Cheese That Pairs Perfectly with Ham

Ham and cheese are two beloved ingredients that can elevate a meal or snack to a whole new level. Understanding how to pair cheese and ham can enhance your culinary experiences, whether you’re hosting a gathering, crafting the perfect sandwich, or preparing a delicious cheese platter. In this article, we’ll explore various types of cheese and ham pairings that complement each other beautifully and provide insights into flavor profiles, cooking tips, and more.

The Science of Flavor Pairing

When it comes to food pairing, flavor profiles play a crucial role. The key is to balance different tastes, including sweet, salty, and creamy. Ham, with its savory and sometimes sweet notes, pairs well with a variety of cheeses.

Understanding Flavor Profiles

Savory: The umami flavor in ham brings depth and richness to dishes.
Sweet: Many hams, especially those that are glazed or cured, have a hint of sweetness.
Creamy: Creamy cheeses can balance the savory flavors of ham, creating a satisfying mouthfeel.

The harmony created by combining these flavors is what makes certain cheese and ham pairings truly exceptional.

To learn more about flavor pairing, check out The Science of Flavor Pairing.

The Role of Texture

Texture is another important consideration when pairing cheese with ham. Combining different textures can enhance the overall eating experience:

Soft cheeses like Brie provide a creamy contrast to the firmness of ham.
Hard cheeses like Parmesan add a delightful crunch when grated or shaved over ham dishes.
Melted cheeses create a comforting experience, especially in baked dishes.

Popular Cheese Types That Pair Well with Ham

Choosing the right cheese can enhance the flavor of your ham dishes. Here are some of the most popular cheese types that pair excellently with ham:

Cheddar

Flavor Profile: Aged cheddar is sharp and tangy, while younger cheddar is milder. Its complex flavors make it versatile for many dishes.
Suggested Pairings:
- Pairs well with honey-baked ham.
- Great in sandwiches or melted in casseroles.
- Consider using aged cheddar for a stronger flavor contrast.

Recipe Idea: Try making a Cheddar and Ham Breakfast Casserole by layering bread, ham, and cheddar cheese, then baking with a mixture of eggs and cream for a delicious brunch option.

Swiss

Flavor Profile: Known for its nutty and sweet flavor, Swiss cheese is a versatile option that melts beautifully.
Suggested Pairings:
- Excellent with smoked ham.
- Perfect for ham and cheese sandwiches.
- Ideal for fondue when melted, adding depth to the dish.

Serving Suggestion: Prepare a Classic Ham and Swiss Sandwich by layering thinly sliced ham and Swiss on fresh bread, then toasting it for a delightful crunch.

Provolone

Flavor Profile: This cheese offers a smooth and slightly tangy taste that complements the flavors of ham without overpowering them.
Suggested Pairings:
- Works well with Italian-style ham, such as prosciutto.
- Ideal for layering in a charcuterie board or melted on top of baked pasta dishes.

Fun Fact: Provolone comes in two varieties: Provolone Dolce (mild and sweet) and Provolone Piccante (sharp and tangy). Choose based on your flavor preference!

Gouda

Flavor Profile: Aged Gouda has a caramel-like sweetness with a firm texture, while younger Gouda is creamier.
Suggested Pairings:
- Delicious with a savory country ham.
- Adds richness to baked dishes, such as ham and cheese quiche.

Recipe Idea: Create a Gouda and Ham Quiche by mixing diced ham and Gouda with eggs and cream in a pie crust for a savory breakfast treat.

For a deeper understanding of various cheese types, refer to Cheese Types Explained.

Regional Cheese Varieties and Their Pairings

Cheese varieties differ significantly based on their origin. Here are some regional cheeses and how they pair with ham:

Italian Cheeses

Parmesan: A hard cheese with a rich and salty flavor, perfect for sprinkling over ham dishes. Use it to finish off a creamy ham pasta.
Pecorino Romano: A sheep’s milk cheese that brings a sharp and tangy bite, excellent in pasta with ham. It also works well in salads and as a table cheese.

Recipe Idea: Try making Pasta alla Carbonara using ham and Pecorino Romano for a traditional Italian dish.

French Cheeses

Brie: A soft cheese with a creamy texture that balances the saltiness of ham beautifully. It can be served at room temperature with crackers or melted into dishes.
Comté: A nutty, hard cheese that pairs wonderfully with honey-glazed ham. It melts well in casseroles and can add depth to sandwiches.

Serving Suggestion: Prepare a Brie and Ham Puff Pastry by wrapping ham and Brie in puff pastry and baking until golden brown for an elegant appetizer.

Spanish Cheeses

Manchego: This sheep’s milk cheese offers a firm texture and nutty flavor, ideal with cured ham like Jamón Serrano. It’s excellent on cheese boards or in tapas.
Idiazabal: A smoked cheese that complements the savory flavors of ham well. It can add a delightful twist to traditional ham dishes.

Recipe Idea: Create a Spanish Tapas Platter with slices of Manchego, Idiazabal, and cured ham, served with olives and crusty bread for a complete experience.

