead of regular rice for a lower-carb option.
Cheese choices can shape the rest of the meal. cheese for Caesar salad options pairs salad cheese ideas with sandwich menus. cheese for buffalo chicken recommendations covers spicy-melty options that complement tangy mains.