This Grilled Ham and Cheese is far from boring. Here I’ll show you a few easy tricks to help take your ham sandwich to new heights!
This is one of the simplest grilled cheese sandwiches you can make, and it’s incredibly delicious. It’s perfect for a quick, no-fuss lunch. Read on for a few easy tips that lift a basic ham-and-cheese into something special.
Honey Mustard Mayo
A grilled ham and cheese made with only ham and cheese can sometimes feel a little dry and one-note. A quick honey mustard mayo—made by combining mayonnaise, Dijon mustard and honey—adds creaminess, moisture and a bright sweet-savory lift. Ham naturally pairs well with both honey and mustard, and the mayo ties everything together into a silky sauce.
I often make a batch of this sauce to keep in the fridge because it’s a great all-purpose sandwich spread. Adjust the proportions to taste—add more mustard for heat, or more honey for sweetness.
Ham Grilled Cheese
Once the honey mustard mayo is ready, assembling and cooking the sandwich is straightforward.
What bread to use?
A poppy-seeded loaf is excellent if you can find one, but any sturdy bread such as sourdough or a white bloomer works very well. Thick slices hold up best while frying and give a satisfying crunch.
What ham to use?
Use whatever ham you enjoy. Peppered ham is nice if you want a bit of spice, honey-glazed ham for extra sweetness, or leftover shaved ham from a roast if you have it.
What cheese goes best with ham?
A 50/50 mix of cheddar and Swiss is my go-to. Swiss (or Emmental) gives a nutty, melty base that complements ham, while cheddar adds a punchy, savory flavor.
What else could I add?
The sandwich is great as written, but pickles add a crunchy, tangy contrast and tomato can add freshness. Dill or bread-and-butter pickles also work well if you want more texture or brightness.
Process shots: butter bread (photo 1), flip (photo 2), add cheddar (photo 3), add ham (photo 4), drizzle honey mustard mayo (photo 5), add Swiss (photo 6), top with buttered bread (photo 7), fry both sides (photo 8).
Serving a Ham Grilled Cheese
Once both sides are golden and toasty and the cheese is melty, slice the sandwich in half and serve immediately.
What goes with grilled ham cheese?
- Crisp/Chip Recommendation: Salt and vinegar crisps pair nicely with the richness of the cheese and ham.
- Side Recommendation: Creamy coleslaw adds a cool, crunchy contrast and works perfectly alongside the sandwich.
Ready for the full recipe?
How to make a Ham Grilled Cheese (Full Recipe & Video)
Ham Grilled Cheese
Equipment
- Small pot (for honey mustard mayo)
- Large pan & spatula/turner
- Bread knife
Ingredients
- 8 small but thick slices of bread (a poppy-seeded white bloomer was used here)
- 8 slices of good quality ham
- 4 square slices of cheddar
- 4 square slices of Swiss cheese
- 1 tbsp mayo
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard and 1 tsp honey
- Butter, as needed
Instructions
- In a small pot combine 1 tbsp mayo with 1 tsp Dijon mustard and 1 tsp honey. Set aside.
- With the pan off the heat, place two slices of bread in the pan. Spread the exposed sides with butter, then flip so the buttered sides are down. Add a slice of cheddar to each piece of bread, then top with two slices of ham. Folding the ham gives the sandwich extra height and texture.
- Drizzle honey mustard mayo over the ham, then top with Swiss cheese. Finish with the second slice of bread, butter the outside, turn the heat to medium and fry both sides until golden and the cheese is melted. Remove and repeat with the remaining sandwiches. Serve hot.
Quick Demo
Notes
a) Ham – Any variety of ham works. If your ham is very thin, add an extra slice for substance. Peppered ham adds spice; leftover roast ham is a great option.
b) Honey Mustard Mayo – This adds flavor and moisture. Drizzle it in the center of the sandwich rather than spreading it on the bread to avoid sogginess while frying.
c) Additions – Dill, bread-and-butter pickles or tomato can add extra flavor and texture if you like.
d) Calories – Values are given per sandwich and are approximate.
Nutrition
If you loved this Ham Grilled Cheese Sandwich Recipe be sure to Pin it for later! Already made it or got a question? Leave a comment below!