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This grilled ham and cheese recipe is easy, but definitely not basic! A few simple tricks take it from ordinary to perfectly crispy, melty, and full of flavor.
Not Your Average Ham and Cheese Sandwich
I don’t know about you, but for me, sometimes the simplest sandwiches are the ones I crave the most. A grilled ham and cheese is one of those comfort food classics that never gets old. Over the years I’ve learned that while grilled ham and cheese may seem simple, a few easy tricks can turn it into absolute perfection. Serve it alongside some hot Tomato Basil Soup and you’ve got yourself a full meal that’s just *chef’s kiss*! Give it a try and you’ll see what I mean!
🩷 Erica
Key Ingredients
- Bread: I like to use a softer, thicker bread like Texas Toast but any kind of bread will work. Use your favorite!
- Ham: My favorite kinds of ham to use are black forest or honey maple. No matter what kind I use I like to make sure it’s sliced really thin, like practically falling apart. It just tastes better that way!
- Cheese: Sharp cheddar is the classic choice but any semi-hard, melty cheese will work great. You can even do American cheese if you want to make it more fast food-like.
- Mayonnaise: This is one of my favorite tricks. It spreads better than butter and gives it a nice flavor boost. It also helps the bread get that nice, light, crispy golden texture every single time.
What’s the Best Bread for a Grilled Sandwich?
The truth is, the “best” bread for grilled cheese is pretty subjective. Some people love a hearty artisan loaf with a thick, crunchy crust, while others prefer something with more flavor like sourdough. Call me a child, but I actually prefer softer sandwich bread that gets lightly crispy on the outside while staying soft in the middle. Think like old fashioned drive-in diner-style. It’s how my kids like it too.
Super artisanal breads can sometimes be a little too thick or crusty and make the sandwich harder to bite into, at least that’s my personal opinion. That all said, find the bread you like best and build your sandwich from there.
How to Make a Grilled Ham and Cheese Sandwich
- Heat a skillet over medium-low heat and cook ham for 1-2 minutes, until warmed and lightly golden. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- Layer the cheddar cheese and hot ham between the two slices of Texas toast.
- Spread mayonnaise on the outside of both slices of bread.
- Cook in the skillet over medium heat for 3-4 minutes per side, until the bread is golden and the cheese is melted. Slice and serve warm.
Next-Level Upgrades
Most of the time I will just follow this recipe as-is, just simple ham and cheddar. That’s the way my kids like it best so by default that’s what I make the most. But sometimes I like to add a little variety to my life and switch it up. Here are some easy way to take your ham and cheese to the next level:
Add a little sweetness – Fig jam, hot honey, apple slices, or even caramelized onions (for the best caramelized onions, use the method in this Hot Honey Pizza post).
Make it more savory – Try it with dijon mustard, dill pickles, or crispy bacon (you can never go wrong adding bacon).
Try a different cheese – Any melty cheese will work but some of my favorites are Swiss, Gruyère (this is a more punchy cheese but so good), Provolone, Havarti, and gouda.
My favorite winning combos – Ok so I gave you all the possibilities, here are my favorite combos: ham + Swiss + dijon (my husband’s fav), Ham + Gouda + apples + fig jam (my fav), Ham + Gruyère + caramelized onions (ok this one is actually tied for my fav), Ham + cheddar + hot honey drizzle (my teenager’s fav).
Frequently Asked Questions
Warming the ham first is a great trick for making the sandwich even better. It lightly browns the edges and brings out the savory flavor. It also helps the sandwich heat through faster so the cheese melts perfectly by the time the bread is golden. However, it is not mandatory and if you prefer it cold you can add it cold.
Cheddar is a great choice because it melts well and has a rich flavor that pairs perfectly with ham. Swiss, Gruyère, Havarti, or provolone are also delicious options. If you want extra meltiness, try combining two cheeses like cheddar and Swiss.
Tomato soup is the classic pairing, but it’s also great with a simple salad, chips, or even pickles on the side.
More Melty Cheese Sandwich Recipes
Have you tried this Grilled Ham and Cheese Sandwich? I’d love to hear what you think! Drop a comment below and let me know how you liked it. And don’t forget to take a pic and tag us on Instagram @favoritefamilyrecipes! 📸🥪🧀
Grilled Ham and Cheese
Ingredients
- 2 slices Texas toast (plain), you can also use sourdough or artisan bread (see notes above)
- 6-7 slices deli ham, sliced extra thin (practically shredded)
- 2 slices cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
Instructions
- Heat a skillet over medium-low heat and add the thinly sliced ham. Cook for 1-2 minutes until the ham is lightly browned and heated through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- Place one slice of Texas toast on a cutting board. Layer the cheddar cheese and warm ham evenly over the bread, then top with the second slice of bread.
- Spread about 1 tablespoon of mayonnaise on the outside of each slice of bread.
- Place the sandwich in the same skillet over medium heat. Cook for 3-4 minutes per side, pressing gently with a spatula, until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted.
- Remove from the skillet, slice in half, and serve immediately while the cheese is hot and melty.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
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Add scrambled egg to this and it makes a great breakfast sandwich
So glad you liked it! Love the idea of making it a breakfast sandwich. YUM!
I know this method has been around for years and many prefer their grilled cheese but Zi like a buttery crunch.
Not Zi but I…