How to Create the Perfect Ham and Cheese Platter

A well-crafted ham and cheese platter can impress guests and enhance your dining experience. Here are some tips to create the perfect platter:

Select a Variety of Cheeses: Include different types of cheese for varied flavors and textures. Aim for a balance of soft, hard, and blue cheeses.
Accompaniments: Add fruits like grapes or figs, nuts, and crusty bread to round out the platter. Consider pickles or chutneys for an added zing.
Presentation: Use wooden boards or slate for an attractive presentation. Arrange cheeses in a way that showcases their colors and textures, and include small labels for each type.

For ideas on creating a beautiful presentation, check out our post on Perfecting Your Charcuterie Board.

Pairing Wines with Your Platter

Choosing the right wine to complement your ham and cheese platter can enhance the flavors:

White Wines: Crisp whites like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio work well with most cheeses.
Red Wines: Light reds like Pinot Noir can complement ham beautifully without overpowering it.

Themed Cheese Platters

Consider creating themed cheese platters based on regional flavors or occasions. For example, an Italian-inspired platter could include various Italian cheeses, cured meats, and olives, while a holiday-themed platter could feature festive cheeses and seasonal fruits.

Cooking with Ham and Cheese

Incorporating ham and cheese into your cooking can lead to delicious results. Here are a few ideas:

Recipes Featuring Ham and Cheese

Baked Ham and Cheese Sandwiches: Layer sliced ham and cheese on a roll, brush with garlic butter, and bake until golden and melted. For a tasty variation, consider trying our Cheesy Ham Casserole.
Ham and Cheese Quiche: Combine eggs, cream, diced ham, and your favorite cheese in a pie crust for a savory breakfast option. This dish can be customized with vegetables or herbs for added flavor.

Recipe Variation: Create a Mini Ham and Cheese Quiche by using muffin tins for individual servings, making them perfect for brunch or parties.

Cheese Sauces for Ham Dishes

Making a cheese sauce can add richness to your ham dishes. Here’s a quick guide:

Start with a Roux: Melt butter and whisk in flour over medium heat.
Add Milk: Gradually pour in milk, stirring continuously until the mixture thickens.
Incorporate Cheese: Add your cheese of choice (cheddar works great) and stir until melted and smooth.

Serving Suggestion: Use this cheese sauce over baked potatoes topped with ham for a comforting dish.

For more delicious ham recipes, explore our Ham and Cheese Recipes Collection.

Creative Ham and Cheese Dishes

Ham and Cheese Stuffed Peppers

A healthy and flavorful dish, these stuffed peppers can be customized with your favorite ingredients.

Ingredients:

Bell peppers
Diced ham
Cheese (Cheddar or Swiss)
Rice or quinoa
Spices (garlic, onion, Italian seasoning)

Instructions:

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
Cook rice or quinoa according to package instructions.
Mix cooked rice, diced ham, and cheese in a bowl.
Stuff bell peppers with the mixture and place in a baking dish.
Bake for 30-35 minutes, until the peppers are tender.

Ham and Cheese Sliders

These mini sandwiches are perfect for parties or game day.

Ingredients:

Slider buns
Sliced ham
Sliced cheese (Provolone or Swiss)
Butter
Garlic powder

Instructions:

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
Assemble sliders by layering ham and cheese on each bun.
In a small bowl, melt butter and mix in garlic powder. Brush over the tops of the sliders.
Bake for 15-20 minutes, until the cheese is melted and the buns are golden.

FAQs

What cheese goes best with a honey-glazed ham?

Cheddar and Brie are excellent choices due to their complementary flavors. The sharpness of cheddar contrasts beautifully with the sweetness of the glaze.

Can I use cream cheese with ham?

Absolutely! Cream cheese adds a smooth texture and can be used in spreads or dips. Consider mixing it with herbs and spices for a flavorful spread.

What’s the best cheese for ham sandwiches?

Swiss or provolone work wonderfully for ham sandwiches, offering great flavor and meltability. Both cheeses complement the savory notes of ham without overpowering them.

How can I store leftover ham and cheese?

Store leftover ham and cheese in an airtight container in the refrigerator. For longer storage, consider freezing ham. Cheese can generally be refrigerated, but check specific storage guidelines based on the type of cheese.

Can I make a cheese sauce ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare cheese sauce ahead of time. Store it in the refrigerator and reheat gently over low heat, adding a splash of milk if it thickens too much.

Conclusion

Understanding how to pair cheese with ham can enhance your culinary experiences, whether you’re preparing a meal or crafting a cheese platter. Experiment with different varieties to find your perfect combination, and don’t hesitate to explore new flavors. With this guide, you’re now equipped to create delightful cheese and ham pairings that will impress your family and friends!

By exploring various cheeses and recipes, you can make the most out of your ham and cheese pairings. So grab your favorite ham, choose the right cheese, and enjoy creating delicious meals that will leave everyone asking for more!