What Cheese Goes Well With Ham? A Delicious Dive into Perfect Pairings
The best cheeses to pair with ham offer a balance of flavors, cutting through the ham’s richness and complementing its savory profile. Generally, mild, creamy, and slightly tangy cheeses like Gruyère, Swiss, and Havarti are excellent choices.
Understanding the Ham-Cheese Dynamic
Ham, with its salty, often smoky, and sometimes sweet flavor profile, presents a versatile but specific challenge when it comes to cheese pairings. A successful match enhances both the ham and the cheese, creating a harmonious flavor experience that neither overpowers the other. It’s about achieving balance and synergy. The type of ham is also crucial. A sweet honey-baked ham will pair differently than a salty, smoked Black Forest ham.
Cheese Characteristics to Consider
When selecting a cheese to complement ham, several key characteristics should be considered:
- Intensity: Avoid cheeses that are too strong or pungent, as they can overwhelm the delicate flavor of the ham.
- Texture: Creamy and smooth cheeses often provide a pleasant contrast to the slightly drier texture of ham.
- Flavor Profile: Look for cheeses with nutty, slightly sweet, or tangy notes. A subtle acidity can cut through the richness of the ham.
- Fat Content: A good fat content in the cheese helps it melt beautifully and integrate seamlessly with the ham’s flavor.
Top Cheese Recommendations for Ham
Here are some of the best cheese pairings with ham, catering to a variety of ham types and preferences:
- Gruyère: A classic choice, Gruyère’s nutty, slightly sweet flavor and excellent melting properties make it ideal for grilled ham and cheese sandwiches or ham and cheese casseroles.
- Swiss: Similar to Gruyère, Swiss cheese offers a milder, slightly sweet taste that complements ham without overpowering it. It’s a great option for lunchmeat sandwiches or topping a baked ham.
- Havarti: Havarti is a smooth, creamy cheese with a subtle tanginess that provides a pleasant contrast to the saltiness of ham. It’s particularly well-suited for deli sandwiches or cheese boards.
- Provolone: Provolone, especially the mild variety, offers a slightly sharp and salty flavor that pairs well with many types of ham. Aged Provolone is delicious, but should be used sparingly as the flavor is more intense.
- Monterey Jack: A mild, semi-hard cheese with a slightly sweet and buttery flavor, Monterey Jack is a versatile option that works well in melts, quesadillas, or on a cheese board with ham.
- Cheddar (Mild): A mild cheddar adds a familiar creamy flavor without competing. Sharp cheddar is usually too overpowering.
Ham Type Considerations
Different types of ham call for different cheese pairings:
| Ham Type | Recommended Cheeses | Flavor Profile of Ham |
|---|---|---|
| Honey Baked Ham | Havarti, Monterey Jack, Mild Cheddar | Sweet, glazed, slightly smoky |
| Smoked Ham | Gruyère, Swiss, Provolone | Smoky, salty, savory |
| Black Forest Ham | Gruyère, Emmental | Strong smoky flavor, dry-cured |
| Prosciutto | Fresh Mozzarella, Burrata | Salty, delicate, slightly sweet |
| Virginia Ham | Cheddar (Mild), Gruyere | Salty, smoky, slightly sweet, aged |
Tips for Optimal Ham and Cheese Pairing
- Taste before pairing: Sample both the ham and the cheese separately to understand their individual flavor profiles.
- Consider the application: The way you’re using the ham and cheese (e.g., sandwich, casserole, cheese board) will influence your choice.
- Don’t be afraid to experiment: Explore different cheese varieties and flavor combinations to find your personal favorites.
- Serve at the right temperature: Allow cheeses to come to room temperature before serving to fully appreciate their flavor and texture.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What cheese is best for a ham and cheese sandwich?
For a classic ham and cheese sandwich, Swiss, Havarti, or mild Provolone are excellent choices. They offer a balanced flavor that complements the ham without being overwhelming, and they melt beautifully.
Can I use a sharp cheddar with ham?
While a mild cheddar can work, a sharp cheddar is generally too intense and can overpower the delicate flavor of ham. However, if you particularly enjoy the contrast, a small amount of extra sharp cheddar paired with a sweet ham like honey baked might work for you.
What cheese is similar to Gruyère that I can substitute?
If you can’t find Gruyère, Emmental or Comté are excellent substitutes. They offer similar nutty, slightly sweet flavor profiles and melting properties. Swiss cheese is another more readily available option, but has a slightly milder taste.
Does Brie go well with ham?
Brie can be a good pairing, especially with sweet hams like honey-baked. Its creamy texture and mild flavor provide a nice contrast to the salty-sweet ham. Consider pairing it with a fruit jam to enhance the sweetness.
What is the best cheese for a ham and cheese omelet?
For a ham and cheese omelet, Monterey Jack, Havarti, or Gruyère are great choices. They melt easily and impart a delicious, creamy flavor to the eggs and ham.
Is mozzarella a good choice with ham?
Fresh Mozzarella is especially good with Prosciutto, while low-moisture mozzarella works well melted into dishes or sandwiches with ham. The cheese’s mild, milky flavor won’t clash with the ham’s saltiness.
What about goat cheese and ham?
Goat cheese, especially mild, creamy goat cheese, can provide an interesting contrast to the saltiness of ham. Its tangy flavor can cut through the richness. However, very strong or pungent goat cheeses should be avoided.
Which cheese is the most versatile for pairing with different types of ham?
Havarti is arguably the most versatile cheese for pairing with different types of ham. Its mild, creamy flavor and subtle tanginess complement a wide range of ham profiles.
Can I use Parmesan cheese with ham?
While Parmesan is a strong, savory cheese, a shaved parmesan can add a salty, umami element to cold ham slices, especially prosciutto. However, it is best to avoid using it in grilled dishes with ham, as its flavor will likely overpower the dish.
What cheese should I avoid pairing with ham?
Avoid pairing ham with very strong, pungent cheeses like blue cheese, Limburger, or Époisses, as they can overwhelm the delicate flavor of the ham.
What can I add to my ham and cheese board besides cheese and ham?
Consider adding crackers, grapes, apples, pears, nuts, and a mild honey or jam to your ham and cheese board for a well-rounded and flavorful presentation. The sweetness of the fruits and honey will play off the saltiness of the ham and cheese.
What is the best temperature to serve ham and cheese for optimal taste?
Allow the cheese to come to room temperature before serving to fully appreciate its flavor and texture. The ham can be served chilled or at room temperature, depending on your preference. Heating the ham and cheese for a grilled sandwich or melt is a great way to enjoy the pairing as well.